Let’s Draw Art!

Abstract

Introduction Purpose : To create a Theme-Based Textbook with Art-Projects for young learners (YLs). Rationale : This book seeks to combine themes and lexical items in the National Curriculum, and to recycle them meaningfully with YLs, in private language institutions. The goal is to increase YL communicative competence by integrating some of the input/language items in their public school classes, and motivate them to practice more and to use the language, while working on creative art projects. Target Learners: 7 year-olds at ELD 2, according to WIDA. Learning context: Private Kindergarten Art program. Method Theme-based Learning/ Project-based learning Expected outcomes Children should develop a more positive attitude towards English by having a real use for it; that is they will be required to use their L2 to enjoy the field of art. Children will be better able to express their artistic abilities, starting from how to draw basic shapes and colors transforming them into animated characters learning more complex art techniques. With this systematic approach, that scaffolds students through in each activity, to eventually, be more successful with their final projects, their productive skills should increase, as should their motivation to continue studying. Children will become more familiar with the names of a variety of art materials. Having fun doing engaging art-related activities and projects should increase learners’ interest in English, and afford them ample opportunities to meaningfully practice language from their public school books, while also learning new language items related to making art projects.