Implementing the communicative approach to teach English to both third and fourth grades according to the students’ context and preferences at San Agustín School in Popayán

Abstract

This research was based on Communicative Language Teaching and was carried out at the third and fourth grades of San Agustin Primary School during the 2007 school year (February-November). The purpose of this research was to implement communicative activities in the English classes with groups of students from 7 to 10 years old. The activities were planned according to the students’ context, likes and preferences. The communicative approach allowed the students to get involved in real life situations through dialogs, games and role plays. At the beginning of this process the classes were devoted to give the students some basic topics in order to get them involved in the English learning. Later, the classes were focused on the development of communicative skills through short dialogs, interviews, etc. which allowed the students to participate in an active and enjoyable way in the classes’ activities. This experience was gratifying for every member of the research group since it allowed us to grow professionally and individually.