Working with Young English Language Learners
ages 3-8

Course format

Learners are provided with a course workbook and media on VHS tape or DVD. Using a computer to complete assignments is optional and not required.

Who should take this course?

• K-3 teachers
• Pre-K teachers
• Child care providers
• Head Start teachers
• ECE/ECSE students
• Classroom assistants

Credit

Course credit and fees are determined by each college/university partner.

Course description

This course combines the content of the three Starting Points courses. It teaches critical strategies for working with children from 3 to 8 years and is presented in three modules.

Module 1 highlights the feelings and concerns of teachers and demonstrates practices that can easily be overlooked and are essential to help children engage, participate and learn.

Module 2 teaches core communication strategies every educator needs to reach across the language barrier to support young English Language Learners in understanding new language and concepts.

Module 3 presents important stages of second language acquisition, shows how they affect language learning and demonstrates teaching practices that increase language comprehension for English Language Learners and all children.

Video demonstrations are a key component of this course. These video segments were captured documentary style in a variety of classrooms and care settings. Here are three sample video clips from each of the three modules in Working with Young English Language Learners: Starting Points 1, Starting Points 2, Starting Points 3.

Take a closer look at this course with these useful resources:

Learning Goals and Syllabus. (pdf)
Sample Workbook Learning Activity. (pdf)
Applicability of Course Content to Credential Requirements and Standards. (pdf)
Sample video clips for Starting Points 1, Starting Points 2, Starting Points 3. (Quicktime)