How would you support children’s play and communication development when they speak diff language?

Posted on October 30, 2009 by admin

How would you support children’s play and communication development in nursery settings where some of the children speak different languages?

I have a child in my class whose first language is German. So he is learning English, but slowly. Whenever, I have snack, I make sure to label all the items I hand him, and he might tell me what they are in German. When we are playing I label the toys in English. The child has many English phrases that he has picked up and is using very well: "Can you help me, that’s mine, all done, I have to go potty, etc". His Mom also has CD’s for him in English which is cool. We only speak English to the child, so he is constantly immersed in English.

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5 Responses to How would you support children’s play and communication development when they speak diff language?

  1. autismcaregiver says:
    October 31, 2009 at 12:32 am

    I have a child in my class whose first language is German. So he is learning English, but slowly. Whenever, I have snack, I make sure to label all the items I hand him, and he might tell me what they are in German. When we are playing I label the toys in English. The child has many English phrases that he has picked up and is using very well: "Can you help me, that’s mine, all done, I have to go potty, etc". His Mom also has CD’s for him in English which is cool. We only speak English to the child, so he is constantly immersed in English.
    References :
    Preschool 4′s teacher

  2. snoopygrl02 says:
    October 31, 2009 at 12:41 am

    I have had several children that spoke another native language rather than English. The first thing…you have to model language to him…you do that with all children. Next…use pictures with the English words on them to help bridge the preliteracy gap. Use lots of songs and fingerplays where the words are reflected in the actions. Then…allow the other children who are English speaking to interact with him during free play, lunch, etc. Children will pick up more language from each other than from any adult…trust me!
    References :

  3. Shell says:
    October 31, 2009 at 1:29 am

    Set up learning centers so that the children can learn together. Pair stronger learners with the one who are not as strong. They will catch on soon!
    References :
    I teach kindergarten!

  4. Poor Pearl says:
    October 31, 2009 at 2:09 am

    Children also learn from watching and helping one another. Actions sometimes will speak to them more than a meaning of a word.
    References :

  5. Bittersweet22 says:
    October 31, 2009 at 2:29 am

    -Have labels around the room-children can see home language and staff can support by using the language so children doesnt feel so confused…also reinforces their right to speak in own language
    -Use of symbols esp if they have little to no english-will help them feel part of the group and understand what is happening.
    -Have a key person who is responsible for having a good relationship between home and setting, with the child, understands key words, checks child is progressing etc.
    -Contact local support advisors
    -Asl parents to help eg: come in and read to group, write key words, stay for few sessions so they can translate the routine.
    -Practise English through stories and rhymes
    -Speak clearly in English avoiding slang words.
    -Purchase, borrow from library or home-books and CDs in different languages.
    References :