Game-Based Foreign Language Education in Early Childhood

The main objective of the project was to develop a comprehensive Game-Based Foreign Language Education Program to provide foreign language education using methods suitable for the development of c...

The main objective of the project was to develop a comprehensive Game-Based Foreign Language Education Program to provide foreign language education using methods suitable for the development of children in early childhood. We aimed to carry out education with games in a natural environment, support children's language proficiency and development, and strengthen the professional development of teachers. The project sought to reinforce studies through family participation activities and raise awareness among all stakeholders. We aimed to develop a program that was evidence-based, child-centered, inclusive, and accessible, incorporating a holistic approach that centred on games and foreign language learning, suitable for early childhood education. Additionally, we aimed to establish transnational cooperation, build a strong partnership, implement a multidisciplinary approach, and combine good practices across participating institutions from six European countries.

We implemented 6 Learning Teaching and Training activities and three Transnational Project Meetings to develop our three main intellectual outputs. The first work package focused on developing the Game-Based Foreign Language Education Program in Early Childhood, which included creating a draft program, preparing lesson plans and digital and three-dimensional materials, arranging content for individuals with limited opportunities through adaptation studies, and integrating distance education components. The second work package developed a Foreign Language Educational Games Book containing educational games, interactive games, and digital e-book components. The third work package created a comprehensive Teacher's Guide with sections on teacher education studies, family participation, adaptation studies, distance education, and assessment and evaluation. Locally, each partner institution organized Foreign Language Day activities and established Foreign Language Learning Centers in their classrooms to create practical application areas for the developed materials and methods. We conducted an international online learning course as a multiplier event to introduce and disseminate the program.

The project produced three main intellectual outputs. First, the Game-Based Foreign Language Education Program in Early Childhood included 70 lesson plans across five themes with clear objectives, methods, and assessment tools, designed to promote playful, inclusive, and communicative learning. Second, the Foreign Language Educational Games Book featured 70 physical and digital games, available as an e-book in all partner languages, supporting interactive and engaging classroom practice. Third, the Teacher’s Guide provided five sections on teacher education, family participation, inclusion, distance learning, and evaluation. In addition, permanent Foreign Language Learning Centers were established in all partner schools, and pilot implementations in four European countries involved over 450 preschool children. The project also produced scientific papers, presentations, and digital dissemination materials such as videos and online courses. All outputs were translated into partner languages and published on multiple platforms, including the Erasmus+ Project Results Platform, ensuring accessibility, sustainability, and long-term impact in early childhood foreign language education.