By the year 2030, the U.S. Census Bureau predicts that Latino children will make up 25% of the total school population. Twenty-six percent of children enrolled in Head Start Pre-K programs spoke Spanish in 2008. With the addition of other immigrant populations growing as well, early childhood teachers are facing challenges to provide English language instruction. In some cases, a teacher may have three languages other than English in their classroom.
Unfortunately, there is conflicting research on how to teach these children. Good solid research is desperately needed. In recent years, the dual language approach appears to be the answer while waiting for good research results. However, in the dual language approach there appears to be many different approaches. Interchangeably, some early childhood teachers speak English one day and Spanish the next. On the other end, some teachers teach English in the morning and using the same curriculum, teach Spanish in the afternoon.
During my blogs this week, I will be sharing more about this crucial topic.
Source: Maggie Stevens, Early Ed Watch
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