December 16, 2013

Special thanks to Tammy Dann for her work on the NNELL board as Early Language Learning Advocate. Tammy has been steadfast in her efforts to deliver information that is timely and of interest to our members. Tammy, we appreciate all that you have done for NNELL and we look forward to working with you as membership secretary!

Rita Oleksak, NNELL President

Languages in the News

Bilingualism in Young Children: Separating Fact from Fiction

This piece by Lauren Lowry, a speech-language pathologist, outlines the benefits and processes of bilingualism. Lowry begins with statistics indicating that an increasing number of children speak a language other than English at home (21% in the United States), and that worldwide there are more second language speakers of English than native speakers. Lowry reminds the reader of the cognitive benefits of language learning, including increased problem solving skills, better ability to focus attention, and reduced onset of dementia.

Lowry discusses the differences between simultaneous and sequential language acquisition. When a child is exposed to two languages simultaneously from birth or before the age of three, the child is able to differentiate the two languages and is able to switch languages according to the conversation partner. If a child learns another language after the first is established, sequential language acquisition occurs. In this case, the child will most likely experience stages of language acquisition that include initially relying on the first language, a silent period, use of short or imitative sentences, and then creative language use. Lowry dispels six myths about second language acquisition with these assertions that are based on research:

1. Bilingualism does not cause language delays.

2. Code-switching is natural and should be expected.

3. Most bilinguals have a dominant language that they are more proficient in than the other.

4. While younger children seem to become more “native-like” in the long-term, older children may pick up vocabulary, grammar, and academic language more easily in the initial stages of language learning.

5. Parents should not worry if they both speak their native language to the child or if they mix languages with their child.

6. Children who have a strong foundation in their home language more easily learn a second language. Children are also at great risk of losing their home language if it is not supported continually at home.
   

Second-Language Learning

In an effort to refocus attention on the value of second language learning, this District Administration article summarizes the varied benefits of second language learning using many research-based references which illustrate the proven positive results. The benefits touch on both cognitive achievement (improved overall academic performance and conceptual learning) and social factors such as increased college and career readiness. The article also highlights current instructional practices that include targeted use of technology and innovative lesson planning to maximize the benefits for young students in particular. A final note in the article compares language-learning programs in the US to those in Europe, showing that the US lags significantly in making language learning a part of 'everyday' education. This is a good article to use for advocacy because nearly all of the research cited is from the last decade.

Tips and Tools

Websites

Salsa

Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) presents this colorful, fun cartoon series for Spanish Early Language learners. The videos offer full immersion songs, plays, grammar exercises, similar to a Spanish version of Sesame Street. Each episode is just under 15 minutes, and also provides a pdf of the transcript as well as an activity to go along with it.

Vocaroo

Vocaroo is a free resource that can be used to send short recordings. Users need access to computers with a microphone and email. A piece can be recorded and rerecorded before being sent.

BBC’S Primary Languages: French

This web site is for early learners of French who can already read. Vocabulary units are: Sounds, Numbers, All About Me, Families, My Calendar, Food and Drink, School Day, Things to Do, and Our World. Visitors to the site will find songs, photos, games and videos to reinforcement the vocabulary. Related Links connect learners to other web sites. This BBC website is a tool for additional practice outside of the classroom for children, or for parents who want to learn along with their children.

Apps for iPads, iPods and iPhones

Spanish Vocabulary Trip

This free app is best for younger learners beginning Spanish. The colors train is free and many other vocabulary packs are available to purchase. During the training, match the colors to the train as the word is said aloud. The challenge is a little more difficult by having to match the colors without any help. Students will enjoy the fun sounds and animation.

eBookBox

This app reads the story of The Little Red Hen in French, Spanish or Chinese with accompanying illustrations. Once the story begins, the app will remember where the story was stopped. Tap "listen" for the narrator to repeat a text. Touch "English" and the story will change to English.

Click here to see the English app in iTunes.
Click here to see the Spanish app in iTunes.
Click here to see the French app in iTunes.

This issue of Newsworthy was compiled by Tammy Dann. Send any comments, questions or information for future issues to her at tdann@nnell.org

Thank you to Heather Hendry, Zhihong Li, Shanon Shreffler, and Andrea Suarez for providing the links and to Amy Murphy and Alice Charkes for providing the apps used in this issue.

Thank you to Amy Murphy, Kennedy Schultz, Sally Hood and Zhihong Li for their work writing summaries.