Teaching English as a second language is more than just filling students with grammar rules. I understand some teachers are concerned about kids not using the language properly. However, there is more to language than structure.
Ellis R. (2015) mentions that acquiring a second language is a complex process influenced by the mother tongue. The advantage is that the learner has strategies to acquire the target language easily. The disadvantage is that many times the only context the learner has is the classroom.
A teacher friend told me, not too long ago, that she was assigned to teach English to a mixed-ability class. Well, she was nervous, to say the least. I thought it was a great opportunity to prove that learning has no barriers or age limitation. My excitement was gone when she told me she was asked to teach only grammar using the first grade book.
According to Krashen, S. (1981) language acquisition must be a natural experience that takes place in everyday communication. On the other hand, when the learner is in the classroom teachers have to create the adequate setting for students to learn and develop what they are learning.
Dr. Serravallo, J. (2024) mentioned that children at a kindergarten age have around 10,000 words, they have more if they speak other languages. By the time they graduate from high school they have around 50,000 words. She continues by saying that most of the learned vocabulary is acquired by context, in a day to day interaction with peers and teachers.
As teachers we could help students increase their vocabulary by having regular activities with them. Here are some ideas that could help: Reading, acting, watching videos of their interest, listening to songs, podcasts or interviews; watching documentaries, cartoons, movies, or doing an activity they ask for, we could help them feel confident about learning.
The more the student relates to the language the easier it will be to continue learning. When the time comes we are going to be surprised by the way the student interacts in the target language.