Supporting Oral Language Development in Dual Language Learners

Summary

This video explores strategies for supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) in the classroom. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining children’s first language for their linguistic, social, and academic development. The video highlights the role of hands-on experiences, gestures, and visual cues in language acquisition. Teachers are encouraged to engage in parallel talk, self-talk, and culturally inclusive practices to help children transition into English. It also discusses the value of using cognates, code-switching, and integrating children’s home languages into classroom activities to foster language learning and cultural appreciation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Children who speak languages other than English at home can develop language skills in their first language, which helps them learn English more effectively.
• 😀 Encouraging families to continue speaking their first language at home is essential for linguistic, social, and academic development.
• 😀 English language learners go through four stages of language acquisition, including a silent period, where they focus on acquiring new sounds and vocabulary.
• 😀 A non-verbal period is natural for children learning English, and teachers should use routines, pair children with supportive peers, and create a warm environment to aid language development.
• 😀 Hands-on experiences, gestures, visual cues, and repetitive phrases are effective strategies for helping English language learners understand and respond.
• 😀 Teachers can use a child's first language in the classroom to support comprehension and make them more comfortable with learning.
• 😀 Cognates—words that share the same meaning in different languages—can be powerful tools for helping children learn vocabulary more efficiently.
• 😀 Teachers can incorporate a child's first language into activities like shared reading, which benefits all learners by providing exposure to different languages.
• 😀 Pairing English language learners with peers who have more advanced English skills during play can promote language learning in a natural, engaging way.
• 😀 Supporting English language learners involves cultural sensitivity, including incorporating items from their culture and language into classroom activities to make them feel valued.

Q & A

Why is it important for children to continue speaking their first language at home?

Continuing to speak their first language at home helps children develop proficiency in their native language, which can be easily transferred to learning English. It also supports their linguistic, social, and academic development.

What are the four stages English language learners typically go through as they acquire English?

The four stages are: 1) Attempting to communicate in their native language, 2) Entering a non-verbal period where they are acquiring the sounds of English, 3) Beginning to use key words and phrases to express themselves, and 4) Using English productively through practice.

How can teachers support English language learners during their silent period?

During the silent period, teachers can provide routines, pair children with supportive peers, use parallel talk and self-talk strategies, and create a warm and caring environment to help children feel comfortable and begin to participate.

How can knowing a child's first language help teachers in supporting their learning?

Knowing a child's first language allows teachers to use cognates, explain similarities and differences between languages, and make connections between the child's home language and English, helping them understand new concepts.

What is a 'cognate' and how can it help English language learners?

Cognates are words that have the same meaning in both languages, such as 'animal' in English and Spanish. Recognizing cognates helps English language learners understand vocabulary faster and more effectively.

How can a teacher's knowledge of a child's first language improve their comfort and confidence?

By using the child's first language in class, like saying a word in both languages, it creates an inclusive and supportive environment, making the child feel more comfortable and encouraging them to speak more.

What role does play have in the language development of English language learners?

Play provides an opportunity for children to learn language through peer interactions. Pairing an English language learner with a more advanced English speaker during play can facilitate language acquisition.

How can teachers use shared reading to support English language learners?

Teachers can read books to children, often pairing English text with the child's first language. This dual-language approach helps students understand the story while exposing them to English in a supportive context.

Why is it beneficial to include a child's cultural elements in the classroom?

Incorporating a child's cultural background, such as through songs or books in their first language, makes them feel valued and connected to their learning environment, fostering a sense of inclusion and respect.

What are some strategies for supporting English language learners in a preschool setting?

Strategies include using visual cues, gestures, repeated phrases, reading big books, engaging in parallel talk, singing songs, and providing opportunities for cultural sharing. These practices support both language development and the child's overall well-being.