Charasteristics of young learners

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

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

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• 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.

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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.

How can educators cater to the interests of young learners who are drawn to fantasy, imagination, and movement?