English Language Acquisition for Non-Native Speakers

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Supporting English Language Learners

• Children who speak languages other than English at home can develop oral language skills in an English-speaking classroom.
• Language skills developed in a child's first language can be easily transferable to English.
• Encouraging families to continue speaking their first language at home can help children learn English more effectively.

Stages of English Language Acquisition

• Children typically go through four stages as they acquire English:
  1. Initial stage: attempting to communicate in their native language.
  2. Nonverbal period: children may enter a silent period where they are acquiring the sounds of the new language.
  3. Attempting to use the new language: children begin to use key words and phrases to express their needs.
  4. Productive language use: children can use their new language productively.

Strategies for Supporting English Language Learners

• Pairing a child with a supportive peer or "buddy" who can provide language support.
• Using gestures, visual cues, pictures, and repeated phrases to facilitate language development.
• Providing a warm and caring environment that encourages participation.

Incorporating First Language and Culture

• Learning a little of the child's first language can help teachers support the child's understanding of English.
• Incorporating cognates (words that are the same in both languages) can help children learn vocabulary.
• Valuing and incorporating the child's first language and culture in the classroom can support their development and sense of belonging.

Facilitating Thick Conversations

• Facilitating thick conversations involves engaging children in rich, meaningful interactions that promote language development and cognitive growth.
• Strategies for facilitating thick conversations include:
  • Encouraging back-and-forth exchanges
  • Extending or expanding language
  • Encouraging higher-level thinking
  • Inviting conversation to stimulate more dynamic discussions

Questioning Techniques

• Asking about a child's work or activity initiates conversation and encourages them to describe and discuss their actions.
• Seeking explanations encourages children to think critically and articulate complex ideas.
• Encouraging predictions stimulates imaginative and forward thinking.
• Relating questions to a child's personal experiences, interests, or home environment makes the conversation more meaningful and engaging.