Teaching a New Language Using John Holt's Method

John Holt was an American educator and author known for his contributions to child education. According to his educational philosophy, learning should be an active and enjoyable process, and children should be given opportunities to discover knowledge in their own ways. Here are the main points for teaching a new language to children using John Holt's method:

Start with the Language Environment: Children should be exposed to the target language in their daily environment. This can be achieved by using the language at home, school, and in the community in general. There should be a focus on using the language in authentic and practical ways.

Interaction and Conversation: Children should be encouraged to actively participate in conversations and interactions in the new language. Games, cooperative activities, and group projects can be used to promote language conversations and develop communication skills.

Provide a Supportive Environment: The learning environment should be filled with various resources that enhance language learning. Books, games, interactive activities, and multimedia can be used to capture children's attention and motivate them to explore the language.

Focus on Listening: Children should be exposed to the target language through repeated listening. Songs, stories, plays, and real conversations can be used to enhance listening skills.

5. Focus on Practical Learning: Children should be able to apply the skills and vocabulary they learn in practical and meaningful contexts. For example, they can be encouraged to prepare meals in the target language or play games based on using new vocabulary and expressions.

6. Respect and Supportive Guidance: Children should feel supported and encouraged by teachers and caregivers while learning the new language. Purposeful guidance and positive feedback on their efforts should be provided, encouraging them to try and learn from mistakes.

7. Play and Exploration: Play and exploration are effective methods for language learning. Educational games and creative activities can be provided that encourage children to use the language in a way that doesn't make them feel pressured or stressed.

8. Learning from Mistakes: Children should be encouraged to take risks and overcome the fear of making mistakes. They should understand that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and provide opportunities for improvement. They should be encouraged to deal with mistakes positively and use them as an opportunity to understand rules and improve their language skills.

Focus on Independence: Children should be able to develop the ability for self-learning and independence in exploring the new language. They can be encouraged to discover self-learning resources such as dictionaries, websites, and educational apps, and to enhance their ability to analyze and understand language materials on their own.

Decentralized Learning: According to John Holt's philosophy, learning a new language for children should be a natural and decentralized process. This means there should be a focus on benefiting from educational opportunities that arise through interaction with the environment and dealing with authentic texts and real-life situations in daily life.

Respect for the Child's Pace: Time and space should be provided for the child to progress in learning the language at their own pace. Pressures or strict schedules should not be imposed, but support and guidance should be provided at the right time according to the child's needs.

These are some basic points for teaching a new language to children following John Holt's method. These points aim to create a positive learning environment that enhances language acquisition naturally and enjoyably for children. By encouraging exploration, active conversations, and practical learning, children's abilities to communicate and understand the new language are enhanced.

It's also important that this process be linked to content that interests children and suits their age level and interests. Children's stories, age-appropriate games, and interactive activities can be used to enhance participation and enjoyment in the learning process.

These points should be applied flexibly and meet the different needs of children. This may require dedicating additional time and effort to provide individual guidance and support for each child.

Using these points and the concept of active and flexible learning, children can acquire the new language naturally with tools like /amal.