Federal funding for this website ended in 2003, therefore few materials have been added since that time. Fortunately, there is continued interest in culturally and appropriate materials, curriculum, and programs. Because of this, we have allowed this site to remain as an archive. Please feel free to use this site, but recognize that it is no longer current.
Language is the Key
Talking and Play
Working Effectively in aMulticultural Environment
Working with Families
Session 1. Language is the Key: Talking and Books
USING PICTURE BOOKS TO BUILD LANGUAGE
Overview of Session
During this session participants view a videotape, Talking and Books and practice the three strategies to facilitate children's language during picture book time. In addition, early language and literacy development, and the role of picture book reading in enhancing language development is discussed.
Summary of the Videotape - Talking and Books
The videotape begins by illustrating the important role of language in everyday life and briefly describes how young children develop language. The role played by the adult in helping children learn language during picture book time is emphasized. The overarching teaching approach -- Follow the Child's Lead -- and three specific language facilitation strategies are presented.
Key Points
- Looking at picture books with an adult or older peer helps build language in young children.
- Children learn to talk from listening, making sounds and gestures.
- Children begin to say single words, then begin to put two or three words together to make simple sentences.
- Children look at and talk about pictures in books before they are interested in the printed words.
- Adults are like a bridge between a young child and the world. They help the child learn about the meaning of words.
- Using the CAR strategies with your child is a very effective way to improve children's language abilities.
Goals
- Participants will be prepared to use the three picture book strategies for building language production in young children.
- Participants will be prepared to use peer coaching techniques in order to practice the strategies with another participant.
- Participants will have introductory information about finding books with multicultural themes in the local public library.
- Participants will be able to select appropriate books for picture book language building activities.
Session 2. Language is the Key: Talking and Play
USING PLAY TO BUILD LANGUAGE
Overview of Session
During this session participants view the videotape Talking and Play and practice applying the same three language facilitation strategies in a new setting: play. In addition, the development and the role of play in enhancing language development is discussed.
Summary of the Videotape - Talking and Play
The videotape, Talking and Play, begins by illustrating the important role of language in everyday life and briefly describes how young children develop language. The role played by the adult in helping children learn language during play is emphasized. The overarching teaching approach -- Follow the Child's Lead -- and the three specific language facilitation strategies are presented.
Key Points
- Playing helps build language in young children: play and early language develop together.
- There are different types of play. Any object can be a toy.
- Adults are like a bridge between a young child and the world. They help the child learn about the meaning of words and how to use them.
Goals
- Participants will be prepared to use the three language facilitation strategies for building language production in young children.
- Participants will examine their use of picture book strategies and peer coaching techniques (Follow-up to Session 1).
- Participants will be able to select appropriate toys for language building activities during play.
Session 3. Language is the Key: Working Effectively in aMulticultural Environment
HOW CULTURE INFLUENCES BEHAVIOR AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Overview of Session
The primary focus of this session is cultural and linguistic diversity. Participants will be encouraged to reflect upon their own cultural values and beliefs and to discuss their personal experiences with cultural and linguistic diversity. Information will be provided on how culture influences behaviors and the development of language.
Key Points
- Knowing ourselves helps us understand others better. Developing self-awareness about our own cultural beliefs is an important step to developing a good relationship with children and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
- Avoid stereotypes. Each individual has a unique cultural experience based on the complex interaction of many factors. Therefore, there is tremendous diversity within specific cultural groups.
- Cultural and linguistic diversity are assets and should be supported.
Goals
- Participants will become aware of major issues related to working with children and families in a multicultural environment.
- Participants will have introductory information about the role of heritage language development in overall language development of children raised in a bilingual context.
- Participants will learn how to use interpreters effectively.
- Participants will examine their use of language facilitation strategies during picture book and playtime as well as peer coaching techniques.
Session 4. Language is the Key: Working with Families
TEACHING FAMILIES TO SUPPORT LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Overview of Session
This session prepares participants to train families in the use of the picture book and play language facilitation strategies. First, participants examine their roles as professionals and discuss ideas for building relationships with families. Then, information is provided on effective ways to conduct the parent training sessions.
Key Points
- Attitude is important. Treat family members with respect and as equal partners. Be willing to listen.
- Emphasize the important role families play in helping their child develop language.
- Be clear in the way you communicate, get feedback to make sure you have been understood, invite dialogue and interaction.
Goals
- Participants will develop awareness of issues related to family- professional relationships.
- Participants will identify strategies for building collaborative relationships with families.
- Participants will learn principles of effective communication.
- Participants will have basic information on training content and effective instructional methods to use with famililes.
Parent Session 1: Language is the Key: Talking and Books
USING PICTURE BOOKS TO BUILD LANGUAGE
Overview of Session
During this session parents view the videotape, Talking and Books. Then, they practice the three strategies to facilitate children's language during picture book time. In addition, early language and literacy development, and the role of picture book reading in enhancing language development is discussed.
Summary of the videotape - Talking and Books
The videotape begins by illustrating the important role of language in everyday life and briefly describes how young children develop language. The role played by the adult in helping children learn language during picture book time is emphasized. The overarching teaching approach -- Follow the Child's Lead -- and three specific language facilitation strategies are presented.
Key Points
- Three easy strategies can help your child with language:
- Comment and wait, Ask questions and wait, Respond by adding a little more
- And remember to follow the child's lead.
- Parents and family are their children's first and best teachers.
- Using picture books to help children with language is extremely effective and will help children succeed in school.
- It only takes 15 to 20 minutes a day to help your child.
- Parents can help children by teaching the language that is spoken in the home.
Goals
- Parents will be prepared to use the three picture book strategies for building language in young children.
- Parents will understand the importance of their role in their child's language development.
Parent Session 2: Language is the Key: Talking and Play
USING PLAY TO BUILD LANGUAGE
Overview of Session
During this session parents have the opportunity to ask questions and reflect on their use of play to build language. The three strategies are briefly reviewed. Then, parents view the videotape, Talking and Play.
Summary of the videotape - Talking and Play
The videotape begins by illustrating the important role of language in everyday life and briefly describes how young children develop language. The role played by the adult in helping children learn language during play is emphasized. The overarching teaching approach -- Follow the Child's Lead -- and the three specific language facilitation strategies are presented.
Key Points
- The three easy strategies learned during the last session are also effective during play time.
- Comment and wait, Ask questions and wait, Respond by adding a little more
- And remember to follow the child's lead.
- Children learn through play. This is their "work" time.
- The strategies can also be used in settings other than play time, — like waiting for the bus, taking a walk, doing chores, etc.
- You don't need expensive toys to use these strategies. Children can turn any household object into a toy.
Goals
- Parents will be prepared to use the three language building strategies in a play setting.
- Parents will understand the role of play in children's development.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign