In the area of Speech and Language development; how does dual language learning effect development? Using information from the book, how and when do you make a referral? What is the difference between a delay and a disability? What are some strategies to use with dual language learners while you wait for the referral process to start? What resources would you recommend for families and/or professional development regarding speech and language impairments?
We had a child that came in a couple of years ago. Parents from Brazil and child was born over there. They came here and mom was the only one whom could speak English too. Child had no English at all, and mom wanted us to just speak English so he would pick it up, and she would speak home language at home. It was amazing to see that within 3 months at 3 days a week he was speaking English. Mom said even at home. Dad is still struggling with English and it has been a couple of years. It goes to show these children are definitely sponges and pick up so much. Resilient and smart.
ReplyDeleteHi Stacy,
ReplyDeleteChildren are sponges and absorb all they can. Did you provide written materials for the family in Portuguese? Was the mother able to read and write English? I wonder if childcare programs should offer ESL classes to adults as well as children. Has anyone done this or heard of programs that do?
We currently have a set of Hispanic twins who only spoke Spanish when entering our program in the fall. The father of the children speaks both English and Spanish, but his wife only speaks Spanish. It was challenging at first, because we communicated with the father through email and phone conversations, but it was primarily the mother who dropped off and picked up. Mom was also seemed very uncomfortable when staff approached her.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how fast the children have picked up English, but the key to connecting with this family has been that our office manager speaks Spanish. We had her greet parents at the gate so that she could engage this mom at drop-off/pick-up time. After a few weeks, a relationship between the mother and the office manager developed and the mother donated some children’s books in Spanish to our center. Our staff also created labels in both English and Spanish and have learned some Spanish words which they not only use with the twins, but taught to the other children as well. It took about 5 months, but mom is more engaged and the twins are learning more English words every day They definitely seem happier and are much more social that they were in the fall.
Sue’s idea of workshops for ESL families is a good idea, not only for informational purposes, but also as a way for these families to connect with other families and staff. We don't currently offer this, but it's definitely worth looking into.
It is amazing to realize the young children have the ability to learn two languages. Often they appear to have a delay often stuttering and no always be able to express themselves completely . Often mom will speak Hebrew and dad speaks English. I have had children who speak Russian , Chinese and spanish. Often the children have enrolled in my school only speak their native language and often the parents are also learning English . It is real fun to watch a child develop confidence to speak at circle time. Mary MacDonalde
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