Chances are, many of you have a child who is a dual language learner (DLL) in your class. In 2004, 19 percent of the school-age population in the United States spoke a home language other than English. By 2030, dual language learners are expected to comprise 40 percent of the school-age population. Therefore, teachers need to be prepared to provide quality education for this growing population. For teachers of dual language learners, the challanges involve not only preparing the environment but also interacting and accurately assessing those children's development and learning.

This article offers strategies and concrete ideas for supporting young dual language learners (DLL) in early childhood classrooms. It is organized into three sections, with the largest section written by a practicing teacher. Full text» [PDF, 736KB]