True or False: The Nuestros Niños program was the only intervention in Crowe et al. (2021) that met the criteria for evidence-based practice.
True
Why is early literacy intervention important for multilingual preschoolers, and how can it impact their future academic success?
Early literacy intervention is critical because it provides the foundational skills needed for reading and academic achievement. For multilingual preschoolers, targeting literacy early can close achievement gaps that may arise due to limited exposure to the community language or socioeconomic barriers. Strong early literacy skills, such as phonological awareness and print knowledge, are linked to later success in reading, writing, and overall academic performance.
Why is it important for researchers to include diverse languages and populations in studies on speech, language, and literacy interventions?
True or False: Shared book reading was a common intervention approach used to improve language skills in multilingual preschoolers.
True
What specific techniques within shared book reading can SLPs use to target phonological awareness and vocabulary development?
Phonological Awareness: SLPs can incorporate rhyming games, clapping out syllables, and identifying the first or last sounds in words during shared book reading. For example, asking, “Can you find a word that rhymes with ‘cat’?” or breaking words into syllables (e.g., “but-ter-fly”).
How can SLPs ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate interventions when working with multilingual preschoolers?
The majority of interventions in the Crowe et al. (2021) study targeted early literacy skills rather than speech or language skills.
False (The majority of interventions targeted language skills, followed by early literacy and speech production.)
What makes phonological awareness a critical area to address in early literacy interventions for multilingual children, and how can clinicians adapt these strategies for children with varying language backgrounds?
Phonological awareness is critical because it underpins the ability to decode words, which is essential for reading development. For multilingual children, strong phonological awareness skills in one language can transfer to other languages, providing a bridge for literacy development.
What are the challenges in implementing evidence-based interventions for multilingual children in clinical or educational settings, and how can these be overcome?