Suppose that a preschool class has twelve students, among whom nine languages are spoken. If you were the teacher of this class, what would be your plan to help the children communicate with you and their classmates? What would you celebrate about this challenge?
Use lots of pictures. Play singing games like "The Hokey Pokey."
You'll find a lot of ideas in these sites.
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sugexp=ldymls&pq=gerund&xhr=t&q=preschool+esl&cp=12&pf=p&sclient=psy&source=hp&aq=0&aqi=&aql=&oq=preschool+es&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=2be2441b25e78025
If I were the teacher of this preschool class with such a diverse group of students, my plan to help them communicate with me and their classmates would involve a few strategies:
1. Visual Aids: I would create visual aids for common words and phrases, such as greetings, classroom instructions, and daily routines. This can help bridge the language gap and provide an effective way for the children to understand and participate.
2. Multilingual Support: Since there are nine different languages spoken among the students, I would try to learn a few basic phrases in each language. This would show my effort and dedication to understanding their backgrounds and making them feel valued and included.
3. Peer-to-Peer Learning: Encouraging peer-to-peer learning can be incredibly beneficial. Students who are more proficient in a particular language can assist their classmates in learning essential vocabulary and conversational skills. This promotes bonding, cooperation, and a sense of empowerment among the children.
4. Song and Movement: Music and movement can be a universal language that transcends spoken words. I would use songs, rhymes, and gestures to engage the children and create a joyful and interactive environment.
5. Cultural Celebrations: Rather than solely focusing on the challenge of language diversity, I would celebrate the rich cultural diversity within the class. I would organize special activities and events that highlight and appreciate each student's unique cultural background. This would promote a sense of pride, acceptance, and understanding among the children.
Challenges in a multicultural classroom can be seen as opportunities for growth, learning, and building an inclusive community. I would celebrate the following aspects of this challenge:
1. Increased Cultural Awareness: The diverse range of languages spoken by the students would give us the chance to explore different cultures and traditions. We could learn about various festivals, food, arts, and customs, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other's backgrounds.
2. Language Development: Being exposed to multiple languages can have positive effects on language development. The children would have the opportunity to pick up new words, phrases, and sentence structures, enhancing their linguistic abilities and flexibility in communication.
3. Empathy and Inclusion: Facing the challenge of diverse languages can strengthen empathy and promote inclusivity within the class. The students would learn to be patient, understanding, and supportive towards one another, regardless of the language barrier.
By implementing these strategies and embracing the opportunities that come with language diversity, we can create a nurturing and inclusive environment where all children feel heard, understood, and valued.