According to studies, the critical period of learning languages is prior to age of 8 and after this age, the ability to fully mastering a language declines. The findings show that in most countries across EU students begin learning second language (L2) only at primary level which is around age of 8 or even later. Learning L2 not only helps to better speak a new language, but it also improves the use of child’s native language. Research shows that people who are bilingual are better at multitasking, and have different cognitive patterns in their brain compared to those who speak only one language. The benefits of learning L2 directly impacts child’s development and success in the future. Bilingual children are found to have better writing, reading, maths, memory, problem-solving skills and more.

In addition, language and culture are also closely linked, hence learning a new language creates cultural understanding, it broadens child’s understanding of cultural traditions and differences. In L2 classroom, children need to be given opportunities to be actively engaged and have rich interactive communicative activities, similar to what occurs when learning the first language. This is a significant challenge to the early childhood teacher due to a lack of teaching materials available.

Embedding L2 learning within a meaningful context has typically been demonstrated to be an effective way of motivating children and encouraging the development of L2 skills (Snow Met &Genesee, 1989). Environmental education can be given a foundation of L2 lessons, children can gain multiple benefits such as developed environmental awareness and meaningful L2 learning. Teachers can create this by giving children opportunities to

participate in ecological activities and providing strategies children can use to make a difference in the world they will inherit. When early childhood teachers model environmentally responsible routines daily, children can learn from these actions. While the need for environmental and nature experiences in early childhood education is clear, many teachers feel unprepared to facilitate meaningful and enriching activities and instructions. Nevertheless, the natural world and environment provides a platform in which students of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds can relate, demonstrating an inclusive approach to all children.

The ECO LINGUA KIDS project aims to develop educational and interactive second language learning for preschool and primary school by integrating environmental education in the second language learning process. To achieve this purpose, partners will create a set of activities, including an e-book and e-library with activities focused on environmental awareness and L2 as well as an e-learning platform that will host a teacher training curriculum.

The specific objectives of the ECO-LINGUA KIDS project are:
-to improve educator’s understanding and role in integrating environmental education topics in second language teaching
-to raise awareness and promote the benefits of integrating environmental education in second language learning from an early age
-to equip educators with high-quality and innovative teaching materials and digital resources when teaching second language at pre-primary and primary levels
-to improve children’s second language skills while developing environmental and cultural understanding at pre-primary and primary levels
The project objectives are linked to the selected priorities ‘Promoting comprehensive approach to language teaching and learning’, ‘Supporting teachers, school leaders and other teaching professions’ and ‘Environment and fight against climate change’ as the ECO LINGUA KIDS project seeks to promote a holistic approach to language learning that integrates environmental awareness and sustainability into language teaching practices. By doing so, the project aims to contribute to the development of responsible and environmentally conscious citizens who are proficient in second languages.
This will be achieved through the development of concrete project results.
- THE ECO LINGUA KIDS e-book - A guide of good practices and information of benefits on integrating environmental education and awareness in second language learning for preschool and primary school children
- e-Library with activities. This will include activities that can be used to teach children second languages through the topic of environment.
- Platform - an online learning platform with a teacher training curriculum that will equip teachers with the knowledge and necessary skills to integrate environmental education in second language acquisition for preschool and primary school children