Partner with families to learn about their language practices, stories, and literacy-related interactions at home, recognizing that children bring rich knowledge and skills from their first languages and cultural experiences. Dual language learners should have opportunities to demonstrate proficiency in the standard in both their first language and English, with supports such as first-language use, cross-language connections, gestures, visuals, and props. These opportunities allow young dual language learners to build on what they know and can do in their first language as they continue to develop communication, language, and literacy skills in all their languages.
Use a recycled rectangular cardboard box, a laundry basket and tennis balls. Cut holes in the box so the balls will fall through, and tape the box to the opening of the basket. Leave enough room so that when the balls fall into the basket the children can pick them back up and replace them.
