English Language Learners in Inclusive Environments Dina Castro

1
English Language Learnersin Inclusive
EnvironmentsDina Castro Betsy AyankoyaFPG
Child Development InstituteUniversity of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Developmental Sequence of Second Language
Acquisition

• Home Language Use
• Nonverbal period in the new language
• Telegraphic and Formulaic Speech
• Productive Use of the New Language

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Specific Language Components English Language
Learners
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Phonology Speech Sounds

• Phonemes acquired by age 5
• Phonological challenges
• shine chine
• shoes chus
• thanks tenks

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Semantics Word Use

• Each culture has its own vocabulary
• English learners have to build vocabulary in two
  languages
• Many children successfully separate their
  languages

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Syntax Constructing Language

• Children acquire the syntax of a second language
  in unique stages.
• For example, Spanish speakers who are learning
  English have been found to acquire negatives in
  the following way
• Stage 1 The man no like cheese
• Stage 2 The man not like cheese
• Stage 3 The man dont like cheese
• Stage 4 The man doesnt like cheese

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Pragmatics Social Rules of Language

• The social rules of language vary from one
  culture to another
• Children may be used to less formal speech and
  have difficulty in a formal classroom
• Children may not be accustomed to directly
  addressing adults

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Language Deficit vs. Language Learning

• Temporary learning difficulties
• Developmental language disorders

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Indicators

• Developmental Milestones
• Silent period
• Preference for English
• Language interference
• Receptive language

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Suggestions for Working Effectively with Young
English Learners
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Home Language

• Obtain books and songs in home language
• Encourage parents to use home language
• Use childs home language in a positive manner

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Classroom Organization

• Provide safe havens
• Demonstrate consistency
• Label classroom items

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Interactions

• Use nonverbal communication
• Keep messages simple
• Talk about the here and now
• Emphasize and repeat the important words in a
  sentence
• Pay attention and respond to home language

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Classroom Activities

• Have small group activities and non-competitive
  partner games
• Use predictable books
• Allow children to speak their native language
• Do not force production

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Family Involvement

• Encourage families to share their culture
• Create awareness of importance of home language
• Support parents in use of home language