Language and literacies in the early English language classroom

The purpose of this paper is to link theory and practice regarding the English for Young Learners (EYL) curriculum in the early grades of the Greek primary school, and provide a synthesis of findings from existing studies carried out mainly by teachers, who have the potential, as inside participants, to look into the educational experiences in ways that are not always apparent to those who look from the outside. The first part of the paper focuses on PEAP[1], the EYL programme for grades 1 and 2, and how it enhances language development and whole child development. The second part presents Magic Books, the textbooks for grade 3, which were developed within the context of the PEAP project to ensure continuity between the first two grades and the third one. The paper focuses on how children embark upon becoming literate in a new language and expands the area of focus from traditional literacy (the ability to read and write) to multiliteracies and more specifically social and cultural literacies.[1] The Greek acronym for the “English for Young Learners” programme.