SLCECESCSSL - Supporting Second Language Acquisition in Emergent Bilinguals - Short Course

 We will look at how oral language development in these children differs from that of monolinguals and review current research highlighting the benefits and assets associated with bilingualism. Research-based strategies for working with emergent bilinguals in the early childhood classroom will be shared through online modules, virtual seminars, and in-person visits to two Rice OWL Labs where the oral language development of emergent bilinguals is a central focus. We will discuss the importance of the home language in second language learning and the many diverse linguistic and cultural strengths our dual language families bring to the learning environment.

Course Structure

Dates: Wednesdays, March 20-May 8, 2024

This course is considered a blended course (asynchronous and synchronous). We will meet in person 3 times, virtually (synchronous) 2 times, and there will be 3 weeks when participants will practice implementing the recommended strategies and activities in their own classrooms using materials provided. Participants will be assigned a total of 4 modules to complete, including activities such as readings, videos, reflection posts, and quizzes.

Topics Include:

•              Classroom organization and routines: helping emergent bilinguals feel comfortable and supported in the learning environment

•              How does the oral language development of emergent bilinguals differ from that of monolinguals?

•              Theories of second language acquisition; strategies to provide comprehensible input and lower the affective filter for emergent bilinguals

•              Asset-based view of bilingualism; translanguaging as a way to leverage children’s entire linguistic repertoire

•              Valuing the home language: Nurturing relationships with children and families

•              Creating and sustaining a language-rich environment for emergent bilinguals

Schedule:

•              March 20, 3:30-5:30 p.m - In person at Gabriela Mistral Center for Early Childhood - OWL Lab

•              Week of March 27 – Implementation week

•              April 3 - 4:30-6:30 p.m. - Synchronous online session

•              Week of April 10 - Implementation week

•              April 17, 3:30-5:30 p.m - In person at Ninfa Laurenzo Early Childhood Center - OWL Lab

•              Week of April 24 - Implementation week

•              May 1 - 4:30-6:30 p.m. - Synchronous online session

•              May 8, 3:30-5:30 p.m – In person End of Course celebration at Rice with final distribution of classroom materials

Final Project

Putting it all together: Supporting emergent bilinguals in the early childhood classroom