Teaching and learning approaches
A multilingual approach
Multilingual (including bilingual) learning in early years has cognitive as well as cultural advantages. It has been associated with enhanced awareness of linguistic structures, improved listening, problem solving and critical thinking skills, as well as improved memory, concentration and ability to multitask.
In early years, it is especially important that children’s home languages are valued alongside the language of teaching and learning (the ‘school language’). This reflects the significant role that home language has in developing a child’s sense of identity. It also reflects the need to be more flexible about the language accepted initially when a child enters your early years setting if the school language is less familiar than their home language.
To support multilingual learners in your setting, you should consider the following three areas:
- Developing your own multilingual mindset
- Supporting learning of key vocabulary
- How to evaluate achievements in communication and language
The video below gives further information about each of these areas:
You can find more guidance about developing an integrated language policy on the Cambridge International website at Cambridge principles into practice - languages guide for schools.