Science for Young Learners

Abstract

In the era of globalization, the importance of English cannot be ignored. In Korea, English is essential to enter a good university and to have a well-paying job. In the past, receptive skills such as reading and listening skills were usually the focus in Korean classrooms, but now the importance of a balance and integration of all four language skills, reading, listening, speaking, and writing, is needed to communicate with people from different countries. Nowadays, parents living in Korea make their children start learning English at a younger age. As a result, more consideration is needed for learning success. There also should be specific attention paid to children’s learning in order to keep than motivated and excited to learn English. This textbook is focused on the group of students who are ten years old in private institutes in the EFL context. Students have studied English for several years in Korea since they were kindergarteners. They are third graders in elementary school and their level of language proficiency is level 4 - developing in listening and reading section and level 3 – emerging in speaking and writing according to WIDA standards. They have been living in Seoul, Korea, but they have experience studying English with native and nonnative English teachers. They are also interested in science. The class consists of sixteen students and meets for one hour four times a week. There are problems related to their studying English. First of all, some students feel bored and de-motivated to study English. This is because they have studied English for a long time. In addition, books from the U.S. are difficult for children to read and understand due to difficult words and complex concepts. Therefore, when designing this book the first consideration was given to what students learn in other subjects rather than language itself in order to encourage students’ enjoyment and motivation to study English. Secondly, the book needed to include subject content related to the student’s regular school curriculum and activities that would help students develop their English language skills.