Young Language Learners' Attitudes Towards Writing in English: The Case of First and Second Graders

Writing is an important skill, often neglected at the beginning of formal L2 learning due to the perception that it might be difficult or interfere with acquiring L1 literacy skills. However, there are benefits to teaching writing early on, such as raising awareness of the English spelling system, which is particularly important given its specificities. Another advantage is related to children’s willingness to write in English and the positive influence that writing in L2 seems to have on developing early L1 literacy skills. Studies investigating young language learners’ (YLLs) attitudes to writing in English at an early age are very scarce. The present study aims to gain insight into the attitudes of Croatian YLLs in the first two years of primary school (aged 6-9) towards writing in English and to compare the motivation of the first and second graders. For that purpose, 69 Croatian YLLs completed a survey. The results suggest that young learners are motivated to write in English, especially in the first grade. However, there are indications that motivation might falter later on, which means that attention is needed to maintain the YLLs’ enthusiasm for writing, minimize the negative aspects of writing, and ensure long-term success.