English is a global language, knowledge of which is crucial to academic and professional
success in most disciplines. English is already introduced in kindergarten curriculums, the
purpose of which is primarily to learn the language and to create a positive attitude towards
learning a foreign language. Attitude towards a foreign language is a critical factor in
learning results and as such worth of researching how to positively influence it.
The thesis goals are to research the attitude of kindergarten children towards English, to
examine the influence of children’s attitude on learning results and to point out the key
factors that influence the attitude of children towards English as a foreign language
according to the teachers’ opinions. According to the opinions, we will form the
recommendations for teaching English in kindergarten.
In order to achieve the goals, we conducted interviews between two kindergarten teachers
and two kindergarten assistant teachers that are participating at English language course that
kindergartens offer as an additional activity. The key findings are that children have a
positive attitude towards learning a foreign language, which they learn fast. External teachers
mainly influence children’s positive attitudes and academic success because children form a
special relationship with them. Another positive factor is, according to teachers’ opinions,
children’s previous knowledge from home environment because their parents play to them
English cartoons and songs. Success in further learning and positive attitude towards the
English language depend on the continuity of language learning, children’s talent and
interest in the language.
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