Here are a number of strategies that teachers can incorporate into daily routines to support children as they walk through the flow of the day.
- Be sure to keeps the routine is as consistent as possible.
- Incorporate key words from the child’s home language into the prompts you give during transitions and daily routines.
- Use daily routines to teach new and common English vocabulary words. Because routines are practiced each day, children will have repeated exposure to these new words and concepts.
- Post a picture schedule of the events of the day. Refer to it often, pointing out what is happening next. Add home language words to the picture schedule, especially if children are able to read.
- Give one step directions, using familiar words and gestures, during daily routines. As children learn the routine and develop new language skills, move on to two step directions.
- Allow time for children to process requests and instructions during transitions and daily routines.
- Work one-on-one with children to model the steps of different routines of the day.
- Illustrate the classroom expectations and incorporate words associated with the expected behaviors along with the images.
- Engage in conversations with children during meals and snacks. Hold conversations that are appropriate with the language skills that the child has demonstrated.
Again, you may have noticed that these strategies are not that different from the strategies recommended for use with children who are new to the environment.
For the main article, Supporting Dual Language Learners in Early Learning Environments, CLICK HERE
For the article, General Strategies for Supporting Dual Language Learners, CLICK HERE
For the article, Supporting Dual Language Learners During Daily Routines, CLICK HERE
For the article, Director’s Corner – Preparing to Support Dual Language Learners and Their Families, CLICK HERE
