STORYBOOKS IN THE YOUNG LEARNERS' EFL CLASSROOM AS A RESOURCE FOR TEACHING VOCABULARY

In the present paper we discuss the line of enquiry and the progression of a research project funded by the Universidad Complutense, Madrid, aimed at exploring the efficiency of different vocabulary teaching and learning methods as applied in young learners' EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classes. The project has been focused on the use of stories as a central teaching resource and as a basis for vocabulary introduction and practice, including among its objectives that of comparing the outcome on vocabulary learning of the use of textbook-based materials with the results obtained through storybook-based teaching. As the project progresses, the resulta and information obtained are being incorporated through different means into pre- and in-service teacher training and development programmes. Preparation for the experimental stage included a teacher development seminar on storybook use for teaching vocabulary at the Teacher Support Centre (CAP) of Alcorcon, Madrid. This seminar, in turn, led to the creation of a website and cd-rom containing the materials designed by the participating in-service teachers and other relevant information, which is currently used by students of the Complutense Faculty of Education as a resource for their pre- service training.