This book provides pre-service and practising teachers with an integrated approach to language and literacy learning in early childhood. Written by leading academics in the field, it explores how children learn to talk, play using language, become literate and make meaning - from birth through to the pre-school years. Emphasising the importance of imagination and the arts in language learning, this book addresses a wide range of contemporary issues, highlights the impact of diverse socioeconomic, language and cultural backgrounds on young children's language and literacy development, and shows how early childhood teachers can effectively partner with parents and caregivers to help children learn through and about language. Case studies, interviews, reflective questions, clear links to the Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian Curriculum, and a rich array of practical and creative activities for use in early childhood environments help students connect theory and current research to practice.

Professor M A K Halliday has been enriching the discipline of linguistics with his keen insights into the social semiotic phenomenon we call language. This ten-volume series presents his seminal works. This fourth volume contains sixteen papers that look at the development of early childhood language. They are presented in three parts.

Language Building Blocks is an accessible resource that familiarizes early childhood professionals with linguistics, the scientific study of language. Knowledge of linguistics will enable early childhood educators to successfully teach young children core competencies, ranging from phonemic awareness, reading and math, to health literacy and intercultural awareness. The text includes numerous real-life examples for diverse age groups and learning styles. The online Resource Guide provides hands-on activities and contributions by top scholars in the field. This resource shows teachers how to systematically empower and include all children. This teacher-friendly book: Provides an enhanced understanding of language and language acquisition, minimizing misdiagnoses of special needs.Makes language come alive for children and educators preparing for the Praxis Test.Demonstrates that children develop key skills when they can (dis)assemble language.Highlights approaches Dr. Seuss used to make reading fun for young readers.Offers innovative language and literacy observation and enhancement strategies, including multilingual math and literacy, language exploration, and play.Illustrates the value of observation, collaboration, and inquiry in early learning. “The great value of this resource is that it offers numerous 'bridging' reflections, strategies, and specific instructional interventions. It is a must for any educator that must understand the significant link between language and achievement in schooling contexts.” —From the Foreword by Eugene García “An extraordinarily informative, useful, and highly accessible tool for educators of young children of all language backgrounds. An excellent resource for teacher preparation and professional development.” —Dorothy S. Strickland, Samuel DeWitt Proctor Professor of Education, Emerita, Distinguished Research Fellow, National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey “Informativo! Educators must know how to break down language, how discourse mirrors culture, and how Spanish and other languages promote success in core content areas.” —Rossana Ramirez Boyd, President, National Association for Bilingual Education “A truly necessary guide to understanding language for early childhood teachers in today’s multicultural and multilingual world. Pandey clearly explains the fullness and potential of linguistic knowledge in teaching, honoring the role of the reflective teacher, and celebrating the uniqueness of young children and their languages worldwide.” —Debora B. Wisneski, University of Nebraska at Omaha, President, Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) Anita Pandey is professor of linguistics and coordinator of Professional Communication in the Department of English and Language Arts at Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland.

This concise, accessible book explores the connection between language acquisition and emergent literacy skills, and how this sets the stage for later literacy development. Chapters address formative early experiences such as speaking and listening, being read to, and talking about print concepts and the alphabet. Written for early childhood professionals, reading specialists, and speech–language pathologists, the book describes effective assessment and instructional approaches for fostering language learning and emergent literacy in typically developing children and those at risk for language delays. Vivid case examples illustrate specific ways to collaborate with parents to give all children a strong foundation for school readiness and success.

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

We now know much more about the process of language development in all children, and also much more about variations in the process due to multi-cultural and multi-linguistic backgrounds, and developmental anomalies. The book describes both the remarkable changes in language knowledge and use that occur from infancy through high school, and also the differences in the process due to variations in experience. What has been found to be good educational practice during each of these stages is discussed, emphasising that among other things, good practice involves awareness of, and planning for, diversity in the abilities of children.

"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"--