ELT in early childhood education: from a trickling stream to a rushing river

I have lived and worked in Portugal for almost thirty years and much of my ELT experience is related to early childhood education and children between the ages of three and six years old. This article reflects an experience in Europe, however I have done my best to include references, when possible, to what is happening in other parts of the world. It is a personal view of these happenings with a focus on EFL - I hope it rings true with as many of you as possible.