Summer Learning Day for Preschool DLLs
June 20, 2014Fast 5 Gamechangers that REALLY Get Parents of DLLs to Engage!
September 15, 2014by Karen N. Nemeth
photo by Bigstock.com
You know what they say – “First impressions are lasting impressions.” What happens on the first day or two of preK can set the tone for a young DLL’s entire year! These FAST 5 Gamechangers will make sure each child gets the best possible start – paving the way to a great year for you and your students!
1. Get to know the languages that are spoken in each child’s home. Even if they speak English, a preschool child’s home language must be supported to build on their whole set of prior knowledge. Paper home language surveys may not get the whole story. Preschools that let teachers know exactly what languages are familiar to the children before their first day are likely to be more successful with diverse populations.
2. Multilingual families tell us those “welcome” signs in many languages don’t really help them feel confident at a new school because they don’t provide any needed information. Instead, create some videos showing daily routines at your school, post them on your website, and make the links available to all families. They can view with their child and explain (in the home language) what to expect. Or – make a digital copy of your family handbook available so readers can view translations online, then display the link or QR code with a message about “Click here for answers to your questions about out school”.
3. Take a photo of each child having fun on the first day and share with their family – by text or email if possible – so parents who don’t speak English can relax and know their child is safe and happy at preschool.
4. Make languages and cultures visible from day one. Put out any books, CDs, games, or displays you have that represent the languages and cultures of the children in your class.
5. Get help fast from your local library! Once you know what languages to expect in your classroom on the first day, you can ask the librarian to help you get books, music and other resources in the languages you need so they can be there to welcome all of the children and create an environment of respect, diversity, equity, and learning for all!
1 Comment
I think that acknowledging all languages in the classroom from day one is a great idea. Children love to hear a word in different languages and know what it means. I always do something similar and it helped many children who are shy to want to share about the language they speak at home.