Developing the Young Bilingual Learner

Paula Laughtland, Christ Lutheran Church Preschool Edmonds, Washington

     The NAEYC video “Developing the Young  Bilingual Learner”
addresses the role of early childhood educators working with children for whom English is their second language.  The video begins with two compelling biographical interviews.  In the second interview, a young woman describes the pain she and her family endure because she has chosen English over the language of her ancestors and the communication between the generations has suffered.  Discussion follows about the detriment to family relationships if the home language is not the primary language of the young child and family.

     Experts in child development talk about how language is developed in young children and finally suggestions are made as to how educators can teach English as a second language and support the home language thereby helping children be successful in all areas of their lives.

     This video, and others, are available through the ELEA Video Training Library by calling 800-500-7644 or visiting www.eleanational.org and clicking on “Resources”.

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