It is well known that the number of non-English speakers is on the rise in the United States. What is less well known is that the largest proportion of this population is children under the age of 5. These young English language learners (ELLs) often demonstrate achievement gaps in basic math and reading skills when they start school. How best to educate this important and growing preschool population is a pressing concern for policymakers and practitioners. The chapters in this important book provide up-to-date syntheses of the research base for young ELLs on critical topics such as demographics, development of bilingualism, cognitive and neurological benefits of bilingualism, and family relationships, as well as classroom, assessment, and teacher-preparation practices. Contributors: Linda M. Espinosa, Margaret Freedson, Claudia Galindo, Fred Genesee, Donald J. Hernandez, José E. Náñez Sr., and Flora V. Rodríguez-Brown “This is a must-have for those who are working directly or indirectly with young English language learners.” —Olivia Saracho, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland

"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"--

Offers practical ways to support young dual language learners and their families. Addresses communicating, using technology, pairing children, and more.

As the population of English Language Learners (ELLs) continues to grow, there is increasing concern over the widening achievement gap between these students and their peers whose first language is English. Research shows that when preschool educators focus on ensuring that ELLs develop basic foundational skills in language and literacy, the potential for these students to succeed is optimized. It is therefore essential that educators working with these young learners make instructional decisions based on proven practices and solid research. This six-page laminated reference guide by Estee Lopez provides Pre-K teachers of ELLs with specific evidence-based strategies for promoting a strong language and literacy foundation. It focuses on the following six key elements: (1) Family engagement, (2) Oral language and literacy, (3) Cultural awareness, (4) Social & emotional growth, (5) Learning and cognitive skills, (6) Program models and strategies. Using the strategies and methods outlined in this guide, teachers will set the foundation for long-term success for young ELLs.

This book answers the question what do early childhood educators need to understand to better address the linguistic, cognitive, and socioemotional needs of all DLLs in their classrooms?

Enhance the school readiness of young dual language learners with this comprehensive research volume, filled with the baseline knowledge readers need to promote and measure the progress of children learning two languages.