Celebree of Franklin Cool Springs prides itself on creating an excellent parent-teacher-child experience. We strive to support all families, and one of the ways we can best support our community families is by supporting dual language learners. Not only has our admin team taken training to support households where multiple languages are spoken, but our teachers are taking training as well. With language being one of our primary forms of connection, the importance of supporting a family in all languages continues to grow.
What is a Dual Language Learner?
While most of us have heard the phrase “English as a second language”, for children under the age of five, they are described as dual language learners, since their brains are still developing. The Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center has conducted research showing that children benefit immensely from learning two languages simultaneously. They can develop their flexible thinking skills as they mix and match language skills. They also show improved vocabulary skills since they are developing two languages at one time. There is also an important social-emotional component, as using their home language helps them develop a sense of identity and connects them to their culture and community.
Connection and Communication
At Celebree School of Franklin Cool Springs, we believe connection is at the heart of every child-teacher interaction. We utilize visual schedules in our classroom, create connection routines that do not require words, and know that so often taking time to take a deep breath and smile can change everything. As a dual language learner takes their first steps into a new school, they may feel isolated. Some may only know a few words in their second language or may feel overwhelmed by the amount of second language they’re being exposed to. But with a smile and a toolbox full of nonverbal communication skills, our teachers are ready to meet children where they are and build a foundation from which we can grow language.
Inclusive Classrooms
Dual language learners thrive when they are exposed to both their home language and their secondary language. We want to make sure we are integrating language into as many aspects of our classroom as we can. Whether it’s picture labels that include both languages on them, working with parents to create a phonics guide for our teachers to use key words, or utilizing our lesson planning to support language growth, we want to make a space where children feel comfortable. Research shows that by supporting a child in both languages, they not only pick up on a second language faster, but they can also emotionally regulate better because they feel safe and seen. This also allows all children in a classroom to learn about other cultures and languages firsthand, giving them their first exposure to a world larger than their community.
Learning in Every Language
Regardless of language, every child deserves to feel protected, educated, and nurtured in a school environment. They also deserve to feel represented. Celebree School strives to make every family that walks through our door feel valued for what makes their family special. Supporting our families who are dual language learners is just an extension of the promise we make to each family who walks through our door, to provide an exceptional experience and foster a solid foundation for lifelong success. That includes our commitment to training our staff to support dual language learners and providing a classroom environment that helps foster connections, no matter the language being spoken.
