Creation and use of an english language primer for transition level students

Abstract

The present study focuses in the methodology implemented by teachers to strengthen the five to six years old student's reading skills at the Santiaguitos kindergarten located in the Santiago de Cali University. For this purpose, a diagnostic observation was set up and implemented for students while an interview with structured questions was conducted with the teacher and administrative staff, seeking to obtain relevant and significant information regarding the English proficiency level of each student selected for the study. The methodology implemented by the teacher in order to teach English language was also revised, as the methodology implemented by the teachers to strengthen the Santiaguitos kindergarten student's reading skills. The main goal was to test a new didactic material, (a primer) in English language, that was designed previously in order to improve the student's reading skills by using images (animals, colors, family members, numbers) and simple puzzles based upon the constructivist paradigm. After exposing the children to the new Primer and its associated activities, new testing and interviews allowed the assessment of the Primer´s advantages and challenges.