Researchers names and theories in early years (language acquisition). Please help!?

Question

I am doing a course in early years and need someone to point me in the direction of some theories to back up reasons for an activity.

I'm working on an activity tailored for a child (29 months) with english as a second language with a recent emergance of language.

I have planned for a singing activity and a heuristic activity. I need some help on any theories or research focusing on language acquisition and any of the following:

1. Makaton (focusing on pre/positional language)

2. Action songs

3. Repetitive play (to a certain extent schemas but I don't need help with that)

4. Social communication

5. Songs and rhythm supporting sounds and words

I don't want the answer just enough to get me started. A name really is all I need. Especially with number 2 and 5 as I feel I'm looking for a needle in a haystack!

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Vygotsky (1978) is your theorist about social learning. He suggested that all learning takes place in a social context, if I remember rightly, and that children learn from other more skilled and experienced adults and children.

I'm not sure where you would get much help on Makaton - maybe just google it, I've got a vague memory that it was started by an American family, so there might be some more info on wykipedia. you might get some theory about action songs from Tina Bruce, Jennie Lindon or Margaret Carr. All would have lots on the importance of communication and songs and rhythm etc. Just look at the index of their books and I'm sure you'll find something useful.

Hope this helps, good luck with it.

Answer 2

Stephen Krashen

Answer 3

Piaget

Answer 4

Froebel, Friedrich

Issac, Susan

Maybe Bruner, Jerome

Malaguzzi, Loris

Sheridan, Mary

If you are looking into Speech and Language try contacting local support such as:

Speech and Language Therapist

Child Development Centre

Area SENCO

Support advisor for children with English as Additional Language

County Council

They may have some more theories and research.

Good Luck! I've worked with children 2.6 to 5 with English as additional Language and although rewarding is trying at times! x