Conference: Bridging the Gap between Elementary and Junior High Shool English

Description: In 2000 the Practical Handbook for Elementary School English Activities stated that according to the Elementary Education Guidelines, it was essential that students develop an interest in English, being able to not only hear it but also to be able to express themselves thereby developing a positive attitude towards the language.

The guidelines supported a view that focus should be placed on developing spoken language skills; topics should focus on introducing what students wanted to say, and on introducing them to items found in their daily lives, basic and useful expressions, and topics which would aid in building awareness of other cultures and peoples. Special attention on the basics was also stressed (numbers, places, buildings, directions, days of the week, months of the year, seasons, weather, event vocabulary, vehicles, colours, stationary, shopping, food, likes and dislikes, musical instruments, sports, parts of the body, animals and so on).

The guidelines went on to suggest that attention to useable expressions be made so that students would be able to express themselves on topics such as how they feel, what they think, on explaining what they do, and giving directions, as well as gaining skills in making suggestions, asking for permission and clarification, making requests, expressing wishes and linking expressions.

This year's conference will to look at activities based on meeting these criteria and building up elementary teachers' tools for success in the classroom.

For more information please go directly to the conference website.