Chapter 10Movies in the classroom- More fun learning languages

Children love movies. They provide variety and entertainment in the classroom - and support the learning process. What should teachers keep in mind when using them in the classroom? Some tips and practical examples.
 
Children do not acquire their mother tongue and second languages as effortlessly and quickly as is often assumed. It is a lengthy process that requires a methodically-didactically well thought-out input. Early foreign language teaching must offer learning opportunities that take into account all areas of development - linguistic, social, emotional, cognitive and motor skills. At a very young age, children today are media-influenced and strongly visually oriented, "they not only want to hear and speak, they also want to see what they hear" (Rück 2004: 204). Films in early foreign language teaching are well suited for this purpose.

GOOD REASONS.

There is something magical about new media for children. Thus, a film with the activities that follow it can help break routines. The little learners are motivated, the interest and the desire for the new language and its culture can be (re)awakened. The film itself and changing activities counteract the rapid decline in concentration.