TEYL Teaching Young Learners
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This module forms part of a Level 5 TESOL qualification and focuses on developing the knowledge and practical skills required to work confidently with young learners. It covers the characteristics and needs of young learners, the qualities of an effective young-learner teacher, and strategies for building motivation. Core areas include lesson planning, classroom management, and designing age-appropriate learning activities. The module also explores how to teach vocabulary, integrate songs, stories, and games, and develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in engaging and structured ways. Guidance on assessment, feedback, and reflective practice is included to ensure teachers are fully prepared to support children across a range of teaching contexts.
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Module 1 - Introduction - Teaching Young LearnersThis Course explores how to teach young learners effectively and confidently.
By the end of this unit, you will have:-
Reflected on who young learners are
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Considered how to teach young learners in a variety of contexts
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Explored how to manage a class of young learners effectively
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Identified potential challenges of teaching young learners and considered how to approach these
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Unit 1 - Who are Young Learners?
Who are Young Learners?
Young learners are generally defined as those aged twelve and under, typically found in primary school settings. This group spans a wide range of developmental stages, including cognitive, motor, language, and social skills. It's crucial to recognize that every child is unique, developing at their own pace, even within a class of peers of the same age.
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Unit 2 - Qualities of an Effective Young Learner Teacher.
Drawing on your experience, what qualities do you think a successful teacher of young learners needs? Successful teachers across all age groups typically exhibit the following qualities:
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Unit 2- Quiz Teaching Young Learners -
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Unit 2 - Reflective Writing Task: -
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Unit 3 - Motivation in the Young Learner Classroom
Understanding Motivation
Motivation plays a central role in language learning. For young learners, motivation is often not driven by academic success or long-term goals but by enjoyment, interaction, and encouragement. Motivation can be intrinsic (driven by internal interest and enjoyment) or extrinsic (influenced by rewards or praise). In young children, both types are powerful, but tapping into intrinsic motivation can lead to more sustainable engagement.
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Unit 4 - Planning Lessons for Young Learners
Planning lessons for young learners requires creativity, structure, and flexibility. Lessons must cater to the developmental stage of the learners while also targeting specific language goals. In this unit, you'll learn how to design engaging and achievable lessons that meet the unique needs of young children.
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Unit 4- Assessment - Lesson Plan Creation:
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Unit 5: Classroom Management for Young Learners
Effective classroom management is essential for creating an environment where young learners feel safe, focused, and motivated. Unlike older students, young children rely heavily on the teacher to establish routines, set boundaries, and model positive behaviour. This unit will provide practical strategies to help you manage a young learner classroom with confidence and empathy.
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Unit 5 - Scenario Reflection: Read the following scenario and respond:
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Unit 6: Teaching Vocabulary to Young Learners
Vocabulary is at the core of language learning. For young learners, vocabulary acquisition should be fun, meaningful, and memorable. This unit explores how to introduce, reinforce, and recycle vocabulary in ways that suit children's developmental stages and learning preferences.
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Unit 7: Using Songs, Stories, and Games
Young learners thrive in a classroom environment that is playful, engaging, and full of imagination. Songs, stories, and games are not just fun—they are essential tools for language development. These elements naturally incorporate rhythm, repetition, movement, and emotional connection, all of which support language retention and build motivation.
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Unit 8: Teaching Reading and Writing to Young Learners (with Integrated Grammar)
Reading and writing are essential skills that support language development, critical thinking, and learner independence. However, when teaching young learners, these skills must be approached with sensitivity to developmental readiness, motor coordination, and motivation. Reading and writing are also ideal contexts for introducing grammar in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.
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Unit 8 - Assessment
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Unit 9: Teaching Listening and Speaking
Listening and speaking are the foundation of language learning—especially for young learners, who naturally acquire language by hearing it and trying it out in meaningful contexts. Unlike older learners, children don’t benefit from abstract explanations; instead, they need rich exposure to spoken English and plenty of supportive opportunities to speak themselves.
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Unit 10: Assessment and Feedback for Young Learners
Assessment is a vital part of teaching, but with young learners, it must be developmentally appropriate, non-threatening, and motivating. Unlike adults or teenagers, children may not fully understand the purpose of assessment. Therefore, it should be integrated naturally into the learning process and focus on progress, participation, and confidence rather than perfection.
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Unit 11- Summary - Microteaching & Reflection
You’ve nearly completed a comprehensive 30-hour exploration into teaching English to young learners. This final unit provides a chance to consolidate your learning, reflect on your growth, and put theory into practice through a short microteaching task.
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Unit 11- Final Assignment – Applying What You’ve Learned (250 words)
All course materials are provided online within the learning platform. Learners have access to video lessons, demonstration teaching clips, guided reading materials, sample lesson plans, planning templates, printable worksheets, and practical classroom activities. The course includes downloadable resources you can adapt for your own teaching, along with examples and model tasks to support understanding. No external textbooks or additional materials are required
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. Anyone with an interest in teaching young learners can enrol. All study is completed online, so participants only need a reliable internet connection and a device capable of accessing the learning platform. No additional software, textbooks, or prior teaching experience is required.
This course is intended for trainee and practising English language teachers who want to develop specialist skills in teaching young learners. It is suitable for those completing a Level 5 TESOL qualification, as well as teachers transitioning from mainstream education into TESOL who require a structured introduction to young-learner methodology. The module is also appropriate for educators working in language centres, international schools, online teaching platforms, or private tutoring who need practical strategies, age-appropriate lesson planning techniques, and a stronger understanding of how children learn. Whether you are new to teaching young learners or looking to enhance your existing practice, this course provides the foundational knowledge and applied classroom skills needed to teach children confidently and effectively.
