Supporting Identity, Diversity and Language in the Early Years

by Siraj-Blatchford, Iram; Clarke, Priscilla

• ISBN13: 9780335204342
• ISBN10: 0335204341
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-06-01
• Publisher: Open University Press

Summary

This book provides the main ingredients for professional development in working with young children in a diverse society. It fills the gap that most early years training neglects, that is, how to work with children in developing a positive disposition towards themselves regardless of their differences. By helping children to develop a strong self-identity and good self-esteem we set the foundations for positive attitudes towards others and towards learning. Practical advice, real examples and staff activities bring the book to life. The book provides clear evidence and practical guidance on how to develop young children's emerging language, especially those children who have English as an additional language, and how to generate, activate and assess curriculum for diversity. The book focuses on all children's learning for cultural diversity. Culture is used as a broad term to include language, ethnicity, social class and gender. Each chapter offers a clear combination of theory and practice and ends with excellent staff development activities and further readings. The book will be important reading for all students and practitioners working with young children.

Author Biography

Iram Siraj-Blatchford is Professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of London, Institute of Education. Her research interests include quality and equality in the learning experiences of young children.

Dr Priscilla Clarke is the Director of the Free Kindergarten Association, Melbourne, Australia, an early childhood organization specializing in consultancy and resources for multilingual and culturally diverse early childhood settings.

Both authors have over 20 years experience in lecturing, researching and publishing in the areas of learning, equity, diversity and language.

Table of Contents

Series editors' preface	vii
Acknowledgements	x
Identity, self-esteem and learning	1	(18)
The complexity of identity	3	(4)
Dual heritage children's identity	7	(1)
Identity and achievement	7	(2)
Diversity, equity and learning	9	(3)
Promoting positive self-esteem	12	(2)
Working towards effective practice	14	(5)
Language acquisition and diversity	19	(23)
Language acquisition	20	(3)
The importance of interaction	23	(1)
Language and thought	23	(2)
Social competence	25	(1)
Children under 3 years	25	(3)
Bilingualism	28	(1)
Learning in two languages	29	(3)
Maintaining the first language	32	(1)
Optimum time for introducing the second language	33	(3)
What is a bilingual programme?	36	(1)
Working with bilingual staff	37	(2)
Staff checklist	39	(3)
Learning English as an additional language	42	(24)
First and second language development in babies and toddlers	43	(1)
Second language acquisition in 3--6-years-old	44	(12)
Principles of supporting bilingual children	56	(3)
Supporting learners in the early days of nursery and school	59	(4)
Staff/carers' checklist	63	(3)
Diversity and the curriculum	66	(24)
Introduction	67	(3)
Curriculum for children under 3 years	70	(3)
Curriculum for children from 3 to 6 years	73	(1)
Encouraging interaction and involvement	74	(2)
Learning through play	76	(9)
Ensuring the curriculum supports diversity	85	(3)
Staff checklist	88	(2)
Parents as partners	90	(19)
Cross-cultural childrearing	91	(2)
Home culture and language	93	(1)
Entering a new world: the early childhood setting	94	(1)
How can we offer support?	95	(3)
Parents and parent involvement	98	(2)
Parents' preconceived views of education	100	(1)
Parent involvement in children's learning	101	(3)
Strategies for improving parent involvement	104	(1)
Improving ethos	104	(3)
Strategies for improving learning through partnership	107	(2)
Planning and evaluating for equity and diversity	109	(13)
Assessing and planning for learning	110	(2)
Assessing bilingual children	112	(5)
Assessing diversity in the curriculum	117	(5)
Resources	122	(10)
Choosing story books	123	(1)
Posters, puzzles and toys	124	(1)
Useful organizations in the United Kingdom	124	(2)
Useful organizations in Australia	126	(1)
Suppliers of resources supporting diversity	126	(3)
Resources for music	129	(1)
Useful journals and publications	129	(1)
Videos	130	(2)
References	132	(8)
Index	140