The Silent Experiences of Young Bilingual Learners (A Sociocultural Study into the Silent Period)

Many teachers are increasingly concerned with how to best support the learning of the rising numbers of bilingual learners in schools—particularly those children who are new to English and therefore cannot yet communicate with the teacher or their peers in their first language—during the silent period.
This book offers an alternative insight to that which is most commonly available to teachers and researchers, as instead of examining language acquisition purely from a linguistic approach; it explores the learning that is occurring through a sociocultural lens and even more significantly, from the young child’s perspective—the worm’s eye view.
Investigated through the experiences of young bilingual learners allows the reader to make sense of the making meaning that occurs when the child cannot make sense of his/her new ‘world’; nor communicate verbally in the language of instruction in the classroom. Remarkably, learning through the silent period is revealed as both complex and ‘messy’ as the bilingual child mediates his or her own learning through a synthesis of alternative learning pathways.
The silent period is presented as a crucial time for learning; distributed through a synthesis of close observation, intense listening and most significantly copying the practices of others.
Throughout the silent period the children are not only seen to be learning but also contributing to the classroom practices.
The book not only initiates new understandings of second language learning, but also offers creative ideas on how to raise the achievement of children who are learning English as an additional language.

While major retailers like Amazon may carry The Silent Experiences of Young Bilingual Learners (A Sociocultural Study into the Silent Period), we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.

We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.

Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of The Silent Experiences of Young Bilingual Learners (A Sociocultural Study into the Silent Period).