With the English as Additional Language (EAL) population growing rapidly, it is essential that settings and schools meet individual learner needs and provide an inclusive culture where different languages, cultures and religions are accepted and celebrated. Packed with essential information on key theories and best practice, and written in a highly readable style this book aims to raise awareness of main issues and offer practical support for practitioners working with children with EAL. Covering a wide range of topic such as new arrivals, working with parents, assessment, planning, resourcing, play, communication and language, each chapter clearly lays out the key concepts, ideas and strategies alongside examples of good practice. Encouraging a reflective approach, the book features: Checklists, diagrams, chapter objectives and summaries and suggestions for further reading Case studies to illustrate practice Reflective activities to develop critical thinking Challenging many assumptions and stereotypes about EAL learners, this invaluable text will support students and practitioners in meeting the individual needs of all the children in their care.

`A definite must-have for all teachers of English confronted with early multilingualism′ - Times Educational Supplement The activities and guidance in this book will help teachers to develop the confidence and meet the individual needs of young children with English as an additional language across different settings. There are also practical and varied language teaching strategies to promote learning for children working individually or in small groups. The first part of the book focuses on the introduction and development of oral language skills and the particular needs of young "additional English language learners" settling into a new environment. It provides an introduction to the Foundation Stage curriculum and the ways in which links can be made with English as an additional language activity. The second part of the book presents practical activities grouped under the six areas of learning forming the early years curriculum. Each activity includes an appropriate objective, materials and preparation, key vocabulary to focus on and extension suggestions, as well as full guidance on how to manage the activity effectively. The book will be a valuable resource for all teachers, teaching assistants and other early years staff in day nurseries, nursery schools and other early years settings. Kay Crosse is a freelance early years consultant and was formerly head of Norland College.

Drawing on the latest research into how young children learn, this book considers how early years practitioners can best meet the needs of children with English as an Additional Language. It examines the factors that influence children’s learning including parents and the family, the environment, health and well-being, curriculum, play and relationships and aims to challenge misconceptions, assumptions and stereotypes. Featuring case studies and reflective questions, the chapters explore a range of important topics including: Language learning for children with EAL The historical concept and modern reconceptualisation of EAL How to develop and use Culturally Appropriate Pedagogy Regulation and performativity and their implications for children with EAL Leading learning for children with EAL Meeting the Needs of Young Children with English as an Additional Language is essential reading for students and practitioners wanting to promote an inclusive culture where different languages, cultures and religions are accepted and celebrated.

Practical, engaging guide to helping early childhood educators understand and address the needs of English language learners.

"Teaching Dual Language Learners is a practical guide to help early childhood educators understand the needs of and provide instruction for young dual language learners in their classroom"--

Shortlisted for the Nasen Book that supports SEN and Disability Issues Award 2008 Are children who are exposed to more than one language from birth at an advantage or a disadvantage when starting school? Supporting Multilingual Learners in the Early Years examines the theoretical, ideological and practical issues involved in the education of children speaking two or more languages coming to settings which are predominantly monolingual. The book examines current research and thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of being multilingual and tackles complex topics such as: what being multilingual implies in terms of prior learning and why this matters in education the importance of respect for diversity and encouraging children to be proud of their language and culture practical ways to help young children acquire English ways of working with parents who themselves have little or no English the differences and difficulties involved in a child learning an additional language so early on in their lives strategies for exploring the learning of multilingual learners and a review of the resources and activities that could help. Sandra Smidt views multilingualism as a cognitive advantage and shows how Early Years practitioners can use interactive styles of learning to focus on the benefit that the many cultures and languages in the classroom can bring to children’s learning and development. Written in a highly accessible tone, this book offers practitioners a mix of practical case studies and examples in which theory is embedded and its importance explained. Students of early childhood education will also appreciate the author's carefully structured approach to the topic, as she includes summary boxes, glossaries and points for reflection in each chapter.

This book provides the main ingredients for professional development in working with young children in a diverse society. It fills the gap that most early years training neglects, that is, how to work with children in developing a positive disposition towards themselves regardless of their differences. By helping children to develop a strong self-identity and good self-esteem we set the foundations for positive attitudes towards others and towards learning. Practical advice, real examples and staff activities bring the book to life. The book provides clear evidence and practical guidance on how to develop young children's emerging language, especially those children who have English as an additional language, and how to generate, activate and assess curriculum for diversity. The book focuses on all children's learning for cultural diversity. Culture is used as a broad term to include language, ethnicity, social class and gender. Each chapter offers a clear combination of theory and practice and ends with excellent staff development activities and further readings. The book will be important reading for all students and practitioners working with young children.