Characteristics of young learners

The term "young learner" covers a large chronological age span: from around 3 years of age to 15.

• TRUE

• FALSE

A strict segmentation of learners according to age is possible since children do not present important differences regarding their developmental stages.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Two children at the same chronological age can exhibit markedly different characteristics; for this reason, a distinction between "younger" and "older" learners is preferred.

• TRUE

• FALSE

One characteristic of young learners is that they have a holistic approach to language, which means that:

• they understand language as an abstract system.

• they are interested in the components of language.

• they understand meaningful messages.

• they can analyze language.

About the process of learning, young learners have:

• lower levels of awareness about themselves as language learners.

• growing levels of awareness about the impact of acquiring a language.

• a high level of awareness about others as learners of a language.

• a growing level of awareness about the importance of acquiring a second language.

Regarding their skills, young learners:

• are able to understand and create complex sentences.

• have limited reading and writing capacities.

• have well-developed skills in their second language.

• master the skills needed for listening comprehension.

According to the text, young learners enjoy fantasy, imagination, and movement. Taking this into consideration, what activities or elements would you incorporate in class to respond to this necessity?

After reading the text, why do you think it is important for teachers to know the stages young learners go through and the characteristics of each one of them?