Supporting Dual Language Learners in Child Care Settings - post

In today's world, our classrooms are more diverse than ever before.

As a child care provider, you likely have children in your care who speak a #language other than English at home. These children are known as Dual Language Learners (DLLs). They are doing the amazing work of learning two languages at the same time!

Supporting these children is not just about teaching them English. It is about making them feel #safe, welcomed, and understood. When a child feels secure, they can learn anything. This guide will provide you with simple, effective strategies to help Dual Language Learners thrive in your program. 

What is a Dual Language Learner?

A Dual Language Learner is a young child who is learning two or more languages at the same time. Usually, they speak one language at home with their family (like Spanish, Arabic, or Mandarin) and are learning English when they come to your child care center.

It is important to remember that knowing two languages is a superpower. It helps the brain grow stronger. Bilingual children often have better problem-solving skills and can focus better than children who only speak one language. Your job is to help them keep their home language strong while they add English to their toolkit.

Strategies to Support DLLs in the Classroom

You do not need to speak another language to be a great #teacher for a Dual Language Learner. You just need to be patient, creative, and kind. Here are several ways you can help. 

1. Create a Welcoming Environment

Imagine walking into a room where you do not understand what anyone is saying. It would be scary, right? You can make your classroom feel safer by making it look familiar.

• Labels in Both Languages: Put labels on objects in English and the child’s home language. For example, on the door, write "Door" and the word for door in the child's language.
• Diverse Books: Fill your library with #books that show different #cultures and languages. Even if you cannot read the words, the children will see familiar faces and letters.
• Family Photos: Ask parents to bring in photos of their family. Seeing loved ones on the wall helps a child feel connected to home.

2. Use Visuals and Gestures

Children learn a lot with their eyes. When words are hard to understand, pictures and hand movements can bridge the gap. 

• Picture Schedules: Use a daily schedule with pictures. Instead of just saying "It is snack time," point to a picture of an apple and a juice box.
• Sign Language: Simple signs for "eat," "more," "stop," and "help" are universal. They give children a way to communicate before they have the words.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: If you want a child to put on their coat, put on your own coat to show them. Act out the motions.

3. Learn a Few Key Words

You do not have to become fluent, but learning five or ten words in the child's home language makes a huge difference. It shows the child (and the parents) that you #respect their culture.

Try to learn these words:

• Hello / Goodbye
• Bathroom
• Eat / Drink
• Sleep
• Comfort words (like "It's okay")

Ask the parents to write these words down for you phonetically (how they sound) so you can practice them. When a child hears a word they know, their face will light up!

4. Celebrate the Home Culture

Language and culture go hand in hand. Bring the child's culture into the #classroom-activities. This helps the DLL child feel like a leader and teaches the other children about the world. 

• Music: Play songs in different languages during dance time. Music is a universal language that everyone enjoys.
• Food: If your center allows, have a "cultural tasting day" where parents bring a dish from their country.
• Stories: Ask a parent or family member to come in and read a story in their home language. You can read the English version afterwards.

The Importance of Routine

For a child who is learning a new language, the day can be exhausting. Their brain is working double-time to understand everything. A predictable routine helps them relax.

If they know that "Circle Time" always happens after "Breakfast," they do not need to understand every word to know what to do next. Keep your schedule consistent. Use the same songs and signals for transitions every day.

Communicating with Families

Parents of Dual Language Learners are your best partners. They know their child best. Sometimes, parents worry that speaking their home language will confuse the child. You can reassure them!

Tell them: "Please keep speaking your home language!"

Research shows that a strong foundation in the home language actually helps children learn English faster. It also keeps the child connected to their family and heritage.

ChildCareEd offers resources that can help you explain this to parents. Building a strong bridge between home and school is the key to success.

Recommended Training for Educators

If you want to dive deeper into how to support these wonderful learners, ChildCareEd has specific courses designed just for you. These trainings are easy to follow and give you tools you can use immediately.

1. Building Bridges for Dual Language Learners This course is essential for any provider with a diverse classroom. It covers the stages of second language acquisition and gives you practical activities to use. You will learn how to create an environment where language learning happens naturally.
2. One World, Many Cultures! This course focuses on the broader picture of diversity. It teaches you how to embrace different cultures in your curriculum. It helps you move beyond just "Taco Tuesday" to deep, meaningful cultural inclusion that respects every family.

Conclusion

Supporting Dual Language Learners is a rewarding part of being a child care provider. You are watching a child's brain grow in real-time. By using visuals, respecting their home language, and creating a warm, inclusive environment, you are giving them the confidence to succeed.

Remember, a smile is the same in every language. Start there, and the rest will follow.

Helpful Links and Resources

To help you get started, here are direct links to the courses and resources mentioned in this article.

Training Courses:

• Building Bridges for Dual Language Learners - Learn specific strategies to support language acquisition.
• One World, Many Cultures! - Discover how to create a #culturally-responsive classroom.

Free Resource:

• Developmental Milestones Checklist (Spanish) - A great tool to share with Spanish-speaking families to track their child's growth.

Related Article:

• How to Create an Inclusive Childcare Environment: Embracing Diversity and Culture - Read more about setting up your room for success.

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