Early Literacy Development and Instruction for Dual Language Learners in Early Childhood Education

Research in bilingual education points to critical characteristics of quality early childhood programs for dual language learners that include their home language and culture, fully engage their families as educational partners, and implement linguistically and culturally responsive approaches.

This paper offers a comprehensive research-based approach to early literacy instruction for dual language learners that is linguistically and culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate. Given the unparalleled role that early childhood education plays in building early language and literacy skills for all young children, adopting pedagogical approaches grounded in biliteracy and second language acquisition is imperative for dual language learners’ school success. Research in bilingual education points to critical characteristics of quality early childhood programs for dual language learners that include their home language and culture, fully engage their families as educational partners, and implement linguistically and culturally responsive approaches.

READ: Early Literacy Development and Instruction for Dual Language Learners in Early Childhood Education

Written by Socorro G. Herrera, Ed.D., Martha I. Martinez, Ph.D., Laurie Olsen, Ph.D., and Sonia Soltero, Ph.D. National Committee for Effective Literacy for Emergent Bilingual Students