Intercultural Considerations in Developing ELT Materials for Young Learners

 

 

Emalia Iragiliati Sukarni

 

 

Intercultural considerations in developing ELT materials for young learners are based on the following concepts: a) children’s concepts and categories of things that they know, and b) the interrelationship between first language, second language, and mental organization. In this context, the role of the teacher is the main supplier and organizer of English language input. In developing materials for young learners (under 14 years old) the implication of the above concepts can be seen in the selection of certain local values that promote cultural and environmental awareness. For the third- and fourth-grade students, the “big-book” concept for the media is proposed, with the picture in the middle and the exercises around the picture. It is aimed at teaching how to greet people appropriately, knowing alphabets, describing different kinds of numbers and mealtime schedules, describing how to prepare certain foods, etc. This will enable children to apply the English language concepts and use then in their daily life.

 

 

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Sukarni, E. I. (2003). Intercultural considerations in developing ELT materials for young learners. Bahasa dan Seni, 31(1), 116-127.

 

 

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