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Using Writing to Understand Bilingual Children's Literacy Development

Using Writing to Understand Bilingual Children's Literacy Development Young Spanish–English bilingual children's writing reveals their understanding of the writing process and the relationship between their two languages. After examining more than 100 writing samples of young bilingual children, the researchers found similar developmental patterns to those of monolingual English and monolingual Spanish children. However, there were some differences. For example, young bilingual children sometimes write the same letters in both languages but read them differently. Bilingual children also may use both languages in one sentence or paragraph to convey their message. Spelling in both languages may be affected by the different sounds made in the two languages by the same letters (especially vowels). Children's writing samples are included in the article to demonstrate these points. The findings of this study lead to assessment and instructional recommendations for teachers: Teachers of bilingual children should provide them with many opportunities to write in both languages in order to gain a fuller picture of their writing development. In addition, they should help the children view their bilingualism as a strength that can improve their writing. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png The Reading Teacher Wiley

Using Writing to Understand Bilingual Children's Literacy Development

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References (6)

Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
2005 International Reading Association
ISSN
0034-0561
eISSN
1936-2714
DOI
10.1598/RT.58.8.3
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Young Spanish–English bilingual children's writing reveals their understanding of the writing process and the relationship between their two languages. After examining more than 100 writing samples of young bilingual children, the researchers found similar developmental patterns to those of monolingual English and monolingual Spanish children. However, there were some differences. For example, young bilingual children sometimes write the same letters in both languages but read them differently. Bilingual children also may use both languages in one sentence or paragraph to convey their message. Spelling in both languages may be affected by the different sounds made in the two languages by the same letters (especially vowels). Children's writing samples are included in the article to demonstrate these points. The findings of this study lead to assessment and instructional recommendations for teachers: Teachers of bilingual children should provide them with many opportunities to write in both languages in order to gain a fuller picture of their writing development. In addition, they should help the children view their bilingualism as a strength that can improve their writing.

Journal

The Reading Teacher – Wiley

Published: May 1, 2005

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