TY - JOUR
T1 - Playing and learning in another language: ensuring good quality early years education in a language revitalisation programme
AU - Stephen, Christine
AU - McPake, Joanna
AU - McLeod, Wilson
PY - 2012
Y1 - 2012
N2 - Offering Gaelic medium preschool provision poses particular challenges as most children only encounter Gaelic in the playroom and live in a context heavily dominated by English. Nevertheless, expanding provision for early years education in Gaelic is an important part of ambitious plans to revitalise the language. In this paper we explore the challenges experienced by adults and children as they strive to provide good quality preschool education through the medium of Gaelic. Drawing on evidence from a review of Gaelic medium preschool education, we consider the difficulties experienced in developing a Gaelic-only immersion playroom, the need for specific resources and the perceived training needs of practitioners. We look at the issues which arise from the largely English language home learning environment and the specific pedagogical challenges experienced when supporting language learning and access to the national curriculum. Our analysis will be relevant to others working in similar culturallinguistic and political contexts across Europe.
AB - Offering Gaelic medium preschool provision poses particular challenges as most children only encounter Gaelic in the playroom and live in a context heavily dominated by English. Nevertheless, expanding provision for early years education in Gaelic is an important part of ambitious plans to revitalise the language. In this paper we explore the challenges experienced by adults and children as they strive to provide good quality preschool education through the medium of Gaelic. Drawing on evidence from a review of Gaelic medium preschool education, we consider the difficulties experienced in developing a Gaelic-only immersion playroom, the need for specific resources and the perceived training needs of practitioners. We look at the issues which arise from the largely English language home learning environment and the specific pedagogical challenges experienced when supporting language learning and access to the national curriculum. Our analysis will be relevant to others working in similar culturallinguistic and political contexts across Europe.
U2 - 10.1080/1350293X.2012.650009
DO - 10.1080/1350293X.2012.650009
M3 - Article
SN - 1752-1807
VL - 20
SP - 1
EP - 21
JO - European Early Childhood Education Research Journal
JF - European Early Childhood Education Research Journal
IS - 1
ER -