Great question - and there are LOTS of resources to help. The official term for young children who are learning in two or more languages is "dual language learners" or DLLs. If you go to the NAEYC website and search dual language learners you will find books, articles and brief blog posts - some of which are written by me ;) Based on the research, the quickest and best way to start is to focus on helping the children understand content and concepts by supporting their home language for learning some of the time and using nonverbal supports, pictures, videos, props, and demonstrations help them understand when you are teaching in English. We don't yet have research to say how much time should be spent in each language, but we do have data showing that children who are DLLs progress most successfully when they receive learning supports in their home language as well as in English. Small groups and individual interactions with each child are much more effective for DLLs than large group activities (unless you're having a dance party which is best for EVERYONE!). When you choose songs and stories, focus on content and words children can use in their play and learning. In other words, it's better to read a story and sing a song about ducks if you also have ducks in the water table, duck puppets or a nearby duck pond. It's not as effective if you read a duck story, then jump off to a magnet activity. And.... thank you for loving the children and ALL their languages!
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Karen Nemeth
Author/consultant/keynotes
Language Castle LLC
Allentown PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-24-2020 10:15 PM
From: AUDREI KAY GRIFFIN
Subject: How to teach children who are bilingual
I work with 3 and 4 old children who are bilingual. What is the easiest way to teach them in both languages? Their primary language is English but the also speak Spanish. Any ideas. Thank you.
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AUDREI KAY GRIFFIN
Education Director
CCLC
Bronx NY
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