Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  How to teach children who are bilingual

    Posted 09-24-2020 10:16 PM

    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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  • 2.  RE: How to teach children who are bilingual

    Posted 09-26-2020 10:19 AM
    Hi, if you haven't accessed WIDA yet, this would be a great place to start.
    https://wida.wisc.edu/

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    Karen Lefkovitz
    Independent Consultant
    Philadelphia PA
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  • 3.  RE: How to teach children who are bilingual

    Posted 09-26-2020 11:27 AM
    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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  • 4.  RE: How to teach children who are bilingual

    Posted 09-26-2020 02:20 PM

    I found the DLL app on Head Start's website to be a nice resource! Find it here.


    https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/culture-language/article/ready-dll-mobile-app



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    Sally Root
    QRIS Coach
    The Children's Cabinet
    Carson City NV
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  • 5.  RE: How to teach children who are bilingual

    Posted 09-28-2020 09:26 PM
    Is there a fun app targeted toward DLL's for my kindergarteners?

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    Kathleen Herrington
    Kindergarten Teacher
    GIA
    Whitsett, NC
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  • 6.  RE: How to teach children who are bilingual

    Posted 09-29-2020 12:42 AM
    Hi- Every year I look for fun learning apps for young children who are DLLs. Nope. The best I suggest would be the story making apps that allow children to create their own stories with pictures and words - and allow them to record their own voices - in any language. They can type words or use finger or stylus to write words on the pages to practice literacy skills while having fun alone or with friends to create stories that get recorded and saved. 

    Some to consider: Draw and Tell by Duck Duck Moose or My Story app by Brightbot. 

    If your DLLs speak Spanish, you might try the Endless Spanish and Endless Spanish education apps - they have activities for children who already speak Spanish to support language growth. 


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    Karen Nemeth
    Author/consultant/keynotes
    Language Castle LLC
    Allentown PA
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  • 7.  RE: How to teach children who are bilingual

    Posted 09-29-2020 01:21 PM
    Thank you!

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    Kathleen Herrington
    Kindergarten Teacher
    GIA
    Whitsett, NC
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