Expressive Vocabulary Development of Immigrant Preschoolers Who Speak Somali, Spanish, and Hmong
Author(s):
Estrem, Theresa L.
Format:
Journal article
Publisher:
2011.
Language:
English
Abstract:
This research investigated the use of a measure of expressive vocabulary to monitor the development of preschoolers learning English. Over 1200 preschoolers whose primary language was Somali, Hmong, Spanish, or English were assessed three times during one year using an Individual Growth and Development Indicator (IGDI) for Picture Naming, a one-minute teacher-administered tool. Results of analyses indicated that this expressive language measure is sensitive to growth over one year for all groups learning English as another language. Average scores varied with the primary language spoken at home. Most notably, Somali-speaking children showed larger English expressive vocabularies than Spanish- or Hmong-speaking children. This research has implications for monitoring and intervening with English-learning skills for children most at risk for future academic challenges. Adapted from the source document