Encouraging Language Development in Young Learners Through Craft Activities

Abstract

In many second language learning classes for elementary school students, craft projects have become an integral part of the syllabus. When set up well and implemented effectively, these can involve numerous language learning opportunities. Unfortunately, in some cases craft projects do not have a language learning outcome. Learners may create beautiful artwork, but very little language acquisition occurs while craft time takes place. In this paper, we will explain the benefits of incorporating craft projects within a second language learning curriculum and how these activities can be adapted to maximize language acquisition. The theoretical background to incorporating craft projects in English classes will be explained and the types of projects, which are likely to promote language acquisition in a variety of ways, will be shown. A few of the craft activities, which were used in this research project are also outlined. These projects include craft activities based on content learning such as marine life and science and craft activities based on picture books. The main goal of this project was to motivate young learners to increase their English-speaking capabilities and expand their vocabulary in a meaningful way through fun craft projects. 小学生の第二言語学習の場において、工作を利用した授業には言語習得の効果があまり期待されないと言われることがあるが、適切に設定し実践された工作プロジェクトは、特に若い学習者の学習成果に大いに貢献する。本稿は、工作プロジェクトを言語学習の場に組み込む利点とその有効な教授方法を、動機付け等の様々な観点から述べる。はじめに若い学習者の言語学習過程において工作プロジェクトがいかに適切で効果的であるかということを説明し、次にプロジェクトを三つの学習ステージに分け、それぞれの場でどのような言語活動が可能であり、さらには言語習得過程においてそれぞれのステージが個々に、あるいは包括的にどのような役割を担っているかを説明する。最後に言語学習の一環としての工作プロジェクトの運営方法を、授業で実際に行った例を挙げながら、一年を通じて授業内で見られた学習者の変化と共に紹介する。