Early Learning Project
April 21, 2004 Supporting the Literacy Development of Diverse Language Learners in Early Childhood ClassroomsRosalinda B. Barrera
Glossary of Terms related to the literacy development of diverse language learners
- Immersion bilingual education
A form of bilingual education used extensively in Canada but not in the United States. In this model, speakers of the dominant language (i.e., language-majority speakers) are taught in a second language first and later receive native language instruction. In the United States, bilingual education traditionally has been targeted at language-minority speakers, not language-majority speakers. - Language submersion
A traditional model of instruction for English language learners in the United States that provides no native-language or ESL support, in essence constituting “English only” instruction. This model should not be confused with immersion bilingual education outside the United States. - Dual language immersion
A form of bilingual education in which majority and minority language speakers are integrated and taught in the same classroom using both languages as mediums of instruction. This model is also referred to as “two-way bilingual education” because both language groups are served, with English-dominant students learning a second language and non-native-English speaking learning English in an integrated setting. This contrasts with “one-way” bilingual education that targets only minority language learners (Ovando & Collier, 1998). - Bilingual programs
An umbrella term for language instructional program models utilizing two languages for instruction, specifically the majority language and another language. In the United States, some bilingual education programs are intended to serve only language-minority students while others serve both language-majority and language-minority students. (See discussion above on “one-way” and “two-way” programming). - English as a second language (ESL)
Not a form of bilingual education, ESL instruction refers to the teaching of English to non-native speakers, from a developmental or second-language perspective rather than a native-language (or even “submersion”) perspective. ESL instruction is an integral part of bilingual education programs serving language-minority students (Ovando & Collier, 1998). In some settings, however, ESL rather than bilingual instruction may be the sole model in place (e.g., in classrooms with multilingual enrollments).
Reference
Ovando, C. J. & Collier, V. P. (1998). Bilingual and ESL classrooms: Teaching in multicultural contexts. Boston: McGraw Hill.
Web Resources
- Help! They Don't Speak English Starter Kit
This kit, for primary teachers, can be downloaded from the Web site. It includes ideas for recommended teaching strategies, lesson plans, and materials.
http://escort.org/?q=node/149 - National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition and
Language Instruction Educational Programs (NCELA)
NCELA is funded by the U.S. Department of Education to collect, analyze, and disseminate information related to the effective education of linguistically and culturally diverse learners in the United States.
http://www.ncela.gwu.edu/about/ - A Guide to Family Reading in Two Languages: The Preschool Years
This online book, by Theodore Andersson, provides practical ways for parents to encourage young children to read in two languages--suggestions that have implications for many aspects of language development other than reading. Many of Andersson's ideas can be used in developing training workshops for parents of children who are or will be in bilingual education programs.
http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED215560.pdf - Fostering Second Language Development in Young Children: Principles
and Practices
This report, by Barry McLaughlin, summarizes principles and practices in the field of second language acquisition and culturally sensitive instruction. The focus is on young children with limited proficiency in English.
http://escholarship.org/uc/item/23s607sr - Promote the Home Languages of Children
This document discusses the importance of language development, including both the child's home language and English, based on recommendations of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/earlycld/ea4lk23.htm - The Combine Project: An Experience in a Dual-Language Classroom
This article, by Rebecca Wilson, describes what happened when a bilingual kindergarten class in West Liberty, Iowa, investigated a combine. The dual-language program supports content area instruction in both Spanish and English.
http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v3n1/wilson.html - Supporting Vulnerable Learners in the Primary Grades: Strategies
to Prevent Early School Failure
This article, by Melissa Stormont and others, provides early elementary school teachers with specific strategies to support the diverse needs of children who are vulnerable for failure in school, including those children whose first language is not English.
http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v5n2/stormont.html - If Your Child Learns in Two Languages
These training materials, produced by the National Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education, are for parents of children learning a second language.
http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED447713.pdf - Improving Access and Opportunity for Latinos in Early Childhood
This list presents a selection of resources (in English and Spanish) to support the work of training institutions, educators, families, and other professionals who wish to improve the quality and the cultural and linguistic responsiveness of their programs and services. The resources on this list include training manuals, online courses, classroom resources, and other materials for child care providers and for working with families.
http://ccf.edc.org/latinos/id3.htm - CLAS
The Early Childhood Research Institute on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) identifies, evaluates, and promotes effective and appropriate early intervention practices and preschool practices that are sensitive and respectful to children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
http://clas.uiuc.edu/index.html - Educating Language-Minority Children
This document, by Barbara Bowman, notes that teachers who face the challenge of teaching children from different cultural communities are hard-pressed to decide what constitutes an appropriate curriculum.
http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/eecearchive/digests/1990/bowman90.html
Organizations
Practical information on teaching and learning relative to diverse learners is provided online by a number of professional organizations.
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
http://naeyc.org/ - National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE)
http://www.nabe.org/
For leads on specific literature that can serve to make the classroom book program more inclusive, consult Kaleidoscope (1st, 2nd, and 3rd editions), the multicultural booklist of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), and the bibliographies and annual book choices of the Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
- National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
http://www.ncte.org/ - Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/
Some bibliographies can be found at
http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/books/bibBio.asp
and links to book awards can be found at
http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/links/links.asp?idLinksCategory=2
ERIC Database: Selected Records
To search the ERIC database for resources on this topic, use this search strategy: English (second language). Combine with early childhood education or preschool education.
How to Obtain ERIC Documents and Journal Articles:
References identified with an ED (ERIC document)or EJ (ERIC journal) are cited in the ERIC database. ERIC Documents (citations identified by an ED number) may be available in full text from ERIC at no cost at the ERIC Web site: http://www.eric.ed.gov. Journal articles are available from the original journal, interlibrary loan services, or article reproduction clearinghouses.
If you would like to conduct your own free ERIC database searches via the Internet, go directly to http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/search/basic.jsp
- ERIC Document No.: ED444355
The Language Proficiency Handbook: A Practitioner's Guide to Instructional Assessment
Author(s): Gottlieb, Margo
Publication Date: 1999
Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC04 Plus Postage.
Abstract: This guide is useful for prekindergarten educators who work with second language students who wish to document their students' language development over time. The instructional assessment ideas described suggest pathways toward second language learners' attainment of Illinois state English-language learning goals. - ERIC Document No: ED405987
One Child, Two Languages: A Guide for Preschool Educators of Children Learning English as a Second Language
Author(s): Tabors, Patton O.
Publication Date: January 1997
Availability: Brookes Publishing Company, P.O. Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
Abstract: This book provides information to preschool teachers and administrators in developing effective programs for young second-language-learning children. - ERIC Document No: ED421000
New Ways in Teaching Young Children. New Ways in TESOL Series II. Innovative Classroom Techniques
Author(s): Schinke-Llano, Linda, Ed.; Rauff, Rebecca, Ed.
Publication Date: 1996
Availability: TESOL, 1600 Cameron Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314-2751
Abstract: The collection of class activities for teaching English as a second language (ESL) to young children consists of ideas contributed by classroom teachers. - ERIC Document No: ED453679
Early Literacy and the ESL Learner: Participants' Manual
Author(s): Language Australia, Melbourne (Victoria)
Publication Date: 1998
Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC18 Plus Postage
Abstract: This volume is a professional development resource for early childhood educators, especially designed for those working with children from language backgrounds other than English. - ERIC Document No: ED393560
Meeting the Challenge of Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in Early Childhood Education. Yearbook in Early Childhood Education Series, Volume 6
Author(s): Garcia, Eugene E., Ed.; And Others
Publication Date: 1995
Availability: Teachers College Press, Distribution, P.O. Box 20, Williston, VT
Abstract: This yearbook examines the issues of linguistic and cultural diversity in early childhood programs. - ERIC Document No: ED370345
Bilingual Early Childhood Education in Child Care and Preschool Centres
Author(s): Milne, Rosemary; Clarke, Priscilla
Publication Date: 1993
Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC04 Plus Postage
Abstract: An Australian study developed recommendations, policies, models, and strategies for the establishment, maintenance, and evaluation of bilingual education programs in preschool and child care centers, as either full bilingual programs or bilingual components of other programs. - ERIC Document No: ED337033
Early Childhood Programs for Language Minority Children
Author(s): Nissani, Helen
Publication Date: 1990
Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage
Abstract: General issues in the development of programs for language-minority children at the preschool level, ages 2-4, are discussed. - ERIC Document No: ED469671
Language Is the Key: A Program for Building Language and Literacy. "Talking and Books" {and} "Talking and Play" Resource Guide {with Videotapes}
Author(s): Cole, Kevin; Maddox, Mary; Lim, Young Sook; Notari-Syverson, Angela
Publication Date: June 2002
Availability: Language Is the Key, Washington Research Institute, 150 Nickerson Street, Suite 305, Seattle, WA 98109 ($95, per set of two videotapes and guide).
Abstract: This training manual and companion videotapes constitute an educational program for professionals and paraprofessionals who work with young children with language disorders. The program is particularly helpful in serving children from linguistic minority backgrounds and their families. - ERIC Document No: ED441337
Implementing the ESL Standards for Pre-K-12 Students through Teacher Education
Author(s): Snow, Marguerite Ann, Ed.
Publication Date: 2000
Availability: Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages Inc., 700 South Washington Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314
Abstract: This book is designed for preservice teachers in credential/licensure programs and master's programs at American universities and for practicing ESL and content area teachers. - ERIC Document No: ED352831
Young Lives: Many Languages, Many Cultures
Author(s): Massachusetts State Dept. of Education
Publication Date: April 1992
Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC04 Plus Postage
Abstract: This publication offers guidance on how best to care for and educate young children whose first language is other than English or who are from diverse cultural backgrounds.
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