Session 7: Finding and exploiting authentic materials to plan

classes with Young Learners (YLs)

British Council 2014

Finding and exploiting authentic materials to plan classes with Young Learners (YLs)

Learning outcomes

By the end of Session 1, Formadores will be better able to:• Understand the reasons for using and exploiting authentic texts with YLs• Explain how to find and explain authentic materials to exploit with children• Analyse a sample Unit Plan and identify NEPBE syllabus components, Pair work and Group work and Learner-centred activities and grasp the importance of sharing this with Facilitadores.

Texts (written or spoken language, produced naturally, not for pedagogic purposes)

What are authentic materials?

What NEPBE says about authentic materials

• "Since the social practices and competencies of and with the language are the main reference of the NEPBE, texts and materials should be authentic, for instance, commercial labels, letters, dialogues, instructions, rhymes, etc… it is of paramount importance that those –particularly the spoken and written texts– designed for teaching, reflect the characteristics of those used in real life, that is, they have a clear social and communicative purpose, a context, and respond to authentic language models. (Fundamentos, 2011, p. 88)"

Other reasons for using authentic materials?

• To make the learning experience more motivating

• To compensate for the lack of direct interaction with native speakers.

• Others…

Where to find authentic materials?

• teachingenglish.org.uk• learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/• britishcouncil.org/learning-teaching-

english-gateway.htm• youtube.com• twitter.com• Others…

To sum up

 

It is thought that authentic texts are too difficult for learners. However, if the task is simple and fun, an authentic text can be used to expose learners to genuine English language.