KETV Language Videos,
Fred Martin Studio,
Barton Road,
Dover,
Kent CT16 2ND
England.
Telephone: +44 (01304) 202827
Fax: (01304) 213824
E-Mail :info@ketv.co.uk
The original concept was to enable non-specialist primary teachers to teach a foreign language through making it relevant and fun for young children. The project was first piloted in 21 Kent schools in 1990. Schools nationwide have adopted the Kent project and are using the teaching materials and videos put together by Kent County Council.
The main aim of the project is to familiarise young children to the existence of languages other than English by using the foreign language in ordinary classroom situations, game and activities, in a way that children find enjoyable - for example taking the register, collecting money, celebrating achievements or birthdays.
"The motivation to learn and the desire to participate in activities which promote learning of a foreign language are crucial to success," says Glynis Rumley, Pilote?s Project Director. "Games and songs are fun and the intention of the scheme is to engage the interest and involvement of young children. Our true measure of success is when we see so many children moving on to secondary school with a sound basic knowledge of the foreign language and a real desire to learn more about the language and the culture in which it is spoken."
The teaching material which includes videos, models for pronunciation, a scheme of work, vocabulary on worksheets and teaching ideas can be used by anyone who teaches young children, whether or not they have experience of the foreign language. "Primary school teachers
have been central to making this project a success," added Mrs Rumley. "Young children spend the majority of the school day with one teacher who is a very significant person in their lives. If that person shows interest and enthusiasm for language learning, it stimulates and engenders positive attitudes in the children in their care."
Commenting on the project, Paul Carter, Chairman of KCC?s Education and Libraries Committee said, "Kent is the nearest county
in the country to continental Europe and we are totally committed to the Euroregion. It is most important therefore that our youngest citizens learn about other languages and are able to begin to communicate in a language spoken by our European neighbours. This project has succeeded in stimulating hundreds of children to enjoy learning another language and to use the language for real communication from the very beginning."
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