MAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING FUN FOR YOUNG LEARNERS

Incorporating fun and engaging strategies in foreign language instruction is essential for young learners, whose cognitive and emotional development is closely tied to enjoyment and curiosity. This paper explores how entertainment-based and play-oriented approaches affect language acquisition in children aged 4 to 10. Using a mixed-methods design, the study compares traditional instructional models with playful, gamified, and story-based methods. Results indicate that fun-driven language learning not only improves vocabulary and comprehension but also boosts motivation, confidence, and classroom participation. The paper argues that integrating joy and interaction into language teaching leads to more effective and sustainable learning outcomes.