Report: Teaching Younger Learners - Characteristics and Lesson Design

This report delves into the characteristics of young language learners aged 5-12, highlighting how they find their own way, organize language information, use mnemonics, learn to live with uncertainty, find new learning opportunities, listen carefully, concentrate on themselves, make intelligent gue...Read More

Teaching Younger
Learners

Table of Contents
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
What are the main characteristics of how young language learners learning?.......................3
The way used by teachers while planning lessons and designing materials for young language
learners?..................................................................................................................................6
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES:.............................................................................................................................10
Books and Journals...............................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Teaching is an art of engaging students to provide knowledge to them. Teaching is the
process of attending the needs of students so that better education can be provided to them. There
are various variables that must be considered at the time of teaching such as learning behaviour,
learning task, and teacher’s behaviour so that they can attain success (Garton, & Copland,
(2018)). There is a need of providing proper education to the students so that they can learn in
the best suitable manner. In regard to teaching younger students, there is the key role of
providing the proper learning environment to the students so that there knowledge is enhanced.
The younger learners are students from the age of 5 to 12 years. The aim is to provide knowledge
and skills to the students so that they have a habit of learning from the starting (Kobilova,
(2018)). It is the age in which the base for the students is being created and they can learn
effectively. The lessons are delivered in such a manner that better results are attained by
engaging and motivating the young learners. Young learners require more attention and there is a
need of carrying the process of teaching properly so that they can develop themselves. The
teacher has to provide the best to the students so that the process of learning is facilitated. In this
report, there is an evaluation regarding the characteristics that show the learning of younger
learners. Along with that, there is a discussion related to the characteristics of teachers that are
required to develop the lesson plan for the younger learners.
MAIN BODY
What are the main characteristics of how young language learners learning?
Young language learners are of age 5 to 12 years and there is the key role of teaching them
most appropriately. The working environment plays a vital role in the time of teaching them. At
the same time, all the learners are different from one another so the teacher has to manage their
learning patterns most suitably. There is a need of letting them learn in such a manner that better
learning takes place (Li, Han, & Gao, (2018)). There is a need of understanding the
characteristics of the young language learners so that they are being taught effectively. There is a
need of understanding the learning pattern so that the students are able to gain knowledge and
skills. The characteristics are mentioned below:
Finds their own way: The young language learners are able to find their own way and are
indulged in different activities that helps them to learn properly. There is a key role in learning

and these learners identify the work that is most suitable for them. This is beneficial for the
teachers as they are able to manage overall work by providing them the opportunity to learn and
carry on all the activities effectively (Cannon, (2018)). The use of the best resources is necessary
as the young learners are able to learn from the situation and manage the work effectively.
Organizes information about language: These learners are able to use the information on
their own and organize the same so that they are able to learn effectively. There is the key role of
providing them with all the information (Nunan, (2018)). They can use the pen or latest
resources that will help to carry on the work in the best suitable manner. It is seen that these
young language learners work to organize the information about the language on their own self
and use the same for their benefit.
Use mnemonics to remember: These are learners who believe in learning by making
rhymes so that the work is managed properly. This helps them to manage the work and
remember the same. By dictating the words again and again the students of young language
learners can remember the concept. This help in learning the students and remembering the
information in the best suitable manner. This characteristic helps them to learn the information
and remember the same effect.
Learns to live with uncertainty: These learners have the capability of learning as per the
situation. When there is uncertainty they are active to learn. They have the power to accept the
situation and work accordingly (Hestetræet, (2018)). This helps the young language learners to
learn most effectively. This characteristic shows that they cannot be pushed by uncertainty and
have the courage to work most suitably. This is important for their learning and is able to carry
on the process in the best suitable manner.
Find new opportunities to learn: It is seen that these learners try to find out new
opportunities to learn. They concentrate in the classroom and this helps them to identify the best
options for learning (Zein, (2018)). There is the key role of working in such a manner that they
can gain all the opportunities to learn together. The students have the habit of learning together
so that the process of inclusive learning is followed. The young learners are keen to grab all the
opportunities and manage the work in the best suitable manner. This will help them to learn and
enhance the learning experience.
Listen carefully: These learners have the habit of listening carefully. They are able to
remember the concepts that are taught in class. It is not an easy task to learn the concepts of the

English language. They concentrate in the classroom and work in the best suitable manner so that
they understand the theory. They have a skill of learning effectively that is beneficial for learning
of these students. They enjoy learning as they are young and they aim to learn. They do not have
much knowledge regarding the world that helps them be engaged in the classroom.
Concentrate more on self: It is seen that young language learners have the ability to be
focused on themselves. At this age, the learners are more focused and concentrated which assists
them to remember the information. This helps them to take proper care of the lessons that they
attend. They do not concentrate on what others are doing and that is the reason they are able to
develop their skills in an effective manner (Mudra, (2020)). They do not waste time observing or
noticing others and concentrate more on themselves. This ability helps them to develop their
skills and knowledge and learn in the most appropriate manner.
Make intelligent guesses: This is another characteristic of the young language learners that
is being observed. It shows that these learners have the ability to make intelligent guesses. They
become proficient in the English language which makes them get good marks. This is motivating
for them and is able to learn new things effectively. There is the key role of learning in such a
manner that there is motivation and confidence to remember the concepts. They are able to test
their own skills and knowledge that is most beneficial for them. They have the ability to structure
their learning and enhance their experience of learning.
Not afraid of making mistakes: It is also one of the positive characteristics observed in
young language learners is that they are not afraid to make mistakes. They are ready to learn new
topics and concepts and are able to learn from them. The use of the best tools and techniques
makes them efficient while working (Ratminingsih, & Budasi, (2018)). They are ready to give
tests so that their real progress is measured. It helps in learning the young language learner. They
also have the behaviour of learning from their own mistakes. This helps to fill the gaps by
working on the areas that require development. It is essential to have courage and learn from
own mistakes and never repeat them in the future.
They communicate with others: The young language learners believe in sharing the new
techniques that are being learned by them. This is beneficial for them as they are able to learn in
the most suitable manner. They share the techniques of learning used by them with their friends
so that proper learning takes place. This is also beneficial for the teachers who are teaching them

as the best way to learn is identified by them. This helps them to learn and grow with all the
students.
The above mentioned are the characteristics of the learner that help them to learn effectively.
The learners are ready to learn as per the situation and they aim to concentrate in class. The
teachers have to make a lot of effort as the learners are young so that there is proper learning. It
helps them to learn effectively and also remember the information (Taghizadeh, & Hasani
Yourdshahi, (2020)). They do not waste time on other activities and are trying to focus on their
own learning experience. They have a good memory that makes them effective while learning.
All these characteristics show that young language learners are able to learn effectively. The
language is important for them and they have to use the same in future so proper learning is
important.
The way used by teachers while planning lessons and designing materials for young language
learners?
A lesson plan is a detailed description of the course of instructions formulated by the
teacher. It facilitates the teacher to teach the students in the best suitable manner and guide the
students to remember the concepts. The teacher must also have schedules of daily activities that
will help them to teach the language to the students (Al-Ismail & Et. Al., (2019)). There is the
key role of managing the work with the help of lesson plans and designing all the materials in
such a manner that the students are able to develop themselves. The real learning of the young
language learners lies in the hands of teachers. There is a need of being focused and understand
the characteristics of the learners so that proper learning takes place. There is a need of designing
lesson plans in such a manner that the students are able to learn in the best suitable manner
(Manurung, & Izar, (2020)). The learning of young language learners makes them efficient so
that the proper environment is there. It is necessary to have proper knowledge and skills
regarding language so that the students are able to gain knowledge regarding the same. There are
many ways used by the teachers while formulating plans and designing the materials. The young
learners have achieved growth of maturity and sense of ability due to which their expectations
got high. The younger individuals require appropriate learning facilities that will be able to fulfill
their requirements. In order to choose materials and plan lessons, being a teacher it is necessary
to focus on some ways.

Choose the age and levels of learners: It is one of the ways to make plans and design
learning material for learners of the young age group. It describes the better plans by analysing
the level of students. Before setting the plan, it is crucial to know the level of understanding,
knowledge, and abilities of the learners (Reid & Amanat Ali, (2020)). Therefore, finding the
right age group and levels of learners will help the teacher to maintain the literacy and
authenticity of the materials. It assures that, the teachers have to be sure about what they are
planning and how it could be useful for the learners.
Identify the learning objectives: In this way, the learning objectives must be identified in
the best possible way. By clearly identifying the objectives, it will be easy to move on the right
path toward success (Schauer, (2022)). Hence, there is a requirement of setting goals and targets
for plans and designing materials. In order to teach young language learners, the languages will
be suitable and understandable for them. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure key roles and
activities, tasks and goals and link all of them with defined objectives.
Plan and specify the learning activities: In order to make plans and design material for
young language learners, planning the activities are most useful. With the help of planning better
activities, the learners will get a proper structure and tasks which they need to perform (Iqbal,
Siddiqie & Mazid, (2021)). The language-related plans and materials will be designed effectively
and proper instructions will be provided. This shows that creating better facilities will help in
easily achieving the targets. It will enable students to engage in the particular experience and
take feedback that will make better performance.
Plan to assess the student's understanding: In order to get ascertained factors, it is
necessary to enhance and assess the student's understanding while making plans. There is the
requirement of effective plans to create opportunities and demonstrate knowledge and skills. By
specifying learning activities and understanding student needs, the plans will come out
effectively. This could be done by giving different assessments, projects, quizzes, and group
discussions. In managing the lessons and project activities, learners' understanding is crucial to
take advantage of the plans (Djigunović, (2019)). Being a teacher of young learners, it is vital to
gain the attention of students and make sure that they take interest in learning and listening to the
teachers. Also, informing learners about the objectives, syllabus, and curriculum will help in
seeking student attention. this is the most useful way for the teachers used for plan and design the

lessons. It put light on the practices, providing guidance and feedback as well. By assessing
performance, the teachers will be able to know the current situation of curriculum abilities.
Creating a realistic timeline: For young language learners, it is necessary to make all the
plans according to a set timeline (Butler, (2019)). Duration plays a vital role in completing all the
curriculum tasks and objectives for early learning. All the lesson plans and activities will be set
with an estimation of how much time each activity will take. By doing so, no activities and tasks
will be left out or missed. It must be assured that all the activities are going as per the time set for
checking the results and evaluating performances as well. Therefore, it is required to promote
understanding and key activities that enhance learners' interests. Hence, there will be an
emphasis on analysing better decisions (Devereaux & Palmer, (2019)). It will be able to generate
many decisions and deliver the right knowledge for the individuals. The curriculum objectives
and courses are the most important phenomena which must be covered within a limited time
period. It ensures the development of better performances and tasks throughout the learning
sessions This shows that there is much requirement of key practices which emphasize learning
activity. It seems to be better when there will be clear roles and responsibilities for providing
good growth to learners. The main objectives of teaching are to ensure the growth of students for
their professional career growth. This shows better strategic growth for the teaching areas. The
learners are able to develop timelines and targets for their growth and prosperity.
Plan for a lesson closure: Once the plans have been made and materials are designed, it is
ascertained that lesson must be closed by fulfilling all the chapters and topics. The learning plans
require a closure that makes sure that every student must have learned all the topics. This shows
that the ending must be beneficial and authentic which would give some relevant outcome. It
demonstrates key factors and performance to end up with important lesson plans and
opportunities (Kim, & Li, (2021)). This way includes clearing out learners' misunderstandings,
review on upcoming topics, transfer ideas to new situations. The closure is all about the learning
plans which makes sure to have a better impact on its finding. Therefore, it is crucial to analyse
better learning conditions of the roles and requirements of the company. The closure of plans
allows thinking about the lesson plans and ask students about the main points and what they have
learned. It will make sure their understanding of the language and teaching materials. Therefore,
it is necessary to analyse the topics in certain factors like behaving in the necessary

environments. When students will be able to summarise the key areas and topics, it will be
beneficial for ensuring better practices.
All these areas are beneficial for the teachers and these are important ways that help in
attracting learners towards initial growth. Hence, these facilities promote better capabilities of
the learners in seeking early development and capabilities to make powerful academics. Some of
the crucial ways are setting objectives, understanding learners' needs, and providing them
assistance and support.
CONCLUSION
The report has concluded that teaching young learners consists of many tasks and activities
for a teacher. These learners are at their initial stage of learning in which necessary actions could
be taken. Therefore, it is vital to promote better facilities and ways that help in engaging learners
towards self-development and prepare themselves for future abilities. This seems clear about
knowing what languages topics and curricula can be included to promote a great environment. It
makes sure that there are key opportunities for seeking abilities and criteria, it will help in
gaining student attraction. Hence, teaching requires focus on learning abilities and understanding
which will lead to analyse of their needs and expectations.

REFERENCES:
Books and Journals
Al-Ismail & Et. Al., (2019). Learner characteristics of m-learning preferences. International
Journal of Information Technology, 11(3), 493-505.
Butler, Y. G. (2019). How teachers of young learners of English are educated in East and
Southeast Asia: Research-based lessons. Early language learning and teacher
education, 17-38.
Cannon, M. (2018). Digital media in education: Teaching, learning and literacy practices with
young learners (pp. 1-322). London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Devereaux, M. D., & Palmer, C. C. (Eds.). (2019). Teaching Language Variation in the
Classroom. Routledge.
Djigunović, J. M. (2019). 2. Affect and Assessment in Teaching L2 to Young Learners.
In Integrating Assessment into Early Language Learning and Teaching (pp. 19-33).
Multilingual Matters.
Garton, S., & Copland, F. (Eds.). (2018). The Routledge handbook of teaching English to young
learners. Routledge.
Hestetræet, T. I. (2018). Vocabulary teaching for young learners. In The Routledge handbook of
teaching English to young learners (pp. 220-233). Routledge.
Iqbal, M. H., Siddiqie, S. A., & Mazid, M. A. (2021). Rethinking theories of lesson plan for
effective teaching and learning. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 4(1), 100172.
Kim, D., & Li, M. (2021). Digital storytelling: Facilitating learning and identity
development. Journal of Computers in Education, 8(1), 33-61.

Kobilova, N. S. (2018). BENEFITS OF USING SONGS IN TEACHING FOREIGN
LANGUAGES TO YOUNG LEARNERS. In Инновационные подходы в
современной науке (pp. 102-107).
Li, Y., Han, Y., & Gao, X. (2018). Young learners’ motivation for learning English. The
Routledge handbook of teaching English to young learners, 60-72.
Manurung, Y. H., & Izar, S. L. (2020, February). Developing Speed Reading Skills In Young
Learners. In Proceeding International Seminar of Islamic Studies (Vol. 1, No. 1, pp.
653-657).
Mudra, H. (2020). Digital Literacy among Young Learners: How Do EFL Teachers and Learners
View Its Benefits and Barriers?. Teaching English with Technology, 20(3), 3-24.
Nunan, D. (2018). Teaching speaking to young learners. The TESOL Encyclopedia of English
Language Teaching, 1-8.
Ratminingsih, N. M., & Budasi, I. G. (2018). Local culture-based picture storybooks for teaching
English for young learners. In SHS Web of Conferences (Vol. 42, p. 00016). EDP
Sciences.
Reid, N., & Amanat Ali, A. (2020). Learner Characteristics. In Making Sense of Learning (pp.
89-113). Springer, Cham.
Schauer, G. A. (2022). Exploring the potential of graphic novels for L2 pragmatic teaching and
learning–focus on young learners. The Language Learning Journal, 1-15.
Taghizadeh, M., & Hasani Yourdshahi, Z. (2020). Integrating technology into young learners'
classes: language teachers' perceptions. Computer Assisted Language
Learning, 33(8), 982-1006.

Zein, S. (2018). Classroom management for teaching English to young learners. In The
Routledge handbook of teaching English to young learners (pp. 154-168). Routledge.