Welcoming Dual Language Learners

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It's important for teachers to create a welcoming environment for children andÌýfamilies from all cultures and who speak different languages. Here are a few quickÌýtips to make great beginnings for young dual language learners (DLLs):
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Find out what languages will be spoken by children in your class and focus your classroom setup on what will most effectively support children who speak those languages.
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Stock bookshelves with bilingual and monolingual books in each ofÌýthe languages needed. Look for storybooks and nonfiction books thatÌýcome with CDs or books available as apps with sound to help youÌýlearn to pronounce words in each child's language. Wordless booksÌýare also great for multilingual classes.
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Ask families to send in photos of things that are meaningful to eachÌýchild, such as foods, celebrations, and family activities. Ask them toÌýhelp you label the images with words in both English and the homeÌýlanguage to give you lots to talk about with the children. Use theÌýpictures to make personalized posters, displays, and class booksÌýthat children can relate to.Ìý
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Add labels that reflect the represented languages. Ask families or volunteers to helpÌýwith the properÌýand the phonetic spelling. Labels don't build language and literacy unless you and the children really use them.Ìý
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Play music from different countries and in different languages. Ask families to send in their favorites toÌýbuild that home-school connection.Ìý
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Learn to say 10 to 20 key words in each child's home language to help them feelÌýwelcome, safe, andÌýcomfortable starting from their first day. Use an onlineÌýtranslation app like Google Translate or ask parents to record words for you to learn. TryÌýhello,Ìýmy name is, eat, drink, hurt, bathroom, your parents will be here soon, wash your hands, help, yes,ÌýandÌýnoÌýto start.Ìý
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Make a picture communication board to help all children communicate their needsÌýand feelings. PostÌýphotos of the children looking sad and happy, helping each other, cleaning up toys, going outside, solving a conflict, and participating in daily routines.Ìý
PhotographÌý© iStock
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