Basics of Supporting Dual Language Learners

This book is designed to help all early childhood educators learn the basics of developmentally appropriate teaching practices for young children who are dual language learners. It covers key points about first and second language development, discusses the importance of supporting the home language, and describes how programs and schools can prepare for a diverse group of children. It is a useful introduction for administrators, monolingual and bilingual teachers and assistants, and social and family workers.

Whether you are an experienced early childhood educator or new to the field, this volume provides relevant information that will enable you to meet the needs of young dual language learners with success.

Karen N. Nemeth, Ed.M., is an author, consultant, and presenter who focuses on first and second language development in young children. She works with individual early childhood programs and districts on improving their supports for dual language learners. She has written for Young Children, Teaching Young Children, and Child Care Information Exchange and is an NAEYC Consulting Editor. She is also on the board of NJTESOL-NJBE (New Jersey Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages/New Jersey Bilingual Educators). Nemeth is the author of Many Languages, One Classroom: Teaching Dual and English Language Learners and Many Languages, Building Connections: Supporting Infants and Toddlers Who Are Dual Language Learners. She hosts a resource sharing website at www.languagecastle.com.