Teacher's Perception Towards Introducing English Language from First Grade

Abstract

The importance of English language education as a foreign language (FL) is growing significantly in today's globalized technological world, preparing young children to achieve a high level of social integration and language proficiency. Since English has spread widely internationally, many countries teach English at the elementary level to remain competitive in a global economy and to advance individual and national development. This study examines teachers' perceptions of teaching English to first-grade students. It will be evaluating the opportunities, strengths, and weaknesses of the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) program for first-grade students in Saudi Arabian schools. It will also identify differences between teachers' perceptions of teaching needs. The study relies on the questionnaire as the primary quantitative instrument to gather the data. Results confirm that teachers were outstandingly supportive and agreed with teaching a foreign language in first grade. Regarding the second theme of opportunities, strengths, and weaknesses of the EFL program for first graders in Saudi Arabia, many teachers expected opportunities and improvement for the EFL students in the future. The participants showed an urgent need for either educational courses or the appointment of specialized teachers to teach first-grade