Newsletter 22: Term 4 2025
“We teach language best when we use it for what it was designed for: communication.
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2025, celebrating a year of language, learning, and lasting impact!
As we near the end of another vibrant year in the Early Childhood Language Program (ECLP), we take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact early childhood language teachers have had on children and their families. In these formative years, when children are still acquiring their first language, your work in introducing an additional language through natural, immersive, and meaningful interactions is nothing short of transformative.
Grounded in usage-based theory, your teaching in early childhood taps into the same powerful mechanisms that drive first language acquisition—rich exposure, authentic use, and social engagement. This approach ensures that engaging in another language is not just effective for teaching young learners but is also deeply rooted in real-world communication.
Through songs, stories, play, and conversation, you’ve helped children build bridges between languages and ways of being, fostering not only a love of language and culture but also empathy, tolerance and curiosity. The ripple effects of your work extend far beyond the kindergarten—into homes, communities, and futures.
You are shaping voices, minds, and hearts—and that is a legacy to be proud of. We look forward to celebrating and sharing your learning stories at our term 4 Network meetings. We have a number of in-person and online opportunities this term, including our online end-of-year state-wide Network meeting. We are excited to welcome Sarah Louise back to deliver our term 4 webinar looking at high expectations for all learners. In this session, we will unpack working with children with additional needs and how they can be supported to engage in your language program. We have a new ECLP in Action video from the team at North West Brunswick Kindergarten (NWBK) to share with you. See the link under My Professional Practice.
Enjoy your term of established relationships with your 2025 children and families!