Presented by Dena AuCoin, Academic Chair, Early Childhood Administration Department, Purdue University Global

Sponsored by VIPKid

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In The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, a fascinating element was the “babel fish,” fish that when dropped into a person’s ear would provide translation of any language. Wouldn’t that be amazing?

While Google translate is a great technology for translation, it can often fail to provide accurate translation and therefore hamper communication. Communication requires much more than just being able to understand vocabulary words, especially in early childhood. It requires understanding of word use, expression, and context.

Learning a language requires time, effort, and patience, which is all affected by the learning environment and situation. “How do you think children learn to talk?” This question is best explored by beginning to learn some of the foundational principles of language acquisition, as opposed to language learning, principles shaped primarily by Noam Chomsky and Stephen Krashen.

This edWebinar focuses on the basics of second language acquisition, exploring the theories of Chomsky and Krashen, including learner differences and development. Also dive into exploring sheltered instruction, and share actionable strategies for building language, promoting interaction, and stimulating higher-order thinking. This allows educators to better support their young English language learners’ development of language. This recorded edWebinar will be of interest to preK-3 teachers and librarians.

About the Presenter

Dena AuCoin is the academic chair for the early childhood administration department at Purdue University Global. She has experience as an adjunct instructor, teacher, special educator, director, and consultant in early childhood through higher education. Dena holds certifications in early childhood, elementary, and special education in Michigan and Arizona. She is involved in research in early transition language and self-determination for students with disabilities, Montessori collaboration in special education, autism social skills, response to intervention in early childhood, and support for students with disabilities in the Montessori classroom. Dena volunteers for a local horse farm and for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training as a triathlon coach. She is an endurance athlete and enjoys long distance events in triathlon, running, and cycling. Dena is also an avid reader, yoga instructor, and dog owner of Juneau, a lab mix!

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VIPKid is a global education technology company that connects children with the world’s best teachers for real-time online English immersion learning. VIPKid’s mission is to inspire and empower every child for the future. VIPKid believes that education is not one-size-fits-all, rather all students are unique and the world is within their reach when connected with great teachers capable of personalizing learning and sparking curiosity.