Supporting Home Languages

In her book, Many Languages, One Classroom, Karen Nemeth offers principles such as these for supporting dual language learners in preschool classrooms:

Extend learning by maintaining themes for days at a time. "If you are doing an activity around water and fish — the child may begin to understand some basics. If you come in the next day and start talking about magnets — nothing from that child's learning the day before will be of use, and he will be back at square one trying to learn the words and concepts you are teaching..."

Use key word lists for each theme. Create and use these lists to learn relevant vocabulary in each child's language.

Repeat and emphasize important words in English. DLL children learn best when they hear simple vocabulary and short sentences. Try to use the same terms consistently for important things you really want the children to learn.

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