Principle 6: Effective programs for children who speak languages other than English require continued development of the first language while the acquisition of English is facilitated.
Highlights from the Original Multicultural Principles (1991)
• Language acquisition is a natural process based on discovering meanings.
• Use of children’s first language facilitates learning in the preschool years.
• Research indicates that developing and maintaining a child’s first language support and facilitate learning of the second language.
This is best accomplished without translation and with the recognition of the child’s need to develop understanding before speaking.