|
|
|
Date: 1/24/2007 1:58:00 PM
|
|
Author:
julie
|
Subject:helping non english speaking three year old
|
I will be having a new 3yr old boy starting soon. His father said they do not and will not speak any english at home. (They are trying to preserve their culture.) This will be the child's first experience away from home, family and his language. I have had several experiences with this in the past, but the parents were either also trying to learn english or trying to encourage the child to learn at home, too. I will learn a few a "basic needs" words and phrases of the childs language to help us all out, but I am looking for any suggestions to help this little guy. Any ideas?
|
|
|
|
Date: 1/31/2007 11:12:00 AM
|
|
Author:
Erika
(ez_zamora2@yahoo.com)
|
Subject:Non English child
|
HI,
I know what you are going to confront. I myself have 3 non english speaking children and like the father want my children to keep their language. But in order to try to help you in this what language does he speak?
erika
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 3:35:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Rasheeda
(sheeda)
|
Subject:non English speaking.
|
Working with children who do not speak english can be challenging. What I find is that PLAY is the universal language. Children will be quiet and observe for a while.
Continue with ypur regular schedule you will be surprise how fast the child learns to communicate.
|
|
|
|
Date: 1/31/2007 5:55:00 PM
|
|
Author:
|
Subject:I am a little more blunt with the parent...
|
I am a little more blunt with the parents. I tell them that being American means learning English. I do learn a couple of basic words in their hime language, but I encourasge the parent that the child will soon learn English. I have this policy simply because I can have up to 5 different cultures in my AM/PM class. I can't possibly be expected to learn 5 different languages. My family is from Germany, and I was taught English so I can be an American. (I haven't had any german kids yet!)
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 6:34:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Kate
|
Subject:please please please
|
"no name" PLEASE tell me where you teach so that I know where NOT to send my preschooler. I would hate to have her exposed to such narrow minded attitudes. PLEASE tell me, for my daughter's sake. I would also like to tell my friends NOT to send their children. Thank you.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 7:48:00 PM
|
|
Author:
'no name'
|
Subject:here I am!
|
I have parents that are here on a student visa. I do understand and am sensitive to the fact that for them learning English is not a priority. I have Korean, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish. I can handle Russian, and some Spanish. I use picture cards for the basic words or phrases that we use in class so all kids can benefit. Some "American" kids will follow direction better by using a visual cue. Eventually, in two months, we are communicating. What burns me are the parents who refuse to learn English, even though they are planning to be permanent residents. Their refusal to learn English is also an indication that they are refusing to be part of American culture, that they want all to follow 'their' home culture. One example of the few that I have is a family that asks for my class with each child, yet they do NOT speak any English. I have had this family for 8 years, 4 kids. Nothing. no school today, 'no comprendo English'. I've tried using simple Spanish phrases, yet mom only stares and so 'no comprendo'. Yet, she can send off complaints to our agency saying how all teachers should be bilingual. and how my lack of teaching in Spanish is hurting Spanish kids. Odd, the other foreign kids develop acedemically faster than the Spanish
|
|
|
|
Date: 3/1/2007 6:05:00 AM
|
|
Author:
Rudy
|
Subject:I agree
|
I totally agree with Kate. I hope you don't tell your children they can't speak their language in your classroom. I do think that they should learn English if they come here but That is very narrow minded the children will learn English just by being with other kids that peak English.
|
|
|
|
Date: 4/7/2007 6:17:00 AM
|
|
Author:
|
Subject:I do allow the kids to speak thier own l...
|
I do allow the kids to speak thier own language in class. And they do pick up English quickly from the other kids. And along the way, the English-only kids pick up a couple of words in ohter languages. and they try to speak it! Like now, most of the AM class can ask to use the restroom in Arabic. Now that is a handy travel skill! One of the Arabic boys has had an awful time picking up English and we had to ask how to say 'potty time' in arabic since this kid is still potty-training. the other Arabic kids are always comin to his rescue in his home language whcih is probably holding him back from learning more English, but he doing pretty good. Now, he is three, and was born in the United States to a family that already has been in America for 10 yrs proir, so why no english skills?? Picture cards are a great visual cue for the kids to pick up basic words in English (or at least a basic understanding). My beef is the parents who refuse to learn English and speak it along w/ thier native language. If you are planning to stay in the US then you do need to learn the language.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 7:45:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Cindy
(Sunshyne318@aol.com)
|
Subject:language barrier
|
This maybe America and English is the language. I am an
American to and agree in a since but you are wrong in trying to put your opion on somebody else. It does not work. I have been in the education business over 27 years and cultures in school are changing towards other foreign people coming to our country. I work in a daycare that is suppose to be diverse and is mostly Chinese or Asian children with bilingual teachers who speak Chinese and have had to ajust to this. I have to follow minium standards and some parents prefer to have their children taught by Chinese teachers at first because they speak their language and some want their child taught English and most parents do not speak English at home or very little. Check out other cultures and learn some of the languages or get out of the profession it is what you call descrimination. It sounds like you are becoming the minority now and do not like it. I have been working as this daycare almost 5 years and have learned a couple of common Chinese words and sometimes have to ask my co-workers to translate what the child is saying or ask them questions in the childs language and they to have different dialects like we do and come from different parts of China.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/4/2007 4:49:00 PM
|
|
Author:
'no name'
|
Subject:not discriminatory!
|
No, I am not afraid of becoming a 'minority'. Many of my foreign families are considered 'white'. Is is so discouraging that I have families for over three years and the parents can't even understand "No school Monday" or "your child is sick, please come to the school to pick him up." English is America's common language, and for families expecting to stay long-term they should now (as I try to) a few basic common phrases. Just for safety sake! Or to find out how your child is doing in school! I do encourage the families to speak their native language w/their kids, as it is so important as part of their culture. The kids will easily pick up English in two years of preschool. I do have in my room translator books where English is on one side, then flip it over and you have (Korean, Spanish, Arabic). This way I can try to communicate with families that don't speak the language. I do discuss my family's immigration and how we learned to adjust to America. (for a time in America, a fourth of the population was German descent! If we weren't required to speak English, the country would be speaking German!) Sadly, it is the families that refuse to speak English that seem to 'not understand me' when I try a translation. These are the families that have been in America for a while. I just don't get it. My parents were required to now English to get citizenship, and in Germany I did know some English so I picked up the language quickly. You at that time were just expected to learn English to be American. Now, if we press for immigrants to learn the common language we are viewed as being 'intolerant' to their culture.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 11:31:00 AM
|
|
Author:
Jan
(janallisonmattingly@yahoo.com)
|
Subject:Hi Julie, I wonder if you use some phot...
|
Hi Julie,
I wonder if you use some photos to help bridge the immediate communicate gap might help? Maybe use some simple sign language to help with language lag (speaking the english word/phrase along with basic sign). I taught in a university lab school where many of the 3 year old children entering the classroom where not native english speakers- It is just amazing to see how very quickly they pick up the language needed to communicate with their new friends! The more you can facilitate play with his classmates the quicker he will pick up speaking english. It sounds like you are concerned to help this little guy-What a positive beginning for him...I am confident he is in good hands! Kindest regards, Jan
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 1:39:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Stephanie
|
Subject:ESL student
|
A great way to work with students who are learning English is with pictures/objects. They often recognize pictures/toys/etc. sooner and you can repeat the word in English.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 2:38:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Lee
(kidlee47@hotmail.com)
|
Subject:Non-English speaking student
|
I found the use of pictures that I use for children who have not acquired language to be very helpful. As the child points be sure to articulate the word slowly and clearly. Eventually the child will get it. Don't worry about the months that go by before the child attempts to speak. Receptive language is acquired before oral language. Hope this helps.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/3/2007 12:59:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Jennifer M
|
Subject:to Julie
|
Julie, I have to agree with Rasheeda after adding a hispanic girl and a dutch boy to my program with no english and very little spoken at home. Play AND Music are universal languages and you will be surprised at how well they will pick it up, primarily because they are submersed into the preschool scene and inherently want to fit in. Don't force the child to always speak, they learn by listening and watching. All you can do is talk things through as you do them.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/4/2007 6:37:00 PM
|
|
Author:
tricia
(tricia@wymore.net)
|
Subject:non-english speakers
|
hi julie!
I have three non-english speakers in my class of 12 three year olds this year. I think the most important first step is to establish a positive and safe emotional connection with him. Always get down to his eye level and slowly and clearly reflect back what he is trying to communicate - in english, with a smile. I tend to approach the kids like any non-speaking child. What I mean is, a two year old who is not yet speaking definitely can communicate in many ways and their receptive language is far greater than their productive language. I would never suggest to a parent of a non-speaking two year that they leave America because they are not speaking english ;)
But seriously, the positive comments above are definitely true. Use plenty of pictures to help him commuicate his needs - the bathroom, eating, etc. (not just vocabulary) and sing alot! You should have a great year and you will learn alot about yourself as a teacher as well.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/5/2007 5:25:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Patti
(kb8ywp@hotmail.com)
|
Subject:helping 3s with no English
|
Julie, at the beginning of this year I found out that I would have 3 Korean ladies in my class. They were all younger than 3 years old and they spoke no English. The biggest issue at first was separation from their mothers, since this was new to them and they didn't understand us. So we spent a lot of time holding them while they cried or letting them call out to their moms who were either staying in the room or sitting in the hall. It took close to two months before they stopped checking for mom. One of the fathers helped me learn some basic needs words so I could understand when the girls needed to use the potty or get a drink and that kind of thing. We still have the phonetic chart in the cabinet though we don't really need it anymore.
What has been helpful has been to be flexible with our expectations. For instance, at circle time we will let the girls play quietly in another area of the room since they are still mostly uninterested in books unless it's one-on-one. But they will come RUNNING for anything with hand motions, so we do lots of singing and dancing. Most kids love bubbles, so blowing bubbles can be a good way to break the ice and distract from any tears. Let the child do the blowing, if you can. Also, if you can learn sign language for the foods you eat at snack, they seem to like that. Also, teaching the signs for "more" and "please" make things a lot easier for them. Signs seem to create less stress than asking them to speak the words.
I agree with all the comments that their receptive language skills come quickly. I know my three ladies are understanding a lot of what we say even though they still don't talk much. But they will talk to us in Korean now (huge leap in trust), and it's important that you treat it like you would baby talk--make eye contact, nod, smile, try to understand and repeat what you think they might mean or just make encouraging sounds. You want them to keep trying and not feel judged. They will get it. Kids are so flexible. And while it will drive you nuts that it's difficult to communicate with the parents, keep reminding yourself that they love their child and are doing what they feel is best. Approach it with kindness and it will seem like a learning opportunity for you rather than a struggle.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 11:03:00 AM
|
|
Author:
|
Subject:Non-English
|
I totally agree with the second post. You are in America and your child will be taught in English. You are asking for trouble if the parent refuses to teach English to the child and you can't understand or teach in his language. I would refer to someone that speaks his language. It will be the parents problem now and in Kindergarten. Suggest the parent leave America if he doesn't want his child taught in English.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 12:33:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Ayde Manzano De York, MEd
(aydemyork@comcast.net)
|
Subject:Non-English
|
I am so saddened by the comments made by the "no name" persons. It must be because these persons have no knowledge of second language acquisition.
I am shocked at the comment made to "suggest the parent to leave America." Attitudes like that create hate and resentment. How sad that people with such attitude work with children. What kind of environment are they providing for our nation's future?
I would suggest that these individuals do some research on the benefits of early language learning. Early Childhood News has a great article written by Jeanette Vos Ed. D. titled Can Preschool Children Be Taught a Second Language?
And I would like to add that the parents of those children are not refusing to learn English. They are smart enough to know that their children are capable of being bi-lingual. I know many monolinguals who wish thay had been taught a second language when they were children.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 1:02:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Narelle
|
Subject:Non english speaking families
|
We have very simlar issues in Australia, and it is very temping to say if you do not speak english then leave BUT i think you have to consider what the family has been through before coming to a new country. We have a support service provided by the government for inclussion - weather it be children with disabilities or non - english speaking. I think it is important for the children to learn english to get the most bennifit from an english speaking school - of course you can provide temporary services while the family adjusts - but at some stage it becomes their responcibility. Teachers can learn a few key polite phrases and use posters/interpretation services. But when the teacher has to speak 5 different languages to hold class - to suit families that dont wish to speak english - it is not possible.
We had a very sad incident in Australia (Perth) where the father of a non english speaking family killed the children and himself while his wife was shopping - it was awful to see people trying to comfort her but no one able to speak to her - then at the end of the story they said the family had been in australia for 15 years! (how could you not speak english after that ammount of time) then the following week another non english speaking Australian killed his real estate agent over a rent dispute - again he had lived in Australia for 10 years.
I just think it is really sad - to live in an world where you can not communicate with your neighbour or teacher?
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 4:24:00 PM
|
|
Author:
rose
(roubert510@sbcglobal.net)
|
Subject:both languages is ok
|
maybe the father does want his child to learn engish but at the same time keep the spanish.
this is totally acceptable in fact i did my research (for my language development class) about this and i learned that when a child learns his first language (the one he has heard from birth) it is easier for the child to learn a second one.
i'm sure he wants his child to learn english , but at the same time he wants to make sure his child keep his first language which is the best decision of all.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 6:37:00 PM
|
|
Author:
|
Subject:Please
|
Again, PLEASE tell me where you work so that I can avoid going there. Thank you.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 11:51:00 AM
|
|
Author:
Margarita Perez
(margarita.perez@worcester.edu)
|
Subject:3 year old English language learner
|
Children this young will learn English. In a rich ealry childhood environment that has consistent routines, appropariate materials, developmentally and rich experiences, the young English language learner (ELL) will acquire English. They will be able to acquire the language that is linked to the materials, the routines and the experiences of the class because the words that he/she hears are linked to activities, times and materials of the classroom. Do not expect the child to use the English language to communicate early in their group experience because some children experience a silent or a preverbal period as they focus on their new setting, and try to become acquainted and make sense of what is going on around them. BUT these same young children are in a more vulnerable position with possible long term consequences to their learning in ways that their older sibblings will not suffer. These young children are more at risk of loosing their home language, identity and connection to their family and culture (recall NAEYC's positon statement on linguistic and cultural diversity,1990). We want to promote healthy and productive relationships with families that we can use in our programs--for realtiohsips and families' expereices we build opportunities to expand onchildren's learning and developement. So, "we are in America now, speak English," is not the most respctful, nor effective ways to work with famiies. Also note that research tells us that the more knowledge and fluency that the child has in his/her home language the the more English that child will be able to learn. Do not discourage the family from continuing their home language it is in this language where they can nurture their child's development and make the child a social and resposnible person. Thorugh their interactions in the language the family knows best, the child will feel comfort. Remember that in early childhood we rarely say "the sooner the better" so why would this now idea now apply to learning English as a second language? Instead, we create thoughtful experience based upon a child's abilities, disposotions and needs. Parents can provide experiences that can support you and your curriculum. If you want to discuss the seasons you encourage parents to do activities such as taking children for a walk in the park in the spring to look at the buds on a tree. Then you build on these experiences. With the parent the child developes vocabulary in the home language as they talk about what they see in the park and concepts about the things that grow, etc. --it is the experience that the child can bring to your class and there you provide more experiences and the words to talk about what he or she already know, but now in your group you talk about it in English. This child has a firmer understading of the ocncepts and of the words in English than the child whose family does not master English well and has been told to teach the child English. This second family tries to engage the child with the limted English that they have. As a result, their child may not have a clear understanding of what they have experienced at the park and will not know that words convey meaning because their parent(s) level of English fluency and ability was limited. I worked with Head Start teachers who mistakenly asked a Portuguese speaking mother to speak English at home to help her son in schoool. Since she was not comfortable in English, she did nto want to be a poor model so she stopped using Portugues with her son and since she needed to communicate with him, she started asking the older sibling to "translate" for her and tell him what to do, in Enlgish. The teachers did not know what was going on at home but they noticed that the boy statred to have behavior problems in class. As the staff discussed what was happening at home, one recallled that the boy told a teacher that his mother didn't like him anymore because she did not talk to him or sing to him.
What are ways that pa
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 2:00:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Becky
(my.delight@verizon.net)
|
Subject:response to spanish speaking child
|
Oh, this is a pet peeve of mine. If one is to live in USA, one needs to learn the language of the country which is English. Hard to tell though when you make a phone call and you are told to press one for English and two for Spanish. I don't know what happens though if you only speak one of the asian languages, or anyother language.
As for the 3 year old you will be having, I have found that having flash cards with pictures of common things, items, ect (with the word or beginning alpha letter) and use them during circle time. You can also use the picture cards around the room such as blocks for the block area, dolls, cars, ect. This way if the child points at it you, helper, or even the children can say what it is in English.
One of the plus's of being 3yo is that he will pick up the language very quickly; it is just the way baby, toddlers and preschools brain is wired.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 4:25:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Linda
(seinmelin@aol.com)
|
Subject:non english speaking family
|
You said they do not and will not speak English at home. Are you providing the daycare in thier home? If not you must communicate to this family that English is spoken in your home, and since you plan to continue to do so that this youngster will most likely "pick it up" naturally as young children adapt very well, and learn languages easily at a young age. You and the child will no doubt be communicating with each other easily with in a week or so. Pictures and Sign language were excellent suggestions, I was glad to hear that you will be learning some key phrases in their native tongue too. It sounds like even though its not spoken at his home that at least the Dad already communicates with you in English. Make sure that you continue to do this, find out from the Dad if he will be able to answer questions for his child regarding anything that he starts to learn in English that he starts to learn at daycare or if he will be ignored or punished if he trys to use his newly learned skills at home. If he indicates that they are planning to punish the child if he starts to use some of his newly learned English skills at home, then I would find a way to decline providing your services so that you are not going to end up putting him in danger by encouraging him to communicate with you in English; however if he indicates that no admonishment or punishment will be involved---other than stating to their child that they prefer to speak the other language then I would enjoy your new pupil and just behave as you normally would with any other child or family. Don't forget to learn and teach words meaning Danger, Fire, Hot, Walk, Stop, Be Nice, Clean Up, "Use Indoor Voices", and Potty in both languages to all involved including the children and parents of the others in your care so everyone will be able to communicate the basics. I can see where you'd be nervous but America is the melting pot; people have been immigrating here for hundreds of years and most seem to get along with their fellow man, woman and child! :) God Bless you.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 5:17:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Nicole
(nickdave1@hotmail.com)
|
Subject:Speaking English
|
There have been many great suggestions here especially the pictures and sign language. I work with children in Viet Nam and they choose to come to the school to learn English. 15 out of 20 didnt have any English at all when we started in August and it is through play that we have come through to now have 18 who speak English (different levels) but their understanding is at 90%. I agree that play is the key, providing fun activities, some key phrases in their own language, and lots of enthusiasm and patience. Asking a parent to leave the country because of language is very sad and I feel that there is much opportunity for you to bring the childs culture(as all children in the class) into the classroom and enjoy the diversity that you have. Surround the children in the class with words and pictures, their work and you will see the progress. Invite the parent to spend some time with you in the class and let them see what happens in class so that he may use some of the tools you use i the home situation as well. Not only are you nervous, but imagine the parent and child!!
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 5:55:00 PM
|
|
Author:
leslie levan
(lblevan@gmail.com)
|
Subject:non English speaker
|
You can add pictures to your words to help the child understand what you are asking. If the child has a choice of activities, use a digital camera to take pictures and then mount them on a board using velcro. The child can chose the picture. Always pair the choosing with the English word. You might also let the parents know that he will learn many new things in English that he can not share with his parents because he will not know the concept of idea in Spanish. Currently I have children in my class who are not able to talk to their parents because they are learning only English and the parents are only Spanish.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/4/2007 8:06:00 AM
|
|
Author:
Emily
(mlerute@yahoo.com)
|
Subject:parents cant communicate?
|
That is alarming! Many people who have responded on this subject need to examine their teaching goals. When we teach these young children, human relationships and the development of their self image have to take priority over acedemic subjects(not that these cannot be mutually respected). Can you do more harm than good if you make a child a stranger to his own mother? You have to work with the entire family, be creative and supportive rather than rigidly hostile. Discuss with the family what they want for their child, what their view of language learning.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 10:24:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Rebecca
(dessi64@yahoo.com)
|
Subject:History of Language
|
It's such a shame that we don't realize that the English language is also a foreigh language and not the true language of America. When the Puritans settled in the United States they were greated by the American Indian. As we the people of England (who by the way were under English rule)settled into this great country we taught our Indian friends our language so there would be communication between both peoples. But if you look back in our history books the true language of America was Indian for they were truely the rulers of America. As a preschool teacher I make an excerted effort to learn the languages of the young children I teach. I may not speak fluently but I will learn key words to guide them and make the children feel comfortable. Children at that age feel afraid because of they're first separation away from the parents, it's our job to make these children feel as comfortable as possible so they can direct their energies toward learning.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/2/2007 11:47:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Kim
(kvakoc@aol.com)
|
Subject:Non-english speaking
|
I work in a Head Start Program where I have only 5 children out of forty whose first language is English. The majority speak Spanish. I speak very little Spanish and the other 3 teachers in the classroom speak no Spanish. I tell all my Spanish families (usually through a translator) that it is great if they learn to speak English themselves but that while they are in their own homes they should speak only their native language. I have seen many, many children of bilingual parents who either don't know how to speak or refuse to speak in their native tongue because their parents always spoke English to them for fear that their children would not learn English. Children are very quick learners. We, the teachers, speak to all the children in English fromt he first day of school and with in just a few months they are able to understand what we are saying and usually by the end of the first year of preschool they are speaking a lot of English, some are almost completely bilingual. We have all learned to communicate with each other and have a wonderful program.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/3/2007 10:16:00 AM
|
|
Author:
Joy-ann
(jbharper07@aol.com)
|
Subject:helping non-english 3 yr old
|
Don't be afraid! You've done this before. It's actually exactly the same. Just do what you've done in the past. Actions speak louder than words-correct? Teach with love, show interest and concern for the child. create a classroom environment with your students that will prepare them to be tolerant and patient. This will minimize a difficult adjustment for all and save many tears. Teach your students the words that you are learning in the other language to help them to be able to communicate. It will be a great anguage lesson. You can talk about how words in other languages are similar and different in english...let your imagination run wild and have fun with this. Lots of learning opportunities for both you and your students here.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/3/2007 12:40:00 PM
|
|
Author:
julie
|
Subject:Thanks for all the input. Let me state ...
|
Thanks for all the input. Let me state that I fully support the families need to speak their own language at home. This happens to be an Indian family. India has dozens of official languages and an enormous amount of dialects beyond that. By teaching only their language at home can they preserve their culture. In India, it is my understanding, that most of the formal schooling is taught in English. In fact India is the second largest English speaking country. I will learn a few new words in his language to help the transition. The father speaks English, and wants his son to learn also. In India, this is the age that he would begin learning while in preschool. I am grateful for the suggestions. We are a part-time school, with a play-based, language/literacy rich environment. I can't wait to see how we learn.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/3/2007 12:44:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Susan
(susanjarrett@msn.com)
|
Subject:non-English speaking child
|
Hi Julie!
We have had this situation twice at my preschool in the past two years! I really would not sweat it. You will be amazed how well you can communicate through simple gestures. I made sure I smiled a lot at these children to make them feel comfortable. After all, a warm and sincere smile means the same thing in any language. The child will pick up some English very quickly through the other children (through centers especially). One little boy never said anything in English and then one day he came up to me and said "I am hungry" as plain as can be. We did have some confusion one day over snack and discovered from the mother that he was requesting a specific type of juice (cranberry). She then brought some in for the class. This mother ended up teaching our whole class some Spanish words. She also would bring an occasional snack from her culture. Embrace this opportunity - you may find it a cultural education for your class as well.
Good Luck!
Susan
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/4/2007 6:17:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Lia
(liadobrasil@hotmail.com)
|
Subject:He will be fine
|
The first months he will observe and repeat what the other kids will do. You need to be patiente to repeat basic words, as bathroom, water, hungry,... trying to explain with your hands and showing him what these mean. Soon he will either repeat the words or trying to be comfortable first and them start to talk.
When my daughter went to Preschool her teacher said: "continue talking in Portuguese at home, she will learn English, don't worry". I was little affraid but we did that. She listenied for two months and then she started to talk sentences. Now she is in first grade, speaking, reading and writing English very well and speaking, reading and writing Portuguese at home.
Your kid will play and copy his "friends" and he will be fine. Don't look at him differently, he just need time and your patience.
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/4/2007 9:29:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Traci J
(traciinagarden)
|
Subject:english as a second language for 3 yr old child
|
Becoming an American citizen doesn't mean you have to lose your culture! Research shows that children learn rapidly in multiple languages. I am a Headstart teacher with two daily sessions of 3-5 year old children. My ratio for spanish as the home language is 100%. I speak very little spanish and I have a assistant who is fluent in spanish. I have found that my children enjoy music and fingerplays. All of the pictures and displys in my room are multicultural. We read two or three stories each day. At the first of the year most of my afternoon classs was unable to use any english and today they are using phrases and complete sentences. You will be surprised at how rapidly your child will pick it up. Don't be afraid to teach your english speakers some spanish too. They will love it.
My room is labeled in both spanish and english and all of my communication to parents is sent in english and spanish.
I have both the english and the spanish alphabet posted in my room. All of my parents wish for their children to retain their home language and the best way to do this is to speak it at home with them. Don't let this intimidate you. You both will do super.
Traci
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/5/2007 6:59:00 AM
|
|
Author:
audrey
(oaktreenursery@yahoo.com)
|
Subject:Non-English speaking
|
You don't say if there are any other children in the class with that other language background. If so, they could be helpful "buddies." I find it amazing how quickly they pick-up receptive language much before expressive language. Make sure the staff takes time to demonstrate what they are saying- that helps. And try to explain that the child needs to hear the parents speak the new language so that it's OK for them to try to speak it. I recommend that they read an English language book to their child each day and/or spend one meal time a day speaking only English. Good luck!
|
|
|
|
Date: 2/5/2007 8:30:00 AM
|
|
Author:
Christine
|
Subject:No-English
|
Dear Julie,
This is a hot topic! I hope some of the suggestions were helpful - play, music, getting on the child's level, picture cards, pair up with a friend, etc... It has been my experience that with total immersion at the preschool age children pick up the language very quickly - especially comprehension of key words. It is ashame that people struggle to come to America and refuse to make an attempt to speak the language - if only to communicate with their child's teacher! I respect maintaing one's culture. I ask that non-English speaking Americans also respect that we are all working together for the better good of their children. It is amazing how many parents never "looked at it that way." Best wishes.
|
|
|
|
Date: 3/1/2007 6:02:00 AM
|
|
Author:
Rudy
|
Subject:nonenglish speaking
|
Our school population is 35% hispanic. We are a public school prekindergarten program. Our children learn english just by beiong with the other children and hearing them. By the end of the year most of the hispanic children can speak some english, We have a language facilitator to communicate with parents. But We don't make them speak english.
|
|
|
|
Date: 7/4/2007 7:21:00 PM
|
|
Author:
Elise
(elisemundo @ gmail.com)
|
Subject:Teaching English to toddlers
|
Hi guys,
I work in a preschool in Peru and teach English to 1-3 year olds.. and am only allowed to speak English to these kids that speak native Spanish (although there are some foreign kids with native English).
It is definitely possible, and in fact you have millions of possibilities! Feel free to email me and I´ll send you some of my most successfull lesson ideas. Using handpuppets, photos and pictures, lots of song and dance and movement is what it comes down to.
Best of luck to all,
Elise
|
|
|
|
Date: 9/19/2007 8:45:00 AM
|
|
Author:
nave'
(rangrano@netvision.net.il)
|
Subject:teaching english to non-native kindergarteners and preschoolers
|
Hello Elise,
I am an english teacher and about to start teaching english to my son's class (3-5 year olds). i have to admit that i have never dealt with these age, which is why i'm a bit pressurised. i am basically interested in teaching them through songs and nursery rhymes as well as stories, but am concerned that if i speak only english they will panic or start misbehaving. i'm interested in how to structure the "lessons" and how to do so in an intriguing manner. your assitance will be greatly appreciated,
Nave'
|
