Method and

Instructional Media
used in Teaching
English to young
language learners.

Module 3
Teaching English to Young Learners
Universitas Kristen Indonesia Toraja
By Purwanto, S.Pd., M.A.
Practicioner
Overview
The Language teaching activity to
Young Learners emphasizes all
English teachers to understand some
applicable and suitable methods and
instructional medias to be used.
Hence, this module discusses the
definition of method as basic
understanding, and its types,
instructional media used in Teaching
English to Young Learners. The
theoretical discussed will be related
to the student's practical usage in
teaching English to Young Learners.
Purwanto
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will
be able to:

1. explain the definition of method

and instructional media used in
teaching English to young learners.
2. apply the method and instructional
media used to teach English to
young learners.
Contents
1. Understanding method and
types of methods.
2. Examples of methods used in
TEYL
3. Understanding of Instructional
Media.
4. Benefits of using media.
5. Team project.
 The definition of
Method.
Jha (2019) Understanding the method is a
prerequisite for classroom teaching.
According to The definition of method is
taken from Cambridge Dictionary. Method is
a way of how doing something.

Harmer (2007) method consists of

procedures and techniques.
Kumaravadivelu (2006) a comprehensive
strategy for the systematic presentation of
language content that is founded on the
chosen method and does not contradict any
other component of it

According to the definition above, method is

a strategy used by teachers by combining
the techniques to achieve the learning
objectives of the lessons taught.
 Methods in Teaching English to Young Learners

There are some popular methods in English language teaching, such as, Grammar translation
method, Audio-lingual method, Presentation -Practice-Production (PPP), Communicative
Language Teaching, Task-Based learning, Community Language Learning, The Silent Way,
Suggestopedia, Total Physical Response (TPR), Humanistic teaching and the Lexical Approach.
However, in the teaching to young learners may only some which are suitable and applicable
methods. Those will be listed below:
1. Audio lingual method
Audio lingual method is developed according to the behaviorist theory. It is about stimulus-
response-reinforcement (Richard & Rodgers: 2016). This method tends to give more drill in
teaching language in terms of repetition and practice. Hence, teachers ensure the correct
pronunciation, stress, rhythm and intonation.
What is the role of learners and teachers?
The role of the learners is: playing reactive role by responding to stimuli and performing
controlled tasks, they learn a new form of verbal behavior.
What is the role of the teachers?
The role of the teachers plays as central and active part. She/he models the target language,
controls the direction and pace of learning, monitors and corrects learner’s performance.
Teacher
What is that?
That is a window. …repeat.
Students
What is that?
That is a window.
Teacher
What is that? (pointing to a wall clock)
Students
That is a clock.
2. Storytelling
Storytelling is often used to teach young learners. Engage young learners with appropriate story
both in written and oral. Storytelling is that the activity of writing, telling or reading. How to carry
out this method:
1. Select appropriate story
2. Use visual aids
3. Interactive reading
4. Expressive reading
5. Interactive story telling
6. Thematic stories
Selecting story related to the topic discussion. This enables learners to understand easily.

3. Song/rhyme
Using song enables students to remember words and patterns and makes learning enjoyable.
How to apply this method;
1. Select appropriate song, rhymes and chants which are appropriate for the age of the
learners and their level of proficiency.
2. Do some repetition
3. Actions and movements; engage learners physically, like let them to stand in a circle and
sing the song together.
4. Interactive game; for example, asking students to match words while they listen to the
song.

4. Visual Aids
The utilization of visual aids enhances learning. They work especially well when teaching young
students English.
Instructors are recommended to illustrate vocabulary using vibrant pictures, flashcards, and toys.
Visual aids improve recall by assisting young learners in connecting words to images.

• Choose Age-Appropriate Visuals: Make sure the objects, flashcards, and visuals you use
are appropriate for your students' age and linguistic proficiency. Make sure the pictures
are understandable, interesting, and pertinent to the terms being taught.
• Gradually Introduce Visuals: To prevent overloading students, start with a small number
of visuals at a time. This makes it easier for them to concentrate on and learn the new
terminology.
 • Make use of flashcards: They're portable and multipurpose. Make a deck of flashcards
that include the related vocabulary word on one side and an image on the other. Present
the picture to the pupils and ask them to identify the word or state it out loud.
• Include Props: Using props helps give abstract ideas a more tangible sense. Use toy fruits
and vegetables, for instance, to teach food names.
• Make Visual Displays: Arrange displays of various kinds throughout the classroom. Give
items names and set the appropriate images next to them. This provides language
reinforcement in a practical setting.
• Employ Realia: Realia describes actual, everyday objects. When talking about clothing, for
example, bring in real clothing items for the kids to handle and identify. Encourage
children to interact, feel, and touch the props and images to engage their multiple senses.
Using a variety of senses aids in improving comprehension and recall.
• Include Movement: Set up the materials and images so that kids may engage with them
hands-on. For example, ask them to match the items on the flashcards to the matching
ones in the room.

5. Interactive Play
Teaching young learners English through playtime activities that incorporate language, like
pretend kitchen settings or role-playing with dolls, can greatly improve the quality of instruction.
Playtime conversation is in line with their learning preferences and developmental needs.

Here are some particular advantages of role-playing for young English language learners:

• Language Acquisition: Young learners are like sponges when it comes to language
acquisition. Role-play immerses them in English, uncovering them to new words and
phrases in a meaningful context. It’s an engaging way to build their vocabulary and
language skills.

• Communication Skills: Role-play encourages young learners to communicate using

English. They learn to express themselves, listen to others, and engage in conversations,
fostering their speaking and listening abilities.

• Confidence Building: Young children often feel self-conscious when speaking a new
language. Role-play creates a low-pressure environment where they can experiment with
English without the fear of judgment. This boosts their confidence and willingness to
communicate.

• Imagination and Creativity: Young learners have vivid imaginations, and role-play taps
into their creativity. They invent characters, scenarios, and dialogues, enhancing their
linguistic and imaginative abilities.
 • Social Interaction: Role-play promotes social interaction, which is essential for young
children’s development. They learn how to take turns, cooperate, share ideas, and
understand others’ perspectives while using English as the medium of communication.

• Emotional Expression: Through role-play, young learners can express their emotions and
feelings in English. This not only helps them learn emotional vocabulary but also fosters
emotional intelligence.

• Cultural Awareness: Even at a young age, children can learn about different cultures and
traditions through role-play scenarios that incorporate cultural elements. This introduces
them to cultural diversity and promotes open-mindedness.

• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Role-play often involves scenarios that require
decision-making and problem-solving. Young learners engage in these cognitive processes
while using English to resolve issues or make choices.

• Physical Engagement: Role-play often involves physical movement and gestures, which
can reinforce language learning. For example, acting out verbs or actions helps young
learners associate words with physical actions.

• Fun and Enjoyment: Young children learn best when they are having fun. Role-play is
inherently enjoyable and playful, making language learning a delightful experience for
them.

• Real-Life Relevance: Role-play introduces young learners to situations they may

encounter in their daily lives, such as going shopping, playing with friends, or visiting the
doctor. This makes English learning relevant and practical.

• Multisensory Learning: Role-play often incorporates various senses. Children touch, see,
hear, and sometimes even taste or smell elements related to the scenario, reinforcing
their memory and comprehension of English vocabulary.

6. Puppets

As we consider that young learners cannot have longer attention and they have a shot
attention span (Harmer:2003), every technique of teaching is welcomed. One method which
is considered to be more attractive is using puppet. Using puppet makes the children interested
and eager to speak English with it. Moreover, it reduces students’ anxiety, enhance listening
skills, growth of self-confidence.
 Instructional Media

Before we discuss further about the media used in Teaching English to Young Learners, Let’s
consider the below medias, which of them belong to? Write your response in the box below!

Students’ book, TV, Radio, YouTube, magazine, CD, laptop, smartphone, projector,
flashcard, pictures, posters, tape recorder, podcast, NETFLIX, Spotify, dictionary, realia,
slides, whiteboard, chalk, board marker, teacher, student, bag, shoes, uniform,
headphone, microphone, e-book.

Audio Media:

radio, , Spotify, podcast, microphone, tape recorder,

Radio, tape recorder, Spotify, podcast, microphone, headphone, CD

Visual media:

poster, flashcard, dictionary, realia, bag, shoes, uniform, magazine, newspaper, pictures, whiteboard,
chalk, boardmarker, slides, e-books, student's book, projector
BOOK, magazine, picture, flashcard, poster, e-book, dictionary, power point, projector, uniform

Audio Visual media:

Teacher, Netflix, youtube, tv, smartphone, computer,

 Instructional Media

A. What is media?
Media is an instrument which is applied to transform messages or information from “resource”
to “receiver” (Criticos : 1996).
In English language teaching and learning the term of media is always related to the tools used
to alleviate teachers in their teaching activity to accomplish the learning objectives. Here are
some examples of common media used in English Language Teaching:
2. Visual media
The visual media is a type of media that expresses messages via verbal communication symbol.
Visual medias include, pictures, board, textbook, newspaper or magazine, comics, literary
words, computer, projector.
3. Audio media
Audio media is related to the sense of hearing. Audio media such as, tape recorder, radio,
compact disc.
4. Audio Visual Media
Audio visual media is the combination of audio and visual, the message is transformed in both
audio and visual, so that the listeners and watchers can grasp the content clearly.

Benefits of applying medias

Using media in Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL) has several benefits, including:

1. Increased engagement: Media such as videos, songs, and interactive games can capture
young learners' attention and make the learning process more engaging.

2. Visual aids: Visual media can help young learners understand complex concepts or
vocabulary more easily by providing visual representations.

3. Cultural exposure: Media can expose young learners to different cultures and ways of
life, helping them develop a more global perspective.

4. Language practice: Media can provide additional opportunities for young learners to
practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English.

5. Motivation: Media can motivate young learners to learn English by making the learning
process more fun and enjoyable.
 Project
After conducting and applying the classroom language, Mr. Rendy would like to begin his
content learning. He plans to teach alphabets and number.
1. If you were Mr. Rendy, what method and instructional medias will you apply?
2. Why do you select this method?
3. Tell me how do you apply the method and instructional media selected.
Please work in group to discuss it in 15 minutes and then present us!

Good luck!
References

Criticos, C. 1996. Media selection. Plomp, T., & Ely, D. P. (Eds.): International Encyclopedia of
Educational Technology, 2nd edition. New York: Elsevier Science, Inc.

Harmer, Jeremy. 2007. The Practice of English Language Teaching. Longman.

Kumaravadivelu. 2006. Understanding Language Teaching from Method to Post method.

London. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers.

Jha, Kumar S. 2019. A Compact List of ELT Approaches, Methods, Techniques. International
Journal of Innovations in TESOL and Applied Linguistics. 4(4), 1-14.

Richards, J.C. & Rodgers, T.S. 2016. Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching. Third
Edition. India. Cambridge University Press.

Puppets as a Teaching Tool in the ESL Classroom | ITTT | TEFL Blog (teflcourse.net)

METHOD | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

Using Media to Enhance Teaching and Learning (carleton.edu)

https://www.edutopia.org/article/benefits-using-media-classroom