How to support children's communication in bilingual or multiligual settings?

Question

i am doing my level 2 in childcare and im am stuck with the question

Answer 1

It is important that when you are speaking to a child, you continue to speak in the one language the entire time, not just add a few words here and there. If you are only fluent in English, you should only speak in English to the child.

As far as an activity for childcare goes, you could suggest teaching the children to count in another language, or have special themed days or weeks. e.g. Italian week, where the kids learn about the culture.  

Answer 2

1) Talk to parents about child's needs-how much English do they speak, how much do they understand? Just because a child has multiple languages doesnt mean they have difficulty with English-thats an assumption often made!

2) Get parent to write down some key phrases in the child's main language-this way you can understand the child at key times such as snack, toilet, home time etc.  This supports the child as they can access the main routine and also being understand will work towards preventing behavioural issues.

3) Have languages around the room-label boxes and main areas in multiple languges and types of texts (eg: symbols). This will support children as they begin to recognise symbols that belong to them, and also support other children learning about differnet cultures.

4) Have pictures alongside labels, put picturs on boxes, visual timetables and prompe around the room-eg near paints have picture of apron and then picture of a painting and then wash hands symbol. For children who have language barrier this will support them in being independent.

5) If you have numerous children with the same language have a language group-to reinforce the child's home language maybe a parent can come i once a week to read in their home language.

6) Get in touch with local support-if you work for education authority eg: you are funded then you should have a specialist advisor for multilingual children.

There's other suggestions such as:

-ensure child has a key person to have an immediate relationship with.

-spend time practising English through rhymes, games and general play....etc

I would advise buying the NVQ handbook from Waterstones or Amazon-it's really useful for questions like this.

Answer 3

Everything that bittersweet said, plus I have found it helps to use Makaton throughout with all children. Sign language supports many communication issues, and by using it with all children you are being inclusive.

Answer 4

you might like to look at the publication: Supporting children learning English as an additional language, guidance for practitioners in the Early years foundation stage. It is available to download on the d, s,f site of try teachernet.gov.

Secure and trusting relationships with a key person are vital to a child's development in all areas. Support in home languages is essential.

Language acquisition goes hand in hand with cognitive development with an inclusive curriculum as the context. Just some pointers to get you going.