VPK
classrooms should be places where young children and supportive adults
interact in culturally responsive and respectful ways. Positive social
and emotional interactions help children feel that they are important
members of the classroom community, and in turn helps them learn to value
their peers, family members, and other adults they encounter. Feeling
like a member of the community is one of the most important factors that
influence the second-language learner’s success. As noted earlier in
this section, having consistent and clear routines help children who
are English language learners know when, what, where, and how to do things.
Being able to participate in classroom activities enhances their self-confidence
and makes them feel that important sense of belonging, that it is their classroom
community. Planning experiences that encourage participation of children
who are English language learners along with English-speaking children
creates an atmosphere of respect and inclusion. Assigning and including
children who are English language learners along with more proficient
language speakers will help them to perceive themselves as members of
the group.
