This resource focuses on the early acquisition of foreign languages where language learning, including mother tongue and foreign languages, appears to be an easy and natural process and has been proven not only to lead to a higher mastery in foreign languages but also an understanding of the speaker’s own as well as foreign cultures. The tasks included in this training unit are aimed at developing a positive attitude towards foreign cultures and thus support (young) learners for future development of democratic competences within and outside an educational setting.

This training unit contains materials that foster the appreciation of cultural diversity and autonomy, empathy, reflecting on our emotions as well as competences such as speaking, listening, observing and cooperative work with others.

In an early learning environment, the materials in this unit can be used to play in groups and to get to know each other, while acquiring an early and basic foundation for future learning about  language acquisition and intercultural competence.

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To cite this resource: Almeida, R. (2017, November). Renforcement de l’éducation à la Démocratie (STED) Apprendre une langue étrangère à un  âge précoce pour développer des compétences démocratiques [PDF]. Strasbourg: The Pestalozzi Programme, Council of Europe, Training Programme for Education Professionals.