Early Edge California provides virtual tools for teachers of students growing up between two languages.
Using gestures in teaching is essential.
Photo:
Early Edge California / Courtesy
Distance education has become the bread of every day in California homes after schools close the rest of the school year in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19; For that reason, Early Edge California is offering seminars to assist teachers with tools to facilitate bilingual learning.
Through a digital platform, he brought together Dr. Carola Oliva-Olson, professor and researcher at California State University and an expert in bilingual learning, and Anna Arámbula, lead instructor at California State University, Channel Islands, Learning Project of languages, so that they could share techniques to enrich children's learning in Spanish.
"What we do is advocate for young children's programs, one of the areas that is our priority is bilingual children and we have been fighting to obtain funds to train teachers on how to work with these children," explained the Executive Director of Early Edge California, Patricia Lozano. "So that's why we think that teachers who are at home or working with children of essential workers, must be needing tools on how to work remotely, that's why we created this initiative."
During the seminar called "Distance learning: how to read stories with preschool children", the experts shared techniques to keep the little ones entertained and ensure that they have a successful bilingual education.
"These strategies were created with a panel of experts and what we wanted to do was bring a model that would help teachers to meet the needs of children who are learning a second language," explained Oliva-Olson.
Using Personalized Oral Language Learning Strategies (POLLs), three ideas emerged to use with young students to keep them attentive and for them to develop their language: Extend vocabulary related to emotions, teach and use gestures, and arouse interest and curiosity.
'' Today more than ever our families need emotional support to promote health and well-being, the virus crisis has caused a lot of anxiety, worry and stress to children and families, so the suggestions we provide are important in these moments, ”said Arámbula.
Lozano assured that this is just a sample of all the support and tools that teachers need, whom he described as one of the most important work forces.
“This is a new reality and teachers are an essential part of our society right now, like many other workers, and they need tools because nobody was prepared to teach at a distance, teaching at a distance is difficult because nothing replaces interaction in person; And they need a lot of support, so we're giving them those techniques they need, and we're all learning together, ”added the director of Early Edge California.
To learn more about Early Edga California: https: // earlyedgecalifornia.org
