GREAT MASTERPIECES IN TEACHING ENGLISH TO 2ND GRADERS

The purpose of this article is to present some teaching methods and strategies in assessing child's improvement in learning English based on cross-curricular teaching.

Using Art in teaching English, starting already at the early stage of primary school proves how effective and valuable it is for child's improvement in long life learning.

By integrating classical masterpieces of the great world-known artists in teaching English the focus was put on Diego Velazquez, a Spanish painter from the 17th century and his masterpiece Las Meninas (The Ladies-in-Waiting).

In the years of teaching, according to the methods of convergent pedagogy and integration of English language in the school subjects, different activities were provided to enhance higher order thinking skills.

Finding new ways in teaching children how to express their feelings and give opinions improves their ability of giving suggestions and making arguments in evaluation of their work during the learning process.

A teacher in the role of an asisstant provokes pupils to get involved in taking part in the learning process, from planning to assessment, drawing attention to self-evaluation. It is worthwhile to discuss with pupils to exploit their interests and potentials in learning about the world through Art to satisfy children's needs, curiosity, imagination, creativity and self-esteem.

It is believed that a cross-curricular approach of teaching is an excellent method for the child's independence in searching her / his own ways to gain the knowledge of a new language and to build up good communication competences for the future situations.