English language to be taught in first grade as of next year

FIRST-GRADERS at public schools will be taught English as of the 2011-2012 academic year, following an agreement between the Education Ministry and the primary schoolteachers’ association.
The novelty is part of a restructuring of curricula at state primary schools, which among other things provides for a slight reduction in Greek classes while geography will also be taught from first grade.
Currently English is taught from the 4th grade at state primary schools. Under the new system, of which the broad strokes have been agreed, the language will be taught from the very first grade. Grades 1-3 will be taught one hour a week, and grades 4-6 two hours a week.
Demetris Mikellides, head of the Primary Schools Teachers Union POED, said the move was in line with global trends.
“English is an international language, so we feel the sooner children are introduced to it the better,” he said.
Mikellides dismissed the notion that learning a second language at such a tender age might be counterproductive, since according to one theory children need a firm grasp of their mother tongue before moving on to others.
There is no scientific data or research lending support to this theory, he said.
“Obviously, first-graders won’t be taught to write in English…rather, the classes will involve singing songs in English, getting a feel for the language.
“Besides, we know that many parents enroll their kids in private lessons for English at a very young age, so why not teach them at school?” said Mikellides.
Another misconception, according to Mikellides, is that the teaching of the Greek language will be downgraded by the new system.
Although the number of hours of Greek-language classes may be cut, qualitatively pupils will get a better education because classes such as Geography and History, taught in Greek, will be introduced at an earlier stage, argued Mikellides.

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