Working with dual language learners - preschool children

It is projected by 2030, children’s home language will increase other than English (US Census Bureau).  Therefore, teachers must be better prepared to the teach children of diverse language and ethnicities ensuring all receive culturally developmentally age appropriate practice.  Dual language learners (DLL) children must be supported and encouraged at this age as the crucial beginning of their life long success in a global society.

Here are some helpful suggestions in preparing for DLLs.

     Have documents written in family native language (www.googletranslate.com).  If you are not proficient in home spoken language try to secure a translator who will assist during parent-teacher conferences and other meeting times.

     Review the learning environment to see if there are reflections of all ethnicities being represented along with others not in the class (e.g., words/phrases written in multiple languages, posters, books, materials, artifacts).

     Curriculum lesson planning includes accurate information representing DLLs (e.g., amigos [friends], songs/music in multiple languages, center activities).

Utilize community resources (e.g., parents, librarians) to come on-site and share information or fieldtrip to their site. 
 

In addition, this YouTube clip “0 to 5 in 30 minutes – Ready to Learn – DLL” (5:11) will assist you in thinking about working with DLL children and activities to make the learning environment for all. The learning environment is so rich having children of various ethnicities is enrichment to learning in cultivating global sensibilities.