CHILD DEVELOPMENT PEDAGOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -For ELLs, the pre-production stage or “silent period” occurs during the first six months of exposure to the language. During this stage, students have no spoken English skills. They have minimal comprehension and listening skills and often utilize gestures like nodding, pointing, and drawing to explain themselves.

Detailed explanation-2: -This is also called “the silent period, ” when the student takes in the new language but does not speak it. This period often lasts six weeks or longer, depending on the individual. The individual begins to speak using short words and sentences, but the emphasis is still on listening and absorbing the new language.

Detailed explanation-3: -The ‘silent period’ is a natural part of the language learning process. During this period of learning, the child takes time to become familiar with the words and rules of the new language, and to observe and take in information about the new environment (NCCA, 2007, p.

Detailed explanation-4: -For example, a foreigner living abroad and surrounded by a new language all day may have a shorter silent period than a student in his home country who attends a bilingual school in which a second language is taught for four or five hours a day.

Detailed explanation-5: -The silent period at any age can last many months-even children who understand a tremendous number of words and concepts are overwhelmed at the thought of trying to speak in the language.