6.3: Environmental Factors in Supporting Language and Literacy

Figure 8.4: This large-group experience effectively engages language.[1]

The arrangement of the learning environment affects how children learn to talk, read, and write. An environment that fosters language development, two-way communication, and literacy skills provides rich curriculum content. The daily schedule accommodates a variety of groupings (e.g., large groups, small groups, and individuals), and the learning materials fascinate children. Children learn more when adults model language and literacy and provide playful, purposeful instruction. Play spaces with literacy props (e.g., signs, lists) allow children to congregate and to make choices that foster rich language and literacy experiences.

• Create time in the daily routine for adult-child and child-child interactions.
• Have space and time for large-group experiences
• Create spaces and times for children to gather in small groups
• Provide a space to display family-related items; consider how to add text to those displays
• Organize your classroom into centers or interest areas to create clear spaces for children to engage and collaborate (and communicate), including
  • A dramatic play area
  • A block area
  • An art area
  • A writing area
  • A cozy library or book area
  • A science area
  • A game area
  • A math area
• Choose materials for small- and large-group times that the children will be interested in and use them with intention
• Create a learning environment to fascinate children and prompt conversations
• Extend the classroom beyond its walls; being outdoors, going on walks, and taking field trips are all great for promoting conversation
• Be flexible in your environment; allow children to expand their ideas to new areas[2]

Figure 8.5: In this image, you can see the reading area (on the left) and the writing area (on the right).[3]

Pause to Reflect

How might the centers just listed each support language and literacy?

Learning English as a Second Language

In California, as many as half of the children will be identified as English learners upon kindergarten entry. Their home languages include Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Hmong, Tagalog, Korean, and several other languages.

In general, the development of a second language follows these predictable stages

Stage	Description of Stage of Second Language Development
1^st stage	The child uses their home language to try to communicate
2^nd stage	The child figures out that it is not successful to use the home language, so they pass through a period of observation and listening
3^rd stage	The child attempts to use new language in a more abbreviated form through the use of one or two-word sentences
4^th stage	The child begins to use more elaborate phrases and short sentences to communicate in the new language.

While some express concern that learning more than one language is confusing or delays children’s development, research has not found any negative effects of bilingualism. Gigi Luk, an associate professor at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, says, “Bilingualism is an experience that shapes our brain for a lifetime.” There are many potential benefits to knowing more than one language, including: increased ability to pay attention, better reading of social cues, better reading ability, better school performance and engagement, increased comfort with diversity and different cultures, and even protection from age-related dementia[4] It’s important for educators to support and advocate for the maintenance of children’s home languages for both the benefits mentioned here but also because,[5] “[t]he child’s first language is critical to his or her identity. Maintaining this language helps the child value their culture and heritage, which contributes to a positive self-concept.[6]

Children who are English language learners bring a wealth of abilities and knowledge, as well as varied cultural backgrounds, to early childhood settings. English learners also require curricular adaptations to make the most of their abilities while they progress toward full English proficiency. The high-quality early childhood practices described in the other domains will also benefit preschool children who are English learners; however, they may not be sufficient.[7]

There are many resources available to support teachers of children who are English Language Learners.

References

[1] California Preschool Program Guidelines by The California Department of Education is used with permission

[2] The California Preschool Curriculum Framework, Volume 1 by the California Department of Education is used with permission

[3] Image by Community Playthings is used with permission

[4] Kamenetz, A. (2016). 6 Potential Brain Benefits Of Bilingual Education. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/11/29/497943749/6-potential-brain-benefits-of-bilingual-education.

[5] Content by Jennifer Paris is licensed by CC-BY-4.0

[6] IDRA. (2000). Why is it Important to Maintain the Native Language? Retrieved from https://www.idra.org/resource-center/why-is-it-important-to-maintain-the-native-language/

[7] The California Preschool Curriculum Framework, Volume 1 by the California Department of Education is used with permission