Acquiring Language In preschool I want to prepare my students to become literate. I want to help them learn new words everyday. And I want parents and families to invest in that learning at home.

Similarities and Differences Whether we concentrate on our similarities or differences, some things are proven to help build your child’s language during this formative year.

Input Krashen’s theory of language states that we are all similar in the way we acquire language. (Freeman and Freeman, 2011, p. 121)  Language coming into our brain’s through text and talk is called input.  For our brain to retain that ‘input’ it must be at a level that we comprehend.  The input may be come from different sources or from different languages but the mental processes of learning the language is the same.

Input + 1 Context and other cues help us learn language that is just beyond what we already know. Carefully adding new words is the best way to help your child acquire more language. (Krashen, 1985, p.2)

My job as a teacher is to make academic content comprehensible. (Freeman and Freeman, 2011, p. 121)

Parental Involvement The national education association watches research on education and made a statement. They said, “when schools engage families in ways that improve learning and support parent involvement at home and school, students make greater gains”. (

National Standards for Parent Involvement  Communication is regular, 2-way and meaningful  Parenting skills are promoted and supported  Parents play integral role in learning  Parents are welcome at school and their assistance is sought out.  Parents are full partners in decision making.  Community resources are used to strengthen student learning. (michigan.gov, Final Parent Involvement Fact Sheet)

What can I do encourage good relationships with families and parents?  Make contact on a regular basis.  Be aware of community and school resources that meet family needs. (Freeman and Freeman, 2011, p )  Listen to their concerns.  Value each family and their world view.  Make home visits when appropriate.

References Freeman, D.E. & Freeman, Y.S. (2011). Between two worlds: Access to Second Language Acquisition. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Krashen, Stephen D. (1985). The Input Hypothesis. Issues and Implications. Retrieved from Website 0Hypothesis.pdf National Education Association. Tools and Ideas. Retrieved from NEA Website Oregon Department of Education. ( ). Report Card. Michigan Department of Education. (2001). What Research Says About Parent Involvement In Children’s Education. Retrieved from Michigan Department of Education Website et_14732_7.pdf