TEACHING ENGLISH TO YOUNG LEARNERS: INTRODUCTION TO PHONOLOGY IN DEVELOPING PRE READING SKILL

Abstract

Language development is one of the development aspects in early childhood education curriculum 2013. Currently, teaching English to young learners should be attention because of the needs. One of the language skills, particularly reading skill becomes interesting in early childhood education since Indonesian has low interest in reading. Thus, reading behaviour is needed for young learners. One of the learning methods in teaching reading for young learners is phonics method. The method consists of phonics awareness, letters awareness, the knowledge of blending, segmenting and removing syllables. This is supported by the environment such as teachers, peers and parents who assist the children to achieve the learning objectives perfectly. It aims to develop the pre reading skill, to enrich the vocabulary and to enhance the reading comprehension. In the learning activity, this method can be collaborated with other activities, for instance singing, dancing, storytelling, and drama.

Keywords: phonics method, early childhood education, pre reading skill