16 May · Karen Nemeth · 3 Comments

Dual Language Learners in Early Childhood Education: A Federal Guidance Crosswalk

Twelve national reports and policy statements have been released over the past two years that provide recommendations for supporting dual language learners (DLLs) in early childhood. This crosswalk is designed to show how these recommendations can work together to support effective early childhood care and education. Column headings represent the components recommended by the various …

12 May · Karen Nemeth · No Comments

Resources for Supporting Diverse Infants and Toddlers in Connection with Early Childhood Language Development Standards

By Karen Nemeth May 11, 2017 Infants and toddlers thrive when all of their languages are supported. The diversity of those languages will continue to grow and present challenges to professionals who work with babies and their families. Some states are adopting early language development standards that begin at age 2 ½ years. How can …

30 Mar · Karen Nemeth · 2 Comments

Fast 5 Gamechangers: Yes, You CAN Support Any Home Language!

How many languages are spoken in your early childhood program? Most have 3 or more! New U.S. DOE and Head Start policies highlight the importance of supporting home languages and that can leave teachers feeling overwhelmed. How can you support so many different languages? We know you want to do what’s best for each …

2 Feb · Karen Nemeth · No Comments

Fast 5 Gamechangers for Using Bilingual Alphabets

We want all preschool children to start learning the alphabet. That’s not always easy when they come to preschool with different language backgrounds. It can be confusing for a Spanish speaker to see a picture of “una manzana” (Spanish word for apple) next to the letter A while the other kids are saying “aaah”. This multilingual …

improving early childhood with diversity

21 Dec · Karen Nemeth · No Comments

To Build a Cohesive, High-quality Early Childhood System, You Have to Address Linguistic Diversity!

by Karen Nemeth In a recent blog post from the Brookings Institution, authors Bassok, Magnuson, and Weiland1 review the shortcomings of the current early childhood care and education system and make recommendations for changes in the field… without ever once mentioning the role of growing language diversity. Apparently, that’s my job. So, please get …

12 Sep · Karen Nemeth · No Comments

Top Tips for Translating Materials for Preschool DLLs and Families

1. Say less!! Reach out to preschool DLLs and their families by paring down to the absolute minimum of messages and words needed to save money and time on translations.

5 Sep · Karen Nemeth · 4 Comments

Big Ideas for Finding Books for Preschool DLLs

Need help finding books for preschool DLLs to support the home languages and cultures of your children? In this post I give you quick tips and deeper resources to help you keep the learning going!

18 Jun · Karen Nemeth · 2 Comments

Fast 5 Gamechangers – Revolutionize Classroom Labels for DLLs!

Preschools have labels because they value ‘environmental print’. But… if no one reads the labels or talks about them, do they really help teach language and literacy?

18 May · Karen Nemeth · No Comments

Wait a Year to Assess Preschool DLLs with Disabilities? No! And Here’s Why

I was asked by a district whether it was a good idea to wait for a preschool dual language learner to spend a year in English-only kindergarten before screening or assessing him for possible speech/language services. Here’s my answer along with relevant resources. photo by Bigstock.com 1. Full English immersion is not the best approach …

24 Feb · Karen Nemeth · 2 Comments

The Importance of Being a Little More Inclusive

By Karen N. Nemeth How did you like the new book, The Importance of Being Little: What Preschoolers Really Need from Grownups, by Erika Christakis? It is so appealing that readers might not immediately realize what’s missing: there is no inclusion of diversity. This is not a book about all preschoolers – it is a …

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