Focus on Background Knowledge
Learn ways to build background knowledge in young children—what they know and believe about themselves and the world around them. Explore key research and find out how children ages birth to 5 develop these skills.
These resources offer information and guidance on the needs of children who are acquiring two or more languages at the same time or are learning a second language while developing their first. Besides dual language learner (DLL), other terms that resources may use when referring to these children include bilingual, English language learner (ELL), Limited English Proficient (LEP), English leaner, and children who speak a Language Other Than English (LOTE).
The Policy Statement on Supporting the Development of Children Who Are Dual Language Learners in Early Childhood Programs provides recommendations to early childhood programs that promote the development and learning of young children who are DLLs. It also provides support for language revitalization efforts within tribal early childhood programs.
Find related DLL program assessment resources.
Learn ways to build background knowledge in young children—what they know and believe about themselves and the world around them. Explore key research and find out how children ages birth to 5 develop these skills.
Discover how young children’s background knowledge is key to learning as well as ways parents and families can support it. Learn how background knowledge develops through the eyes of kindergartener, “Joan.”