10 Questions
What is an important aspect of working with English language learners?
Building a relationship with them despite language barriers
What technique is used to help children understand what's happening?
Using lots of visuals and picture cues
What is the purpose of using gestures and slower rate of speech?
To help them understand the meaning of what's being communicated
What type of activities are used to support language development?
Playful activities, finger plays, and songs
What is the purpose of providing support in their native language?
To help them understand what's happening when they're struggling
What is the benefit of English language learners becoming comfortable with the routine?
They become more comfortable taking risks and using more English language
What is the purpose of working in small groups?
To work on targeted vocabulary and sounds
What is the benefit of encouraging play in the dramatic play area?
It helps build language and friendships
Why do English language learners start to use more English language as the year progresses?
Because they become comfortable with the routine and build relationships with teachers and peers
What is the purpose of using visual cues and gestures?
To help them understand what's happening
Study Notes
Helping Dual Language Learners
- It is essential to create a welcoming and supportive environment that values students' first language while helping them become proficient in English.
- Teaching methods should be sensitive to different cultures and languages.
Stages of English Acquisition
- Dual language learners go through several distinct stages:
- Stage 1: Use of first language, where the child communicates using only their native language.
- Stage 2: Non-verbal stage, where the child might not speak much but actively listens and observes.
- Stage 3: Telegraphic speech, where the child uses single words or two-word phrases to convey essential meanings.
- Stage 4: Productive speech, where the child's vocabulary expands, and they begin to use more complete phrases in short sentences.
Supporting Dual Language Learners
- Developing proficiency in the first language helps children learn English more effectively.
- Encouraging families to continue speaking their first language at home is crucial.
- English language learners typically go through four stages as they acquire English.
- Teachers should:
- Provide routines that children can connect to.
- Pair children with a supportive peer.
- Use parallel talk and self-talk strategies.
- Create a warm and caring environment.
Strategies for Language Development
- English language learners learn through:
- Hands-on experiences.
- Gestures.
- Visual cues.
- Pictures.
- Big books.
- Repeated phrases.
- Incorporating a child's first language into activities, such as story time, can benefit all learners in the classroom.
- Code switching, which involves switching between languages, can be a powerful tool for learning vocabulary.
Building Relationships with English Language Learners
- Building a relationship with English language learners is crucial, even if you don't speak the same language.
- Techniques to help children understand include:
- Using visuals and picture cues.
- Gestures.
- A slower rate of speech.
- Being playful and using games.
- Providing support in their native language if needed.
Learn how to create a welcoming environment for dual language learners and understand the stages of English acquisition, from using their native language to becoming proficient in English.
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