Observing and Interacting With Proessionals, Children, and Families in an Early Childhood Setting Advocating for Bilingual Education

Name: Katrina Bell

Date: February 22, 2013

Name of Program/Setting: Mary Bert Gutman Early Learning Center

Who I spoke with: Ms. R. and the G. Family

What I learned about … Advocating for Bilingual Education

Two insights, experiences, or quotes that I will share in my blog this week…

On Friday February 22, 2013 I had the opportunity of interacting with Ms. R. who is a teacher at Mary Bert Gutman Early Learning Center. Ms. R. has been teaching for 21 years and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. R. is bilingual and teaches English and Spanish. During my visit I spend a great deal of time communicating with Ms. R. and the G. Family. The G. family has 3 children that attend Mary Bert Gutman. The family moved from Puerto Rico to Philadelphia and was in search of childcare for their children. One of their major concerns was that they could not speak English and they did not want them to lose their native language. In fact, the parents are not fluent in speaking English as well. Since they only spoke Spanish the parents were very concerned about how they would be able to communicate and interact with the teacher and children in the classroom. In the classroom the children spoke their native language while at the same time they are learning to speak English. On top of that the other children in the classroom who speak English are learning to speak Spanish. This is a wonderful experience because they learn to communicate with one another in both English and Spanish. The parents also come into the center and work with the teacher as she conducts her lesson in English and Spanish. The center provides classes for the parents who are not fluent in speaking English. This is a good way for them to learn the language and at the same time they learn to communicate with others in the setting and their children at home.

I watched as Ms. R. read to the children in English and Spanish. The lesson that was prepared by the teacher was also done in English and Spanish. The flash cards used were in English and Spanish. If you took a good look around the classroom you will see pictures in both English and Spanish. The days, of the week, months of the year, shapes, colors are also in English and Spanish. The songs the children sing are done in both languages and the children do extremely well.

The teachers and families are in support of bilingual education programs. At Mary Bert Gutman these students are getting a very good education in their native language, and learning English at the same time. This is great and the children do not fall behind academically. At Mary Bert Gutman children are taught English as a second language. The families believe that Bilingual Education programs provide their children with both the knowledge and literacy to help their students’ transition into our society and transition into an English class setting. They also believe that this program has provided their children with the content materials in their native language in order to help them keep up academically and work on their English proficiency. This really helps them to stay on task. Ms. G. stated that she was very pleased with the program because it helped her children with their self-esteem and their feelings about their culture are not hindered in anyway. The bilingual education program at Mary Bert Gutman promotes biculturalism. The children are able to understand the value of their culture and language. The children and families are very proud of who they are. They also have the ability to learn another culture, other than their own.

In my conversation with Ms. G. she stated that she appreciates the fact that the program accepts, encourages, and supports their native language. She appreciates the fact that their culture and language is respected as it should be. Marry Bert Gutman also provides the families with the resources they need to succeed academically. Their native language is preserved while teaching them English which is something Ms. G. is very pleased with. The G. family is learning how to speak, read, and write two languages instead of just one.

The two insights I have gained is that speaking more than one language is common throughout the world. Through language, your child learns to understand others and communicate his thoughts and observations. A bilingual child can speak and understand two languages, a skill which requires persistent exposure for complete acquisition and development. A child learning two languages can experience the same proficiency in both languages as a child learning only one. It can help them to relate more to their culture if one of the languages is primarily used by relatives. Children will be able to use both languages to express themselves, which is especially beneficial if they do not yet know enough of one language and needs to borrow from the other to get their point across.

A child's continued development of both languages depends on their motivation, opportunities to use the language and the value of its use. Although language is primarily learned at home, a child’s language development depends on grandparents, peers, teachers and all caregivers in their life. It is important that children be given every opportunity to use both languages in their daily life.

My experience is this setting has also showed me why advocating for bilingual education is so important. Bilingual programs foster a more positive social experience which was very apparent at Mary Bert Gutman. Being limited to an English only environment can be very intimidating, which can cause a child to withdraw socially. When people of similar backgrounds are joined together in a program they are more inclined to open up and engage socially. Bilingual education programs aim at preparing students for experiences beyond the program, giving them the foundation for learning how to work together in teams, communicate and respond to conflict.

This is a program that I learned a great deal from and one that I would highly recommend to others.