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English in 3rd grade The 3rd-grade language learner Familiar topics
Learners in 3rd grade are at a stage in their cognitive development where language learning should be based on concrete, familiar subjects and experiences. The link between the language studied and the purpose for which it is to be used should be explicit. 3rd-graders are not beginner language learners
English is new to the learners as a school subject in 3rd grade. However, it is important to remember that the learners are not language beginners. In terms of English, many – although not necessarily all – learners will have been exposed to English and start English classes with at least some receptive knowledge of the language. In addition, learners are experienced in the learning of their first, and perhaps also a second language. They are already familiar with skills such as listening, speaking, conversing and, to a lesser extent, with reading and writing. A Piece of Cake 3 encourages the natural, integrated use of all five skills where appropriate. It allows for learners’ varying experience in English by providing many activities which can be carried out at different levels. Practical, creative activities
3rd-graders are still young children and English classes should take account of this. For example, in A Piece of Cake 3 there is an emphasis on practical and creative activities, language games, simple communicative activities and activities that encourage movement. Learners learn and practise language in the form of single words and mostly unanalysed “chunks”. These are phrases learned as blocks of language for communicative purposes without the learners yet being aware of their grammatical structure. At this level, they do not learn about language in a very conscious way. The familiar chunks acquired as vocabulary can later be used as a basis for finding out how the structures of English work. In 3rd grade, learners still enjoy taking part in rhymes, chants, raps and songs, and these are a prominent feature in A Piece of Cake 3. They are of course partly provided for their enjoyment and cultural value,
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