The webinar will explore young bilingual children’s use of first language(s) and learning of a new language in the Early Years. The advantages of growing up learning more than one language will be discussed, and strategies will be developed for fostering children’s bilingualism and supporting and assessing the learning of English. It will help make links with current policy guidance and discuss how to put this into practice with bilingual children and their families to develop strategies for supporting bilingual children’s learning.

Reflecting on her own story and being guided by her doctoral research, Dr Sharon Colilles will support educators across all disciplines in early childhood to further develop awareness and understanding about how play can act as a vehicle for reflection on participatory pedagogy and practice.

She will reflect on how the environment can be an ideal space in which to value and validate children’s diverse ethnic backgrounds and how culturally appropriate resources can facilitate rich conversations about a positive sense of self with young children.

The webinar will support early years educators to reflect on principled approaches for inclusion and how adaptations in pedagogical approach can foster a strong sense of self, sense of belonging and sense of wellbeing for the diverse learner.