Anka Zapart

The reader should be warned in advance that second language literacy is a complicated area and, as far as Young Learners are concerned, there is much that remains unknown,’ wrote Lynne Cameron in the introduction to her chapter on literacy in 2001 and, lo and behold, over 20 years later, this still holds true. In a way, there are no surprises there. Developing literacy skills is challenging as it is, and if L1-English speaking early years learners struggle, with not even half of the kindergarten students reading at their grade level (Bahtia, 2024), what can we say? Our English learners...

The article describes a variety of ways of running games in the classroom to ensure that they are efficient, fun, useful and engaging.

Based on feedback fro a large cohort of trainees, the article assesses what is required in the training of teachers to work with very young learners.

Anka Zapart provides a detailed series of suggestions for combining basic English such as animals, colours and shapes with a practical, creative programme of art projects.

Using pairwork, games and activities which children enjoy are three ways of engaging them and encouraging speaking. Letting them lead and having classroom routines are also useful.

MET interviews Anka Zapart, whose article 'Teaching Grammar in Pre-School?' features in the May/June 2022 (Volume 31, Issue 3) edition of Modern English Teacher.

Young learners might struggle with certain concepts of grammar and vocabulary, but a variety of approaches and activities can get them into the habit of seeing patterns and rules.