English Language Learner
A child who is an English language learner (ELL) requires a positive, supportive, and secure environment in order to learn the second language (Gunning, 2013, p. 35). If the child feels a strong support system, he/she will have the confidence to attempt and work on their English skills (Gunning, 2013, p. 13). Educators must “know about and understand diverse family and community characteristics,” which is NAEYC’s standard 2a. Acquiring knowledge on diverse characteristics that families exhibit will allow the educator to be more understanding, have background knowledge, and learn of ways to effectively communicate and assist the child and their families. In the preschool one classroom the children are being constantly exposed to new words. The children are able to grasp the new words orally, but are
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I work at the Family Resource Center, which is highly diverse in students, staff, and families. Creating a relationship with the children is crucial because if the child does not feel connected to their educator their desire and interest will be lacking. I am fortunate enough to be bilingual, which has been extremely helpful in my workplace. There was a time when I stepped into a classroom and there was a five-year-old boy. The girls working told me that he did not speak English and his dominant language was Spanish. I began speaking to him in Spanish and his eyes widened and he began having a conversation with me. In no time he was picking toys out and creating a game, which he allowed me to be a part off. He did not stop speaking and we played until it was time to go. Just by being able to communicate positively with this boy I was able to show him that I understood him, supported his language, and I became his buddy for the day, which according to Gundy can be extremely helpful (Gunning, 2013, p.
I work at the Family Resource Center, which is highly diverse in students, staff, and families. Creating a relationship with the children is crucial because if the child does not feel connected to their educator their desire and interest will be lacking. I am fortunate enough to be bilingual, which has been extremely helpful in my workplace. There was a time when I stepped into a classroom and there was a five-year-old boy. The girls working told me that he did not speak English and his dominant language was Spanish. I began speaking to him in Spanish and his eyes widened and he began having a conversation with me. In no time he was picking toys out and creating a game, which he allowed me to be a part off. He did not stop speaking and we played until it was time to go. Just by being able to communicate positively with this boy I was able to show him that I understood him, supported his language, and I became his buddy for the day, which according to Gundy can be extremely helpful (Gunning, 2013, p.