English Language and Social Studies: a CLIL Experience for Primary School Learners

Abstract

CLIL (Content Language Integrated Learning) is a methodology which combines a foreign language and subject content in an integrated learning. To this end, the aim of this paper is to describe a possible CLIL project for primary school. Starting from an overview, the conceptual framework of the methodology will be highlighted. Additionally, the development of CLIL in the European and the Italian context, as well as the profile of a CLIL teacher will be examined. Subsequently, through projects and initiatives implemented, the paper will illustrate the state of the art of CLIL at primary level, in Italy. Next, the focus will be on the planning of a CLIL project, also considering a brief analysis of what books currently offer about the methodology. The last part of the paper will present a possible CLIL project for primary school, where two topics of Social Studies (food education and packaging and recycling) will be delivered through the English language. After explaining the project planning, possible observations and results will be outlined. In conclusion, a questionnaire will be illustrated to collect feedback from the potential learners involved.