What learning and teaching approaches are useful in modern languages?
Although Primary 6 is currently the most common point at which pupils begin to learn a modern language, many children begin earlier, including in pre-school. The experiences and outcomes take account of differing starting points. At early and at first levels, children will be developing generic skills in their first language. These include taking part in conversations, developing listening, reading and writing skills and knowledge about language. All of these are relevant to learning other languages. Within modern languages at these stages teachers will build on children’s natural curiosity for sounds and words, and their strong desire to communicate. Activities will include playing games, singing songs, carrying out simple instructions, and playing with simple poetry and rhyme. In this way they can begin to be enthusiastic, confident language learners from the outset. Whenever they start their learning of another language, children need to experience success by taking part in practica
