Exemplary Practices For Teaching Young Dual Language Learners

Abstract

One third of young children in the United States are Dual Language Learners (DLLs), or children who are learning more than one language in their early years (Child Trends, 2014). An increase in the DLL population and a changing sociopolitical context in early childhood education, including an expansion of services for diverse families, has led to a critical need for early childhood educators to understand how to best serve DLL children and their families (McCabe et al., 2013). Previous research has identified promising practices for teaching young DLLs (e.g. Castro, Espinosa, & Páez, 2011; Tabors, 2008), but additional investigations are needed to better understand and elaborate culturally and linguistically responsive approaches. In particular, more information is needed about how teachers support DLL children in English-dominant classroom contexts, and how practices may vary across different types of preschool programs. The present study investigated specific teaching practices for DLLs in six community-nominated exemplary preschool classrooms across three program types (Head Start, public Pre-K, and private university-affiliated preschool programs) in an urban area of Massachusetts. Grounded in theoretical orientations of knowledge-of-practice (Cochran-Smith & Lytle, 1999) and a critical ecology of the early childhood profession (Miller, Dalli & Urban, 2012), the aim of this qualitative multiple-case study was to learn from community-nominated exemplary teachers about their beliefs and practices for teaching young DLL children. Data collection sources included: interviews with teachers, program directors, and parents; classroom observations and videos; and classroom artifacts. Findings from the study demonstrate that exemplary teachers hold asset-oriented beliefs about bilingualism and diversity, viewing DLL children and families as knowledgeable resources to the community. With these beliefs as a foundation, teachers enact a wide repertoire of practices tailored for DLL children, including: fostering relationships and belonging through embedding home languages and cultural practices in the classroom; emphasizing guided play, co-constructed curriculum, and ongoing observational assessment; and focusing on scaffolding and teaching the English language. Implications for teachers, teacher educators, and policymakers are also discussed.