Enhancing interaction in the English language classroom : a holistic approach to support young learners in Iceland

• Main Author: Auður Kristín Gunnarsdóttir 1993-
• Other Authors: Háskóli Íslands
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: BEd ritgerðir; Grunnskólakennsla með áherslu á erlend tungumál; Grunnskólar; Námskrár; Tungumálakennsla; Samskipti; Hlutverkaleikir; Iceland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1946/37639

The Icelandic National Curriculum Guide for compulsory schools requires students in the 7th grade to interact and communicate in the target language about everyday topics. (Ministry of Education, Science, & Culture, 2014). The main objective of this unit plan is to focus on interactive activities that enhance interaction and communication in young language learners. These lessons are an excellent guide for teacher, to enhance interaction for young language learners in Icelandic compulsory schools, where the methods and activities focus on creating an inclusive environment of acceptance and trust. By creating role-play activities that get students to interact, work together, communicate to understand each other, and encouraging interaction can improve students speaking skills in any situation. Role-play activities and cooperative methods help students produce more accurate and appropriate language skills and enhance oral practice and listening comprehension. Therefore, teachers must create a relaxed atmosphere and environment, so students feel secure in experimenting through interaction.