TACON 2014

Intercultural competence has been described as a combination of knowledge, skills, attitudes and awareness. But what does this mean in the context of working with primary school children who learn English as part of their compulsory education? This session discusses the kind of cultural knowledge, symbols, products and practices that might, or might not, be appropriate to teach children at primary school. It also explores how to develop and foster positive attitudes towards other cultures such as curiosity, noticing, empathy, open-mindedness and interest. As well as looking at ways to develop intercultural skills such as interpreting, comparing and contrasting, we also explore how children’s increasing awareness of other cultures is a powerful way of strengthening their own cultural self-identity. The session presents a model and rationale for integrating culture with different ages of young learners. This includes socio-cultural and citizenship themes such as collaborating with others and protecting the environment. The session is illustrated with a range of practical ideas and activities which bring the notion of culture alive in the foreign language classroom.