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importance of creating a language-rich environment and incorporating both English and Spanish where possible to support his bilingual development. She also noted that Leo can sometimes be hesitant to speak in new situations, so patience and encouragement are key. This information will inform my planning by emphasizing activities that build on his existing interests (blocks, animals, music), support his language development in both languages, and create a comfortable and encouraging atmosphere.

Early Learning Guideline/Standard:

• Language and Literacy Development: Listens and understands increasingly complex language; Uses language to express thoughts and needs. (This is a general example. You MUST replace it with the specific guideline/standard from your curriculum or state.)

I chose this guideline because it directly addresses Leo’s current developmental stage. He is beginning to combine words, indicating that he is ready to expand his expressive language skills. I hope that this experience will encourage him to use more complex sentences, expand his vocabulary (in both English and Spanish), and gain confidence in his communication abilities. I also hope to foster his enjoyment of language and literacy through engaging activities.

Fostering Development and Learning:

• Focus/Content/Developmental Areas: This experience will focus on expanding Leo’s expressive language and vocabulary related to animals. It will target his receptive language (understanding) as well. The developmental areas addressed are language and literacy, cognitive development (connecting words to objects), and social-emotional development (interacting with others during the activity).
• Setting: The activity will take place in a quiet corner of the classroom, where we can sit comfortably on a rug.
• Materials:
  • A set of animal figurines (farm animals, zoo animals, pets).
  • Picture books featuring the same animals.
  • A basket or bag to hold the figurines.
  • Optional: Simple animal flashcards with pictures and the animal names in both English and Spanish.

Interacting to Support Development and Learning:

1. Individualization: I will allow Leo to choose which animal figurines he wants to play with and which books we look at. This gives him a sense of control and allows me to observe his interests and tailor my interactions accordingly. If he is hesitant to speak, I will avoid putting pressure on him and instead focus on modeling language and creating a playful atmosphere. I will also use both English and Spanish names for the animals, given his bilingual background, and encourage him to repeat the names in either language, but without forcing him.
2. Scaffolding: I will start by naming the animals in English and Spanish as we take them out of the basket. Then, I will ask simple questions like, “What is this? ¿Qué es esto?” If he struggles, I will provide the answer and encourage him to repeat it. I will then expand on his language by using descriptive words, such as “The cow is big and black and white. La vaca es grande y negra y blanca.” I will also connect the figurines to the picture books, pointing out the animals and reading the simple text.
3. Developmentally Appropriate Practice: The activity is designed to be playful and engaging, keeping Leo’s age and attention span in mind. The materials are colorful and tactile, appealing to his senses. The language used is simple and repetitive, making it easier for him to understand and learn. The activity is also flexible and can be adapted based on Leo’s engagement and interest. If he becomes restless, we can switch to a different activity or take a break. The focus is on creating a positive and supportive learning experience.