Research that benefits children and families

One area that I would further like to study in the early childhood field is the benefits of learning a second language for young children.

Many aspects of language advance during early childhood. Many children by age 6 have mastered a basic language and grammar of their first language. During this period they also grasp the concept of a second language and are able to speak it fluently.

In moving to Japan and with working with children starting from age 6 months to 6 years, I can understand that language develops rapidly during Early childhood. Vocabulary increases and thousands of words are added between this age.

One aspect I would like to research is the retention of a second language, for example, I work at a English speaking Kindergarten in Japan, those children are Japanese but only speak English at school, however after Kindergarten most move on to a Japanese only school. How long are they able to retain being bi-lingual, as they are no longer required to use a second language at home or at school. Is the fact that they are not using the language mean that they will in a sense, 'loose the language'?

I can understand that from this research it would identify with children and their families, the children who learn to speak more than one language gain cognitive and social advantages.

My Personal Research Journey

I must say that this being my first research course, I am intrigued with the possibilities that lies ahead as well as the challenges. This week has shown me the importance of research stimulation and how to correctly read through documents and the choosing of such documents/websites/papers. It is important for researchers to be able to choose high quality research, quickly scan through the papers and to accurately be able to summarize the work.

There are so many issues affecting early childhood, but the one I choose is the Equity and Excellence in Early Childhood Education, I am interested in this topic because in reality there is more inequity than there is equity. I also became interested in this topic because I believe in the fair treatment for all individuals from any socio-economic class and all stratospheres of life.

I will need to rely on my colleagues and teachers alike, as my research will be based on the provision of feedback. Upon completing the research stimulation chart I have an idea as to the principles for high-quality research such as ethical,imaginative and purposeful. This are all new ideas to me in the area of research.


 

Three resourceful websites that I have used are Waldens Library, www.unesco.org, www.education.com and www.zerotothree.org. I am really interested in other websites my classmates have come across and perhaps we share similar websites. I look forward to seeing the other topics as well that they have chosen.