In a preschool class where the teachers speak only English and the majority of the children speak only Spanish, it is challenging to choose a topic that is interesting enough to engage all children in project work that supports language development. Luckily for the children, pizza is a delicious, familiar, and easily accessible topic to explore.…

Researchers widely recommend storybook reading for promoting the early language and literacy of young children. By listening to stories, children learn about written syntax and vocabulary and develop phonological awareness and concepts of print, all of which are closely linked to learning to read and write. Teachers usually know a read-aloud…

The authors offer concrete ideas for supporting dual language learners in early childhood classrooms and strategies for enhancing children's comprehension of the new language. Each author presents practical ideas based on personal experiences as educators of children whose home language is not English. To provide quality education for all…

Education qualification requirements for early childhood teachers are increasing in many types of federal, state, and community-based early childhood programs. The 2007 reauthorization of Head Start requires all teachers to have associate degrees and 50 percent to have earned a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education by the year 2013. At…

Lists frequently used words and phrases in English and Spanish along with Spanish pronunciation guides. (ED)

Advocates an approach to bilingual education based on vocabulary development and structure of the English language. Reviews methods that were tested and revised or discarded by the author over an 8-year period--including naturalistic, phonetic and programmed approaches--and describes in some detail the strategy found most effective. (BRT)

Describes benefits of involving Spanish-speaking families in early education and care programs. Identifies barriers to involvement, including communication difficulties, cultural characteristics, family structure, work schedules, and negative school experiences. Offers strategies to foster participation, including parent-teacher conferences,…

For Week of the Young Child, a Texas school offers a bilingual parent institute to nurture school-family relationships, demonstrate and build on school respect for home cultures, and foster community awareness of early childhood education. Families recognize the learning for children inherent in daily routines, learn teaching techniques, and feel…

Notes the challenges posed by cultural diversity in the United States. Presents a demographic assessment of factors relating to the schooling of culturally diverse populations, analysis of challenges associated with the growing number of language-minority students who are Hispanic, and conceptual and empirical perspectives precipitating a more…