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Bilingualism & English Language Acquisition

Many teachers and parents have questions about bilingualism and English Language Acquistion when it comes to school programs, language instruction, and decisions about language use in the home. These articles provide an excellent introduction to these topics for families and educators.

This section contains 4 articles.

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Second Language Acquisition

By: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2008)

Anyone at any age can learn a second language after a first language is already established, but it takes a lot of practice. Second language acquisition often happens when a child who speaks a language other than English goes to school for the first time. This American Speech-Language-Hearing Association brief looks at the best way to teach a second language and how speech professionals can help.

Learning Two Languages

By: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2008)

Learning to speak two languages is like learning any other skill. To do it well, children need lots of practice, which parents can help provide. This American Speech-Language-Hearing Association brief gives information and tips for parents.

Why Reading to Your Kids in Spanish Will Help Them Become Better Readers

By: Colorín Colorado (2007)

Many parents are hesitant to read to their children in Spanish because they are afraid that it will confuse their children as they try to learn English. In fact, research shows that the opposite is true — reading to a child in his first language will make it easier for him to learn to read in his second language, and the benefits are even greater if a child learns to read in his first language. Read more about these benefits, as well as suggestions for ways to encourage your child’s Spanish-language literacy skills in at home!

What's 'Normal,' What's Not: Acquiring English as a Second Language

By: Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin and Alejandro Brice (2005)

How can you tell when a student has a language-learning disability and when he or she is merely in the normal process of acquiring a second language?