The purpose of this module is to give students skills for supporting and developing language competence in second language learners. It builds on the knowledge acquired in the Year 3 module Language Acquisition and Multilingualism and provides both theoretical and practical perspectives on second language pedagogy adapted to Early Years settings. A range of approaches and themes will be explored and students will develop a portfolio of lessons over the semester. Students will get the opportunity to share their lessons with their peers in seminar sessions.
Evaluating learner needs
Review of stages of second language acquisition; review of theories of second language acquisition; making connections between theories and stages when planning pedagogical approaches.
Instructional Approaches
Foundations of Communicative Language Teaching; Total Physical Response; Learning through Rhyme and Song; Storytelling for Second Language Acquisition; Task-Based Language Learning.
Organization of the setting
Language for understanding and participating in routines; Language for expressing feelings and interacting with others; Opportunities for acknowledging the child's language and culture; Creating opportunities for communication and involvement with parents.
Themes for developing language activities
Language activities for pre-literacy; language activities for pre-numeracy; language activities for problem solving; language activities for outdoor play and visits; language activities around culture and diversity.
Language Curriculum
Examination of various frameworks from the perspective of second language learners including Aistear, Council of Europe Framework of Reference on Language Levels, European Language Portfolio.
Students will engage in the evaluation of language learning materials in a range of areas and planning and discussion of how to adapt and develop materials which would be suitable for children acquiring a second language. Theoretical frameworks will be studied along with examples of good practice. Students' creativity will be encouraged in the design of materials and the presentation of these to their peers.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |