MN Native Language Press Release

[Mia - Main Red Pony]

There is a wonderful new book out, it's title perhaps only a bit of a misnomer, called "Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experience of Young American Children". It has been written carefully and sensitively by Betty Hart and Todd R. Risley, and describes their experiences with more than 20 years of sometimes-overlapping longitudinal studies of children, parents and language. 

Their Results (as opposed to Conclusions) are that if you want to teach children something that lasts, you must either Have or Develop a corresponding understanding of that "something" at home. Otherwise, the "something" becomes a [possibly] useless artifact that the kids picked up at their "day occupation". The Smith's experience with the Learning Nests in Hawaii correlates 100% with this. 

So yes, teaching children the language is important. But, unless they have a place to Use It (Often forgotten in the development of "curricula"), and unless they can share with their parents, get approval, extend not only their vocabulary but also the thoughts that they express, the efforts are like rain on macadam. 

Mia

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Rrlapier at AOL.COM 
  To: ILAT at LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU 
  Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2004 10:36 AM
  Subject: Re: MN Native Language Press Release


  Here are some thoughts:

  The most important reason for language immersion schools existence is not academic achievement -- but language revitalization.

  The only way to save a language is to teach children the langauge.

  Focus on Language Revitalization -- once you make Education the focus you are in danger.

  But, it is the programs that are the strongest in the language and in rejecting the standard mindsets (public education models) that have been the most successful academically.

  The goal is fluent children.



  Rosalyn LaPier
  Piegan Institute
  www.pieganinstitute.org
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