Second language acquisition in early childhood
Professional Development Session
Format: Mixed model, 2 hour interactive session; Prior to the session: read selected state publication pages, articles, PowerPoint and handouts. In addition view World Full of Language video section and Webcasts on streaming video. During the session, participants will engage in activities to deepen their knowledge of second language acquisition and make concrete connections between the Ten Principles for Promoting Language, Literacy and Learning and classroom practices.
The California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume I, defines English learners as those “children whose first language is not English and encompasses children learning English for the first time in the preschool setting as well as children who have developed various levels of English proficiency” (PLF, p. 103). Children who are English learners bring a wealth of knowledge to the early childhood classroom. To support English language and literacy development, teachers will need to understand second language acquisition, identify what these children know and use specific teaching strategies, individualized interaction approaches and enhanced environments. This introductory session focuses on second language acquisition and general ways to support English learners in the preschool classroom. Prior to the session, participants read selections from state publications, access and read the articles and handouts, and view the PowerPoints and streaming video presentations. During the interactive session, participants will discuss second language acquisition, the theoretical basis for supporting bilingualism and ways to promote language, literacy and learning for children who are English learners (PCF p. 178).
Resources
 | State Publications
California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1, pp. 103-108
California Preschool Curriculum Framework, Volume 1, pp. 178-187
Preschool English Learners: Principles and Practices for Promoting Language, Literacy and Learning, Chapters 3, 4, and 5
A World Full of Language, "Paths to Learning English as a Second Language" |
 | Chapters and Articles
Ballantyne, K, G; Sanderman, A. R.; D’Emilio, T. D.; and Nicole McLaughlin. 2008. Dual language learners in the early years: Getting ready to succeed in school. National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition.
pp. 1-20
Buysse, V., and L. Aytch, (Eds.). 2007. Early school success: Equity and access for diverse learners. Executive Summary. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina, FPG Child Development Institute.
Coltrane, B. 2003. Working with young English language learners: Some considerations. Center For Applied Linguistics.
Espinosa, L. M. 2008. Challenging common myths about young English learners. Foundation for Child Development Policy Brief, Advancing PK-3, No. 8.
NAEYC (1995). Responding to linguistic and cultural diversity: Recommendations for effective early childhood education. Position statement. Washington DC: Author.
Primary Language Support. Based on Espinosa & Burns, 2002.
Tabors, P. O. 2008. One child, two languages: A guide for early childhood educators of children learning English as a second language. Baltimore, MD: Brookes. Chapter One, Introduction. CPIN Lead resource.
Tabors, P. O. What Early Childhood Educators Need to Know: Developing Effective Programs for Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Children and Families. NAEYC Annual Conference. 1997.
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 | Powerpoints
Connecting First and Second Languages (slides 48-53, PEL Guide Training, Chapter 3 )
Paths to Bilingualism (slides 72-80, PEL Guide Training, Chapter 4)
Stages and Strategies in Second Language Acquisition (slides 97-108, 115-119, PEL Guide Training, Chapter 5)
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 | Handouts
A Different Format (ELD Foundations Module)
Descriptions of Stages in Second Language Acquisition (PELGuide Training, Chapter 5, HO p. 1)
Eight Core Beliefs (ELD Foundations Module)
ELD Foundations Map (ELD Foundations Module)
Focus on Fluid Language Use (PEL Guide Training, Chapter 5, HO p. 3)
Key Concepts from Theory on Second Language Acquisition (PEL Guide Training, Chapter 4, HO pp. 1-2)
Preschool Learning Foundations FAQs (ELD Foundations Module)
Ten Principles for Promoting Language, Literacy and Learning for Preschool English Learners
Young Children’s Acquisition of a Second Language (Theory to Practice)
Young Dual Language Learners: A Key Topic Resource List
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 | Streaming Video
Dual Language Learners Webcast Introduction (Office of Head Start)
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