Homework Help Forum: Early Child Ed.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at 6:53pm.

I have already posted these questions - but I still need more help to understand. Several stated (A) was the correct answer, but I am confused with this question. Please help me to understand,if you donot mind!! A normally developing child can learn two languages(English and the native language)simultaneously,provided that: A) simple language forms are matched to the child's immediate experiences. or B) both learning environments are responsive and consistent Here is what my text states: There are cognitive advantages to becoming proficient in more than one language.Perhaps the most important thing for the early childhood professional to understand is that for children learning a second language,it is much like learning a first language. The stages children go through are similar to the stages of learning their native language. Learning a second language is best accomplished within the context of interesting and meaningful activities when the language heard is simple,and matches what the child experiences at the time. In the early childhood classroom or daycare center children represent a wide variety of different stages of both first and second language acquisition. Some children are in the process of learning two languages simultaneously:their native language and English. Current evidence suggests that,for normally developing children, learning two languages is not more difficult than learning one if the learning environments are responsive and consistent. It is also the case,however,that if a child has difficulty learning the first language, he or she will have difficulty learning the second language. This also is true for preschool children who mastered their first language(typically by age three or four)and then must learn English as a second language. The ease with which children learn a second language is based to a great extent on the competence in their first language. A solid foundation of skill in the first language greatly assists learning a second language. Therefore, there is great variability among children in the early childhood setting. Many young children learn their native language and English simultaneously;other,somewhat older children--particularly if they have not attended early childhood programs previously--are learning English as a second language. The greater variability,however,may not result from the amount of exposure to and competence in English,but from the kind of communicative environments to which they are exposed,both at home and in the early childhood setting. As discussed previously,certain kinds of environments greatly facilitate the development of langage competence. wouldn't (B) both learning environments are responsive and consistent be the best answer?

• Early Child Ed. - Ms. Sue, Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at 7:31pm

  This is another question with two right answers. Your text seems to emphasize both A and B -- language matched to the child's experience AND learning environments that are responsive and consistent. I urge you to discuss with your teacher, if possible. If not, then you have to make your own decision.

  
  

• Does ayone else have an opinion on this question? - Anonymous, Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at 7:37pm

  I am thinking (B) is the best answer,but not sure,please give input.

  
  

• Early Child Ed. - Writeacher, Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at 8:06pm

  Nope, no further opinion. I agree with Ms. Sue! =)

  
  

• Early Child Ed. - bobpursley, Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at 8:13pm

  I think B is the best answer, because it is word for word from your text. However, A is a correct answer also. Discuss this with your teacher.

  
  

Answer this Question

First Name:
School Subject:
Answer: