First Language Behavioral Markers

Dr. Esther Geva Provides Guiding Questions for Teachers

Transcript

Actually what we have learned from the research is that most of the time the same markers, the same behaviors that we observe in first language children are also true for second language children. 

Now one thing to remember is that when the child is coming from another language we also have to consider the second language influence. One of the ways its relevant for teachers is that they can found out if a child already went to school in another country, did they learn to read in their first language? Was it hard for them to learn to read in their first language? Whatever it is. If they did not have difficulties we do not expect them to have difficulties in English even though they will have to learn English. The other thing that we are learning from the research is in fact the same approaches to intervention are applicable.

Summary

Dr. Esther Geva provides informal guiding questions to assess whether ELL students have learning disabilities, and reminds teachers of the similarities between students who speak English as a first language and those who are just learning the language.