Should children really know two or even three foreign languages?

What should schools offer children in the future?

This question is often asked by experts. In Slovenia a special group was created to find as many meaningful answers as possible.

But it was not easy because they did not agree, some even left the group.

What does the Slovenian Teacher of the Year (2023), Jožica Frigelj, think about the proposed changes?

Does the administration think about the children when making changes to primary school education?

The impression is that the changes are being made because more than 10 years have passed since the last change, while abroad it is done every four years.

Children are in our second or even third plan.

Many people have forgotten that school is because of children and for children.

Does the introduction of a second – and thus even a third – foreign language take into account the abilities and needs of children?

Not all children need a second foreign language.

Learning foreign languages ​​is already sufficiently well-organized as an optional subject – it is learned by children who are interested or who have parents that encourage it.

The curriculum, which is the teacher’s obligation, outlines knowledge standards in several areas.

Grammar is important on a practical level. However, it would probably make sense to limit it to only three basic tenses (present, future, past tense) in primary school.

Reading comprehension and written communication are equivalent to spoken communication.

What are the key things that should happen to make the school better?

• Lean lesson plans that would allow the teacher enough time for consolidation and different teaching approaches.
• Vertical and horizontal cross-curricular integration (CLIL) so that children can feel and see the applicability of knowledge in real life.
• Teachers who care about students, and students who care about learning.
• Parents who see the child and not just the grades.
• A society that trusts teachers.

Points to Consider

1. How many foreign languages ​​are you learning?
2. Do you think you’re good at English?
3. What else do you think should be taught in primary school?

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The original version of this article was published on June 13^th.