#### Classroom Elements that Provide Opportunity for Dual Language Learners

Young dual language learners face unique challenges in the classroom. These classroom elements can help you create an environment that is more supportive of their learning and development!

**1** **Consistent Organizational Structure**  
A routine and consistent organizational structure that allows all DLLs, especially those who are beginning to learn English, to feel safe and understand what is going on in the classroom.

### 2 Inclusive Curriculum

A curriculum that incorporates and supports the home languages of the DLL students.

### 3 Language- and Literacy-Rich Environment

A language- and literacy-rich environment with teachers who use supportive methods of communication to scaffold DLL children’s learning, such as using visual aids, using gestures, emphasizing words in a sentence, and repeating key vocabulary words.

**4** **Class Discussions**  
Discussions that help English-speaking children in the classroom understand and help DLL children serve as valuable and capable members of the classroom community.

**5** **Multi-Structure Curriculum**  
A curriculum with varying structures (e.g. small group, book readings, safe havens, language and literacy activities) that provide opportunities for DLLs to actively participate and stimulate social interactions.

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**Adapted from Teaching Dual Language Learners: What Early Childhood Educators Need to Know by Lisa López, Ph.D. & Mariela Páez, Ed.D.**