Early Literacy Instructional Considerations

for Spanish-Speaking Dual Language Learners

Terry Kohlmeier, M.EdChase Callard, MA

Research Assistants,Dept. of Special Education and Rehabilitation

Utah State UniversityUMTSS Conference - June 13, 2013

Terry Kohlmeier – teekohl55@gmail.comChase Callard – chase.callard@gmail.com

Doctoral Students, Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Utah State UniversityResearch Assistants: Spanish version of the IGDI’s Language and Literacy Assessment and RIA Pre-K – Dual Language Curriculum

Introductions

The importance of dual language development in bilingual children.

The features of bilingual development in instruction.

The need for curricula that addresses dual language acquisition.

Recommended practices for early literacy instruction with Spanish-English speaking preschoolers.

READ IT AGAIN Pre-K! Dual Language Learners

 

Today’s Agenda

Young Dual Language Learners are the most diverse; 47% of children younger than five belong to a racial or ethnic minority group. (The Center for Public Education, 2010).

Spanish is the second most common language in the United States, over 21% of school age children (Ages 5-17) population. (National Center for Education Statistics, 2009).

In 2010, 56% of language minority children (Ages 3, 4

and 5) were enrolled in full or part day pre-primary and kindergarten programs. (National Center for Education Statistics, 2009)

By 2050, of the nation’s children approximately 39% are projected to be Hispanic or Latino (up from 21% in 2009). (US Census, 2010)

National Statistics

Dual Language Learners-(DLLs)” to include children from both of these categories who are learning two languages at one time.

(deHouwer, 1990; Paradis, Genesee, Crago, 2010; MacLaughlin

Simultaneous: Two languages acquired from birth

Sequential: The introduction of a second language around the age of 3 years.

Key terms

Additive bilingualism: “Situations where both languages are supported and languages develop in parallel.”

Subtractive bilingualism: “Situations characterized by a gradual loss of the first language as a result of increasing mastery and use of the second language.”

(Diaz & Klingler, 1999; Paradis,et al., 2010)

Key Terms

1. Silent/Nonverbal:Child is listening and observing while “cracking the code” of the new language.

2. Early Production: Telegraphic speech: Children used shortened

phrases such as “put paper” to convey “I want you to put the paper on the table.”

Formulaic speech: Children use prefabricated chunks before they have any idea of what they mean.

Stages of Second Language Acquisition in Young SEQUENTIAL Bilinguals (Tabors, 1997)

3. Productive Language Use:Child begins to demonstrate an understanding of the syntactic system of the language. They go beyond short phrases and formulas to create their own sentences conveying their own precise meaning.

Stages of Second Language Acquisition

The period in second language development between when the child starts to use the language productively until when he/she achieves competence similar to a native speaker

This takes time!!! We should expect that sequential bilinguals

will have errors in pronunciation, vocabulary choice, morphology, and grammar as they gradually become more proficient in their L2

Interlanguage

It is critical to look at all English language learning students individually

There are generally no big categories to capture all students’ language abilities

Research indicates these are some of the critical factors in acquiring a second language:SES, maternal education, cognitive ability, level of mastery in native language, motivation, older siblings, age of introduction to L2

Research evidence suggests that there is a significant amount of individual variation!

What does all of this mean when working with young Dual language learners?

How does this effect instruction and teaching practices?

It is critical to understand a child’s level of proficiency in their home language and English to better meet their instructional needs.

If your program is predominantly in English the child’s team needs to know where to start with the child in English to provide more “comprehensible input” throughout the school day. (What stage of bilingual language development is the child in?

If you have bilingual staff the team needs to use native language strategically and intentionally for instruction.

Instructional Application

Why is it important for the child to maintain their home language when they will most likely only teach in English in school? Why teach in the child’s home language?

The child will be surrounded with English speakers and will quickly recognize English as the language with higher status and power in this society. The greatest likelihood is actually that immigrant children will discontinue using their native language (Portes & Hao, 1998).

The global economy and increasing diversity

Communication with child and family and community so that he/she does not become socially isolated. Maintaining strong native language skills will allow parents to communicate affection, discipline and teach cultural values (Wong-Fillmore, 1991).

Important reasons to support a child’s native language

The Question is not whether or not all children in the United States need to learn English…

Of course they do!

The Question is how do we best teach young English language learners English, help them to maintain their native language, and produce the best long term academic outcomes?

Evidence-based Early Literacy Interventions (Justice & Pullen, 2003)

Tier 1 Instruction includes:

1 Adult-child shared storybook reading2 Literacy-enriched play settings3 Theme-based curriculum4 Teacher-directed structured literacy

curricula like Read It Again – Pre-K!5 Progress Monitoring

Video

Strategy 1: Shared Story Book Reading

How you read books with children is just as important as whether or not you read to to them

Engage children in dialogue while reading

Ask questions

Strategy 2: Literacy-enriched play environmentsLiteracy materials should be available in all

areas of the classroom. In addition, every classroom should have a cozy library area where books on multiple topics including fiction and non-fiction are available to children

Some examples of embedding books in play areas:

Magazines in the housekeeping area, books about building in the block area, science books in a discovery area, etc.

Writing opportunities in all areas

Theme-based instruction Books should be chosen that match

curriculum themes. Play areas should have materials and activities available based on the theme to provide multiple opportunities for children to interact with and use key vocabulary in both languages

Strategy 3: Teacher – Directed Instruction

Vocabulary

Be intentional about how you support vocabulary development in your classroom

Talk, talk, talk—use many words and rare words

Remember, conversation is two-way! (listening, wait time) (Give me 5 – back and forth)

How can we integrate vocabulary development throughout classroom activities

Word Walls

Provide a visual for each vocabulary word

Use as an instructional tool

Words should be changed based on your theme

Should be posted and used by students for writing practice or during instruction

English Language Learners and Early Literacy Development

When schools provide children with quality education in their primary language, they give them two things: knowledge and literacy. The knowledge that children get through their first language helps make the English they hear and read more comprehensible. Literacy developed in the primary language transfers to the second language. The reason literacy transfers is simple: Because we learn to read by reading, by making sense of what is on the page it is easier to learn to read in a language we understand. Once we can read in one language, we can read in general (Krashen, 1999).

English Language Learners and Early Literacy Development Support the acquisition of the child’s native

language. Strong native language skills will better support English Language and Literacy outcomes.

Spanish oral vocabulary and early literacy skills are emerging as a key areas to target in early intervention programs for Spanish-speaking children to support improved long term academic and reading outcomes (Lindsey, et al. 2003; Manis, et al., 2004; Oller & Eilers, 2002; Ordoñez, et al., 2002; Proctor, et al., 2006).

READ IT AGAIN – Pre-K! A language and literacy curriculum Scientifically-based Teacher friendly Materials, books, notes and lesson plans in

hand Resources

Myreaditagain.com

How is it organized? Systematic and specific approach to

building children’s language and literacy skills in 4 key areas:

Vocabulary Narrative Phonological Awareness Print knowledge

Key Early Literacy SkillsRhymingAlliteration (Beginning Sounds)Blending (sounds and segments) Print awareness/environmental printLetter names and soundsBook and print rules i.e. front and back of

book, reading progression from left to right, where to start reading

Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary

Lessons and Storybooks Each lesson is organized around a storybook

- This adds to the importance of reading Each lesson has two literacy activities that

are designed to address key literacy skills, such as: vocabulary and narrative, or print and rhyming

Each lesson has objectives (what do we want the child to learn) and activities for the child to do and a script. (What does the teacher say to the group of children?)

Learner’s ladders for Individualized instruction

Embedded Strategies for Dual Language Learners Lessons in Spanish = Lessons in English All or some of these strategies can be

included to support the dual language learner:

• Previewing vocabulary – Reviewing vocabulary◦ Using Visuals and Manipulatives◦ Total Physical Response◦ Book Walk-throughs◦ Word wall◦ Embedded Activities in the learning centers

Read It Again Video

Fidelity Check

Usability Checklist

Progress Monitoring

Child Outcomes with RIA and key literacy skills being taught

Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students takes:

A commitment to helping the child continue development in their native language

A systemic belief that bilingualism is valuable and an asset, not a deficit

Collaboration between home and school with a focus on the family as native language experts

Instructional practices that support the home language and teach English

Summary

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/cultural-linguistic http://www.myreaditagain.com August, D., Carlo, M., Dressler, C., & Snow, C. (2005). The

critical role of vocabulary development for English language learners. Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 20(1), 50–57. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-5826.2005.00120.x

August, D., & Shanahan, T. (Eds.). (2006). Developing literacy in second-language learners: Report of the National Literacy Panel on Language Minority Children and Youth.

Colorin Colorado. (2007). How to create a welcoming classroom environment. Retrieved from http://www.colorincolorado.org/ educators/reachingout/welcoming

Resources

Paradis, J., Genesee, F., & Crago, M. (2011). Dual Language Development and Disorders: A Handbook on Bilingualism and Second Language Learning. (2nd ed.). Baltimore, MD: Brookes Publishing.

  Tabors, P. O. (2008). One child, two

languages: A guide for early childhood educators of children learning English as a second language (2nd ed.). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc.

Resources