Language First Learning Library

Course description: This presentation will provide insights on cultivating language-rich environments for children in any setting. Participants will acquire practical knowledge and techniques for integrating American Sign Language (ASL) and English in their interactions with children. They will learn how to leverage the benefits of a bilingual approach to enhance language development and communication skills in young learners. With an ASL/English bilingual approach, participants will gain valuable strategies for focused language stimulation, optimizing language development through purposeful interactions. 

Additionally, this presentation will discuss the selection of toys that promote language acquisition, discussing which ones offer the highest linguistic value. Participants will develop the ability to assess the linguistic value of toys and materials commonly used in early intervention settings. They will learn how to select and incorporate toys that offer optimal opportunities for language learning and expansion. Lastly, participants will learn evidence-based strategies to engage children in intentional and targeted language interactions, enabling them to effectively stimulate language development in various contexts. 

This presentation will also cover strategies for how to connect world knowledge with imaginative play, empowering children to forge meaningful associations between their lived experiences and language growth. It is tailored for early interventionists and early elementary-age students (K-2nd grade).

Agenda:

10 minutes: Introduction and importance of a language rich-environment

5 minutes: "Pre-test" journaling

10 minutes: Focused language stimulation with core words

10 minutes: Strategies for language exposure, such as parallel talk and repetition

5 minutes: Experiment: pick one toy from a list and write out possible words, phrases, or sentences you could use during play

20 minutes: Which toys are MORE language-rich than others?

15 minutes: Before children PLAY it they have to LIVE it

15 minutes: Building world knowledge at home, in the community, and in the classroom

15 minutes: Pick a toy from this list. How will you build world knowledge, identify target vocabulary with focused language stimulation, and incorporate play into the child's daily routine?

Learner outcomes:

Participants will be able to:

1. Apply the ASL/English bilingual approach in language-rich environments
2. Identify and evaluate language-rich toys and materials
3. Gain a comprehensive understanding of focused language stimulation techniques