These are from the draft outcomes for Modern Languages
Overarching experiences for learning new languagesLearning a new language encourages children and young people to broaden their horizons as they explore the language and its associated culture.
Through my learning of a new language:
I gain a deeper understanding of my first language and appreciate the richness and interconnected nature of languages
I enhance my understanding and enjoyment of other cultures and of my own and gain insights into other ways of thinking and other views of the world
I develop skills that I can use and enjoy in work and leisure throughout my life.
Overarching experiences for all language learningThe study of new languages plays an important role in all language learning and the development of literacy skills.
In all my language learning:
I communicate, collaborate and build relationships
I learn to reflect on and explain my thinking
I develop my understanding of how language works and what is special, vibrant and valuable about other languages and cultures and my own
I engage with a rich range of texts in different media
I explore the richness and diversity of language, how it can affect me and the wide range of ways in which I and others can be creative
I appreciate the power of language to influence and bring about change
I develop an understanding of relationships, motivations, ideas and actions
I take advantage of the opportunities offered by information and communication technology.
Early and first level
At early and at first levels, children will be developing generic skills in their first language. These include taking part in conversation, developing listening, reading and writing skills and knowledge about language. All of these are relevant to learning other languages.
An early start to language learning should be a positive, stimulating experience that motivates pupils through exciting contexts and meaningful, accessible content. Activities will include playing games, singing songs, carrying out simple instructions, and playing with simple poetry and rhyme – harnessing the natural curiosity of young children for sounds and words and their strong desire to communicate. In this way they can begin to be enthusiastic, confident language learners from the outset.
Whenever they start their learning of another language, children need to experience success by taking part in practical activities that they can enjoy. Language learning is greatly enhanced where it is linked to or embedded in the wider curriculum so that children and young people can enjoy exploring and using language in meaningful contexts. Very importantly, teachers can make great use of opportunities to link language learning with progress in English and with other languages used by people in the school community, enabling children to explore and experiment with sound patterns and make links and comparisons between languages.
