Language, Culture and Identity in the Early Years

In this engaging guide, the authors identify and disseminate good practice relating to language, culture and identity. They explore how children from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds are supported through a number of pedagogical practices which are based on knowledge and understanding of the social and emotional development of young children. Topics covered include: Perspectives on personal, social and emotional development Maintaining home languages in early years settings Supporting communication and oracy Developing strategies for parental involvement Essential reading for those working with young children from a diverse range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Introduction \ 1. The Early Years Foundation Stage: Historical Context and Recent Developments \ 2. Minority Education in Britain \ 3. Perspectives on Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Setting the Context \ 4. Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Exploring Language, Culture and Identity \ 5. Multilingualism: Key Issues and Debates \ 6. First and Subsequent Language Acquisition: Key Issues and Debates \ 7. Home Languages and Supporting the Development of Purposeful Talk \ 8. Supporting Children's Language Development: The Role of Parents, Carers and Other Adults \ 9. The Development of Communication and Oracy \ 10. Making the Transition to Primary Classes \ 11. Conclusions and Recommendations \ References \ Index