Effective strategies for teaching English to elementary school children: Establishing a solid foundation for communication

Abstract

Since elementary school, learners are required to comprehend and use English. The task of teaching English to elementary school students is challenging, and teachers must constantly provide engaging media for the classroom. Therefore, teachers need strategies to teach English to young learners. The objective of this article is to identify the challenges and effective approaches employed by educators in the teaching of English at SD Muhammadiyah Karangkajen. This article employs descriptive qualitative methodology, utilizing direct observation techniques within the classroom setting to examine teaching practices. Additionally, interviews with teachers outside of scheduled study hours were conducted to provide further insight. These observations are conducted through the use of a direct teaching system, incorporating game and quiz methods, and interviews with English teachers at SD Muhammadiyah Karangkajen. The vocabulary component represents the most significant challenge in English language education at the primary level, as many learners are initially exposed to the language as a second or even third language. The frequent use of the learners' native languages and the Indonesian language in their daily lives, coupled with their lack of exposure to English-specific vocabulary, impedes their ability to effectively memorize and pronounce unfamiliar words. Drilling and providing some vocabulary before the lesson starts are the strategies employed by the English teacher in SD Muhammadiyah Karangkajen.