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The importance of learning a second language in early education

January 8, 2024
123
  • Who are DLLs: Dual Language Learners (DLLs) are children ages birth to 5 years who are learning two (or more) languages ​​at the same time, or are learning a second language while They continue to develop their first language (or mother tongue).
  • Who are ELLs: An English language learner (ELL) is anyone who does not speak English fluently or is still learning English.

Nowadays, we can have the learning of a second language through different early education institutions, schools, Head Start programs, and daycare programs. Many parents consider the acquisition of a language other than their native language as essential for their children’s future personal and professional opportunities.

It is important for families to know the opportunities and Policies for children of Dual Language. There is a demographic trend of large increases in the number of dual language children (DLLs). However, Hispanic and Hispanic DLL children lag behind their White peers in preschool access and achievement. “Research shows that high-quality preschool can reduce these gaps even before you enter kindergarten.”

Some of the benefits that children have when learning a second language are more memory, creativity, understanding and tolerance:

  • Faster and more natural learning
  • Learning as fun
  • Greater fluency: learning not translating

Cognitive Benefits:

  • Memory stimulation
  • Greater multitasking capacity
  • Stimulation of creativity

How DLLs and ELLs benefit each other:

Dual language immersion programs facilitate biliteracy – the ability to speak, listen, read, and write fluently in two languages. A mix of students allows them to learn from each other and help each other. This intergenerational interaction fosters a sense of responsibility and empathy in older children, while younger children gain valuable role models and support from their peers. Children of different age groups can benefit from each other in various ways. Younger children often admire and imitate their older peers, which can inspire them to develop new skills and behaviors. Older children can reinforce their own knowledge and skills by explaining concepts.

Students build strong social connections and cultural awareness.

Differences in learning styles, developmental stages, and individual needs among children have important implications for teachers who work with them.

Teachers must adapt their instructional methods to accommodate these variations and ensure effective learning experiences for all students.

Courtesy of Precious Moment Child Care

References: Weisenfeld, G. G., Kasmin, R., DiCrecchio, N., & Horowitz, M. (2018). The State of Preschool 2017: State Preschool Yearbook.

(preschool policy facts, 2017)

in RESOURCES

The benefits of play for children

January 8, 2024
96

HOW DOES PLAY HELP CHILDREN GROW?

Play helps children grow and change in four ways:

  • physically
  • mentally
  • socially
  • emotionally

PLAY AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT When children play, they learn to use their muscles. Gross motor play involves large muscles. Fine motor play involves the use of smaller muscles.

  • Large muscles like those in the arms and legs get stronger and work better as children run, jump, and climb.
  • The small muscles of the fingers and toes become more controlled.
    • Babies hold on with all their hands.
    • 4-year-olds can easily pick up small pieces.

Balance ability comes with practicing walking along curbs, climbing trees and monkey bars, and playing hopscotch. When parts of the body work together so that the entire body moves smoothly and performs a task, this is called coordination. Children have a lot of energy. They need plenty of opportunities to play physically to burn off energy, then they sleep and eat better, so they will continue to grow. At all ages, motor coordination capacity depends on how much physical activity children do daily.

Music and movement

Music and the emotional and social development of the child

Including music in children’s activities helps children’s development which unites the two hemispheres of the brain. Music and emotions develop in the limbic system. Music provokes all types of feelings and emotions, being a tool that allows children to understand and express what they feel and at the same time strengthens bonds of trust. Music and its importance in the development of children’s body expression.

Body movement is closely linked to the world of sounds. Music stimulates the senses and balance, strengthening children’s muscles. When dancing they adapt their own movements and rhythms, acquiring greater coordination and spatial sense.

in RESOURCES

Why is Good Nutrition Important for Our Children?

January 8, 2024
119

Food is decisive for proper functioning of the body, good growth, optimal learning capacity and the prevention of diseases.

The effects of malnutrition in early childhood can be devastating and long-lasting. A healthy and balanced diet is essential for children’s health.

A varied and healthy diet always goes hand in hand with physical activity. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children do 1 hour a day of some type of activity. Schools and childcare centers such as group and home daycare centers have activities in their curriculum where children have different physical activities.

It is important that parents share some activity during the time that their children are away from school or from their childcare providers, whether it is riding a bicycle, playing in the park, skating, swimming, dancing or soccer.

It is important to include foods that provide energy and everything necessary that a healthy child needs: foods with energy, carbohydrates, fats and protein. We must avoid juices, soft drinks, chocolates and candies or fried foods and greasy foods.

Serve foods by sizes and portions for different ages. Nutrition for children is based on the same ideas as nutrition for adults. We all need the same types of elements, such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and fat. All of them together are called nutrients.

Children need different amounts of specific nutrients depending on their ages:

For 2 year old children:

  • Green group: vegetables and fruits combine 2 food groups ¼ cup
  • Yellow group: combine 4 groups of food of ½ ounce
  • Blue group: Dairy ½ cup
  • Orange group: 1 ounce

For children 3-4 years old:

  • Green group: vegetables and fruits combine 2 food groups ½ cup
  • Yellow group: combine 4 food group of ½ ounce
  • Blue group: Dairy ½ – ¾ cup
  • Orange group: 1 ½ cup

For children 5-8 years old:

  • Green group: vegetables and fruits combine 2 food groups ¾ cup
  • Yellow group: combine 4 food groups of 1 ounce
  • Blue Group: Dairy 1 cup
  • Orange group: 2 ounces

Courtesy of Precious Moment Child Care

Reference: https://www.mayoclinic.org/

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