Unit 4. Cultivating language acquisition in advance of classroom learning

• Main ideas

To cultivate language learning in advance of classroom learning Lay Teachers need to;

1. be aware of and able to identify which stage of early language learning the learner is at and adjust their teaching style appropriately
2. be familiar with the environmental, educational and biological factors which affect a language learners ability to acquire a new language
3. understand a language learners capabilities at each of the early stages of language learning and from level A1 – B1 of the Common European Framework Reference for Languages (CEFR)
4. to be able to apply a verbal test to assess the level of the early stage language learner, have knowledge of how to maintain open body language and to activate a workspace with vocabulary

• Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this Learning Unit, the participants will be able to:

1. Explain the stages of early language learning, the abilities of learners and the best practice behaviour of Lay Teachers
2. Explain how the stages of early language learning relate to the levels A1 –B1 of the CEFR
3. Explain, discuss and consider the emotional impact of a range of factors which slow the acquisition of language
4. Consider the emotional impact of being an early stages of language learner
5. Utilize a range of activities to facilitate the acquisition of “survival vocabulary” through visual communication practices in the workplace
6. Use a verbal test to place a early stages language learner