Culture and Language

Language ability affects learning in all development areas and increases children's school readiness. Head Start teachers and staff may use this webcast to enhance children’s receptive and expressive vocabulary.

Assessment should drive curriculum when serving young English language learners. Linda Espinosa recommends that Head Start staff assess the environment and individual characteristics of each dual language learner in their care. Beyond assessing the child, Espinosa also encourages staff to affirm the language development expectations, methods, and models used in the classroom to interpret the development of the child.

2008 Dual Language Learners Institute General Session - Carol Hammer

Carol Hammer, keynote speaker for the 2008 Dual Language Learner's Institute General Session, discusses major findings from research conducted with Dual Language Learners. Head Start programs may find these findings useful in assessing and supporting language development.

The last component of school readiness is cognition and general knowledge. Head Start teachers and staff may use the tips offered in this webcast to help children master knowledge concepts and language skills.

Myths about dual language learners (DLLs) can affect how early care staff interact and teach DLLs in their care. Fred Genesee at the 2008 Dual Language Learners Institute discussed five false myths about dual language learning, and gave advice to Head Start staff on how to overcome biases when serving DLLs in the classroom.

The first concept for school readiness is physical well-being and motor development. This webcast helps Head Start teachers, assistants, and directors better understand how culture influences parental approaches to discipline, feeding, sleeping, toilet training, and other behaviors critical to a child's physical development. Carol Bellamy, a Head Start fellow, teacher, and manager suggests using music and dance to increase physical coordination, bridge cultural understanding, and foster the child’s self-concept.

A child’s social and emotional development includes their self-concept, self-control, cooperation, social relationships, and their knowledge of families and communities. This webcast advises Head Start staff to assess their own cultural identities and biases to better address the social and emotional needs of their multicultural students. Carol Bellamy suggests creating safe havens where children can express themselves without the pressure of communicating in a new language.

A child's approach to learning describes his or her response to learning experiences. These responses include curiosity, flexibility, and persistence. This webcast may help Head Start teachers and parents create learning environments that meet the developmental needs of dual language learners.

Introduction to Multicultural Storytelling, Music and Community Building.

Watch this presentation about the Planned Language Approach support to planning and implementing high-quality language and early literacy services in all classrooms and for all children.