Penny McKay

In this book the author builds a comprehensive framework for the assessment of young language learners in both foreign language and second language learning situations. She begins by considering why we need a special book on young learner assessment, and describes the nature of young learner language learning. The assessment approach is task-based and is centred around tasks and techniques suitable for young learners, with particular emphasis on classroom assessment. Oral language assessment, and reading and writing assessment are addressed in separate chapters, as is the large-scale testing of young learners. Underpinned by sound theory, the book is full of practical guidelines, and draws on examples of assessment contexts, issues and practices from around the world.

This book contains a selection of short activities organized around six themes which reflect the content covered in young learner English exams and the curriculum in most primary mainstream classrooms: Animals, Journeys, Fantasy and adventure, The world around us, Healthy bodies, and About me. Activities are organized by topic and by level to make it easy to find appropriate activities for students. They encourage meaningful language use and real communication appropriate to primary learners. Each activity also contains guidance and information on preparation, procedure, language focus, skills focus and thinking focus. Activities can be used flexibly in any order at any point in a teaching programme. In addition, the design of the activities allows teachers to adapt and apply the ideas to other themes. This book is suitable for both novice and experienced teachers who need a resource of enjoyable and motivating activities for the young learner classroom.

In this book the author builds a comprehensive framework for the assessment of young language learners in both foreign language and second language learning situations. She begins by considering why we need a special book on young learner assessment, and describes the nature of young learner language learning. The assessment approach is task-based and is centred around tasks and techniques suitable for young learners, with particular emphasis on classroom assessment. Oral language assessment, and reading and writing assessment are addressed in separate chapters, as is the large-scale testing of young learners. Underpinned by sound theory, the book is full of practical guidelines, and draws on examples of assessment contexts, issues and practices from around the world. Assessing Young Language Learners was winner of the Kenneth W Mildenberger Prize in 2006.