Diocese of Linz - Primary school attached to the Teacher Training College
1st year pupils learning about pets
For many years now the children in our school have had the chance to attend extra English lessons. These lessons are offered in addition to the integrated English in the first and second years and to the obligatory English lesson in the third and fourth years.
Once a week the children have the opportunity, in small groups, to practise their English with a qualified English teacher, who is also a native speaker. The emphasis is on play and the children learn to speak about themselves, and also about a wide range of topics. It is never too early to begin, and in the first year the children learn amongst other things colours, animals, clothes and numbers in English, and also a number of English songs.
Music
By the end of the 4th year the children have learned a considerable number of English songs. The children then receive a song book, which they illustrate themselves.
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
One of our special projects has been the production of a bilingual book of the children’s own stories, entitled, “How Animals and Other Things Got Their Colours” in form 4a. (Form teacher Prof. Maria Rögner).
In addition to learning to read and understand English versions of stories they have written themselves in German, the children are able to hear the spoken version of the text on CD.
The project has taken on an international dimension with the inclusion of the Centre for Homeless Children in Dobrich, Bulgaria, which has been supported for many years by Prof. Maria Rögner.
Why do we place so much emphasis on English at our school?
English as an international language:
It as hardly necessary to point out how important foreign languages, especially English, are becoming these days. In a Europe where borders are rapidly disappearing and cultural exchanges between countries are becoming more and more common, it can only be an advantage for our children to encounter foreign languages at an early age.
Pronunciation:
Children find it easier than adults to adopt the sounds of a new language, and the sooner they start, the better. Also, they aren’t nearly as embarrassed as adults when it comes to imitating new sounds.
Practice makes perfect:
One of the big advantages of our system is the regularity with which the children are able to practise their English. Unlike some other subjects, foreign languages have to be practised regularly for progress to be made, and this is made possible thanks to the regular extra English lesson which our children have.
May, 2009
Neil Stainthorpe MA
English teacher (years 1-4)
Adalbert Stifter primary school
of the Diocese of Linz
Praxisvolksschule
Wir über uns
Montagmorgenkreis
