International Perspectives on Teaching English to Young Learners

In the 21st century the teaching of English to young learners (TEYL) has become a truly global phenomenon. It is therefore important to deepen our understanding of the lived experience of TEYL in the very different settings where it is being taught. The 11 research-led accounts included in this volume are by TEYL teachers, teacher educators and other important stakeholders in a range of contexts around the world. The accounts span a variety of topics and issues in TEYL, each of personal importance to the authors themselves, and resonant with TEYL educators everywhere. The fresh practical and theoretical perspectives on different facets of TEYL that the chapters offer provide teachers and researchers with a set of stimulating ideas which can inform debate and pedagogical innovation in all areas of language teaching and educational research.

Sarah Rich has been involved in English language education for more than 25 years. She holds as honorary fellow position at the University of Exeter and currently works as an adviser on language teacher education for the Ministry of Education in the Sultanate of Oman. She has published widely, including in the field of early years language education.

1. Taking Stock: Where Are We Now With TEYL?; Sarah Rich
PART I: STARTING POINTS FOR AN INQUIRY INTO TEYL PEDAGOGIC PRACTICE
2. Making the Moves from Decoding to Extensive Reading with Young Learners: Insights from Research and Practice around the World; Wendy Arnold and Shelagh Rixon
3. Examining Classroom Interactional Practices to Promote Learning in the Young Learner EFL Classroom in China; Zehang Chen and Qiang Wang
4. From Language Policy to Pedagogic Practice: Elementary School English in Japan; Brian Gaynor
PART II: TEACHING TEYL IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD: NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND NEW CHALLENGES
5. The Impact of Playing Commercial Online Games on Young Korean EFL Learners' L2 Identity; Sang-ah Jeon
6. Addressing Intercultural Awareness-raising in the Young Learner EFL Classroom in Poland: Some Teacher Perspectives; Ela Sowa
7. Globalization, Plurilingualism and Young Learners in Mexico and Beyond; Caroline Linse and Alina Gamboa
PART III: INTRODUCING INNOVATIONS IN TEYL
8. Rethinking the Role of the Native Language in Learning to Read in English: Insights from a Reading Intervention in a Rural Primary School in South Africa; Leketi Makalela
9. Interactive Theatre with Student Teachers and Young Learners: Enhancing EFL Learning Across Institutional Divisions in Germany; Janice Bland
10. Scaffolding Listening through ICT with Young Learners in Qatar; Mohammad Manasreh
11. The Added Value of International Perspectives on TEYL; Sarah Rich
Suggestions for Further Reading