Linguistically and Culturally Relevant Early Childhood Environments

This is adapted from an article that Cindy Hanson recently gave me. Thank you, Cindy!

complete article at Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center

Why reflect the language and culture of the children and families throughout the classroom environment?

• makes families feel welcome when they see their language included in written materials around the room
• social/emotional development is supported when children see items and images from their home included in school
• establishes a sense of belonging and connectedness to the school environment

What can I do in my classroom?

1. Label items in the classroom in the home language(s) of the children.
2. When you label items, color code the languages and keep the selected colors consistent throughout the classroom--AND THE CENTER.
3. If handwritten labels are used, use different colored markers when writing the words in each language.
4. Many programs choose to use typed labels so that once created, the document can be stored, shared amongst the classrooms and printed up whenever needed. With typed labels, words can either be printed up in the ink colors chosen for each respective language OR printed up in black and then pasted onto colored paper. ANYONE INTERESTED IN SPEARHEADING THIS? THE OFFICE CAN HELP WITH PRODUCING MATERIALS!!
   
5. Labeling should be done purposefully and with intention.
6. Be sure not to over-label the classroom to avoid over-stimulation and visual clutter.
7. Object labels can be rotated to maintain children's interest and engagement.
8. Display print materials in the home language(s) of the children. Post some song lyrics, poems, rhymes and other materials familiar to the children in their home language. Ask parents to save empty food containers with print in the languages represented in the classroom for the housekeeping area.
9. Provide books in the home language(s) of the children. Enlist parents to identify appropriate books (a great way to build community and respect the child's family as their first community!)
   
10. How about homemade books that parents can translate into other languages? (or our ABE students? who are right upstairs??)
11. Children who are dual language learners benefit greatly from visual cues that help them function in the classroom and know what to expect as they move through the day. Display photographs to accompany the daily schedule, classroom routines and other organizers you use in your classroom.
12. Can you play music in the children's home language? (again, a great way to involve parents, respect and build community)
13. Can you provide audio-stories in the children's home language(s)? Family members can be invited to record stories that can be shared in the classroom.
14. Include toys that reflect the diversity of the children in the classroom. (Can you ask parents what toys they played with? What toys from their culture they would like to see in your classroom?)
15. Incorporate materials throughout the classroom that would be similar to what children would see in their own homes.
16. Remember that each family is unique regardless of their ethnic background. Gather feedback from ALL families to help create your classroom environment!

I'm looking forward to hearing from some of you in helping to move these ideas forward!