Bilingual Digital Storytelling as a Method to Enhance Children’s English Language Skills: A Micro-Linguistic Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33394/jo-elt.v12i2.17994Keywords:
Bilingual, Digital storytelling, Micro-linguistics, Morphology, VocabularyAbstract
English language learning in early childhood has become a priority in 21st-century education due to the growing global demand for early foreign language competence. However, this process still encounters several challenges, including limited interest, a lack of suitable learning media, and linguistic barriers such as morphological recognition that hinder children’s understanding of word structures and meanings. This study aims to enhance young learners’ English vocabulary and morphological awareness through the implementation of Bilingual Digital Storytelling (BDS) as a method of interactive and engaging language instruction. A descriptive qualitative design with a Classroom Action Research (CAR) approach was employed at STB Kindergarten, involving children aged 4 to 6 years as participants. Data were collected through classroom observations and interviews, supported by systematically designed observation guides and instruments. The findings revealed that the application of Bilingual Digital Storytelling significantly improved children’s English vocabulary mastery from an initial 0% recognition rate to 100% in the second cycle. Furthermore, the method enhanced children’s morphological awareness, particularly in identifying word forms and meanings. In addition, BDS effectively increased learner engagement and attention span, making the learning process more enjoyable and participatory.
References
Allen, K. E., & Marotz, L. R. (2010). Developmental profile: Pre-birth through twelve (6th ed.). Wadsworth.
Anis, M. (2023). Leveraging artificial intelligence for inclusive English language teaching: Strategies and implications for learner diversity. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Educational Research, 12(6). https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/ijmer/pdf/volume12/volume12-issue6(5)/9.pdf
Belda-Medina, J., & Goddard, M. B. (2024). The effect of digital storytelling on English vocabulary learning in inclusive and diverse education. International Journal of English Language Studies, 6(1), 110–118. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijels.2024.6.1.11
Colenbrander, D., von Hagen, A., Kohnen, S., Wegener, S., Ko, K., Beyersmann, E., Behzadnia, A., & Castles, A. (2024). The effects of morphological instruction on literacy outcomes for children in English-speaking countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Educational Psychology Review, 36, Article 119. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-024-09953-3
Güngör, B., & Önder, A. (2023). Development of English picture vocabulary test as an assessment tool for very young EFL learners’ receptive and expressive language skills. Early Education and Development, 34(2), 572–589. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2022.2043134
Kalantari, F., & Hashemian, M. (2016). A storytelling approach to teaching English to young EFL Iranian learners. English Language Teaching, 9(1). Canadian Center of Science and Education.
Kemmis, S., & McTaggart, R. (2014). The action research planner: Doing critical participatory action research. Springer.
Kenjabaev, J. A. (2024). Modern teaching methods in teaching English. International Journal of Scientific Trends, 3(1), 52–56. https://scientifictrends.org/index.php/ijst/article/view/195
Khasanah, U. (2024). Micro and macro approaches in linguistics for method development. International Journal of Language and U-Learning, 2(3), 419–422. https://journal.ypidathu.or.id/index.php/ijlul/article/view/1434
Khatoony, S., & Nezhadmehr, M. (2020). EFL teachers’ challenges in integration of technology for online classrooms during Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Iran. Asian Journal of English Language and Pedagogy, 8(2), 89–104. https://doi.org/10.37134/ajelp.vol8.2.7.2020
Kurniawan, M. (2021). Digital storytelling: Teachers’ guide to attract children’s interest and motivation in kindergarten’s English language learning. Satya Widya, 37(1), 16–24. https://doi.org/10.24246/j.sw.2021.v37.i1.p16-24
Kurniawan, M., & Setyaningtyas, E. W. (2024). The implementation of critical and creative thinking in research-based learning for sustainable language education. Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review, 5(1), e02185. https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v5.n01.pe02185
Kurniawan, M., Putri, Y. A., & Alianti, G. C. (2024). Learning fun English through pop-up QR book: An audio-visual aid for early childhood foreign language development. European Journal of Education and Pedagogy, 5(1), 7–14. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejedu.2024.5.1.788
Lampai, C., & Sukying, A. (2023). Vocabulary learning through audio-visual input of Thai primary school EFL students. Journal of Education and Learning, 12(4), 26–41. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1395959
Lany, J., Karaman, F., & Hay, J. F. (2024). A changing role for transitional probabilities in word learning during the transition to toddlerhood? Developmental Psychology, 60(3), 567–581. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0001641
Lee, O. S., Heo, H., & Moon, Y. S. (2022). Exploring English language development assessment for real-time interaction between autonomous robots and children: A preliminary study. Journal of Pan-Pacific Association of Applied Linguistics, 26(1), 21–48. https://doi.org/10.25256/PAAL.26.2.2
Leona, N. L., Koert, M. J. H., Molen, M. W., Rispens, J. E., Tijms, J., & Snellings, P. (2021). Explaining individual differences in young English language learners’ vocabulary knowledge: The role of extramural English exposure and motivation. System, 96, Article 102402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2020.102402
Massaroni, V., Delle Donne, V., Marra, C., Arcangeli, V., & Chieffo, D. P. R. (2024). The relationship between language and technology: How screen time affects language development in early life—A systematic review. Brain Sciences, 14(1), 27. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14010027
Meylan, S. C., et al. (2023). How adults understand what young children say. Nature Human Behaviour, 7(1), 2111–2125. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-023-01698-3
Nair, V., & Yunus, M. M. (2021). A systematic review of digital storytelling in improving speaking skills. Sustainability, 13(17), 9829. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179829
Nicoli, N., Henriksen, K., Komodromos, M., & Tsagalas, D. (2022). Investigating digital storytelling for the creation of positively engaging digital content. EuroMed Journal of Business, 17(2), 157–173. https://doi.org/10.1108/EMJB-03-2021-0036
Ong, C., & Aryadoust, V. (2023). A review of digital storytelling in language learning in children: Methods, design, and reliability. Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning, 18, Article 11. https://doi.org/10.58459/rptel.2023.18011
Onishchuk, I., Ikonnikova, M., Antonenko, T., Kharchenko, I., Shestakova, S., Kuzmenko, N., & Maksymchuk, B. (2020). Characteristics of foreign language education in foreign countries and ways of applying foreign experience in pedagogical universities of Ukraine. Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, 12(3), 44–65. https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/12.3/308
Paananen, M., Centeno, V. G., Fjällström, S., Bhattarai, D. P., Jovanović, G., Madureira Ferreira, J., Millei, Z., Rosa Ribeiro, C., Paakkari, A., Sadat Sajjadieh, N., Tholchah, M., & Varpanen, J. (2023). Imaginaries of ECEC: A comparison of policies of access in early childhood education in Brazil, Finland, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, and Serbia. Journal of Early Childhood Education Research, 12(3), 145–180. https://doi.org/10.58955/jecer.122962
Parker, R., & Thomsen, B. (2019). Learning through play at school: A study of playful integrated pedagogies that foster children’s holistic skills development in the primary school classroom. LEGO Foundation. https://research.acer.edu.au/learning_processes/22
Pianta, R. C., Whittaker, J. E., Vitiello, V., Ruzek, E., Ansari, A., Hofkens, T., & DeCoster, J. (2020). Children’s school readiness skills across the pre-K year: Associations with teacher–student interactions, teacher practices, and exposure to academic content. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 66, Article 101084. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2019.101084
Purnama, S., Ulfah, M., Ramadani, L., Rahmatullah, B., & Ahmad, I. F. (2022). Digital storytelling trends in early childhood education in Indonesia: A systematic literature review. JPUD—Jurnal Pendidikan Usia Dini, 16(1), Article 02. https://doi.org/10.21009/JPUD.161.02
Syamsuar, F. (2024). Micro-linguistic significance in applied linguistics. Dinamika: Prosiding Diseminasi Nasional Hasil Penelitian dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat, 1(1). https://proceeding.unindra.ac.id/index.php/dinamika/article/view/7464
Topsakal, O., & Topsakal, E. (2022). Framework for a foreign language teaching software for children utilizing AR, voicebots, and ChatGPT (large language models). Journal of Cognitive Systems, 7(2), 33–38. https://doi.org/10.52876/jcs.1227392
Yang, Y. T. C., Chen, Y. C., & Hung, H. T. (2022). Digital storytelling as an interdisciplinary project to improve students’ English speaking and creative thinking. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 35(4), 840–862. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2020.1750431
Yilmaz, R. M., Topu, F. B., & Tulgar, A. T. (2022). An examination of the studies on foreign language teaching in pre-school education: A bibliometric mapping analysis. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 35(3), 270–293. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2019.1681465
Zuparova, S., Shegay, A., & Orazova, F. (2020). Approaches to learning English as the source of all subjects. European Journal of Research and Reflection in Educational Sciences, 8(6), 102–107. https://www.idpublications.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Full-Paper-APPROACHES-TO-LEARNING-ENGLISH-AS-THE-SOURCE-OF-ALL-SUBJECTS.pdf
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Mozes Kurniawan, Lanny Wijayaningsih

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
License and Publishing Agreement
In submitting the manuscript to the journal, the authors certify that:
- They are authorized by their co-authors to enter into these arrangements.
- The work described has not been formally published before, except in the form of an abstract or as part of a published lecture, review, thesis, or overlay journal.
- That it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere,
- That its publication has been approved by all the author(s) and by the responsible authorities “tacitly or explicitly“ of the institutes where the work has been carried out.
- They secure the right to reproduce any material that has already been published or copyrighted elsewhere.
- They agree to the following license and publishing agreement.
Copyright
Authors who publish with Jo-ELT (Journal of English Language Teaching) Fakultas Pendidikan Bahasa dan Seni Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris IKIP agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY-SA 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
Licensing for Data Publication
Jo-ELT (Journal of English Language Teaching) Fakultas Pendidikan Bahasa dan Seni Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris IKIP use a variety of waivers and licenses, that are specifically designed for and appropriate for the treatment of data:
- Open Data Commons Attribution License, http://www.opendatacommons.org/licenses/by/1.0/
Other data publishing licenses may be allowed as exceptions (subject to approval by the editor on a case-by-case basis) and should be justified with a written statement from the author, which will be published with the article.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.





1.jpg)

