Interactions at learning centers offer opportunities for children to work together with peers who are English speakers. Developmentally appropriate practices remind us that interacting with real and concrete objects helps children form new concepts and understand the world around them. This is even more important when teaching young English language learners. Whether it is the book corner, housekeeping area, block area, science center, or any other part of the classroom environment, it is important to include objects, pictures, books, etc., that are familiar to the children and that are commonly found in their home cultures.
A literacy-rich environment is a powerful resource for fostering language and literacy development. Having a large assortment of age-appropriate, culturally relevant reading material in the classroom also helps to meet the needs of the young English language learners. Having a selection of bilingual books and books written in the children’s home language, along with materials in English, encourages children to explore and to read. Characters typical of the children’s native culture also support and validate their experiences. They all make the child feel at home while inviting them to read. In Section 5 of this course, you will find a list of recommended children’s literature with multicultural themes, including bilingual books.
The following video clip includes examples of learning centers that support English language learners through the use of culturally relevant and appropriate materials.
[video clip] |
To begin the video, press the "play" |
button.LET'S REFLECT
What were some of the materials I noticed in the video clip that the teacher used to support the needs of young English language learners?
What strategies did the teacher use to encourage the participation of all children?
What materials do I have in the learning centers that reflect the cultures of the children?
Does my library center include multicultural books that relate to the cultures of the children?
Do I read multicultural books with my children on a regular basis?
