Many Languages, One Classroom: Teaching Dual and English Language Learners »

Karen Nemeth earned her BA in Psychology from William Paterson University and her M.Ed. in Learning, Cognition and Development from Rutgers University. She has been a teacher and a teacher educator for more than 25 years, and has presented at national, state, and local conferences on topics related to first and second language development. She is on the executive board

Open the door to literacy and learning for young dual language learners.

Children's Literature

There is hardly a classroom or school in this country, no matter how remote, that has not had some experience with children whose primary language is one other than English. This excellent guide to adapting a preschool program to meet the needs of dual or English language learners has valuable information for teachers who are often unprepared for the situation. The foreword and introduction prepares readers by explaining the trends, professionally, in the approaches to teaching second language learners, the most important being the value to English speakers of being exposed to bilingualism. The importance of getting all parents, not just those with second language learners, involved is stressed. Organized into nine main interest areas or centers, each chapter of the book lists materials and supplies needed, activity enhancements for different group sizes, sample activities, links to preschool education standards, parents and family connections, technology tips, and topics for reflection. Professionally, it is what preschool teachers do daily but with a focus on a classroom of multiple languages. There are plenty of suggestions that even elementary teachers would find helpful in raising their awareness and skills to increase learning for all. Online resources and an index are included. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger, Ph.D.