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English vocabulary development in bilingual kindergarteners: What are the best predictors?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2006

YUUKO UCHIKOSHI
YUUKO UCHIKOSHI
Affiliation:
Harvard University
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Abstract

This study examines growth rates in vocabulary over an academic year for 150 Latino English language learners. In October, February, and June of kindergarten, participants completed standardized measures of receptive and expressive vocabulary. Before the second and third assessments, a third of the children watched Arthur three times a week during school hours, while another third viewed Between the Lions. The last third did not view either show during school hours. Data on children's preschool experiences and home literacy activities were collected. Growth modeling analyses show while there were no effects of classroom viewing, children who viewed Arthur and Between the Lions at home had steeper growth trajectories than those who had not. Additional effects of native language home use and preschool attendance were seen. Boys displayed better English vocabulary skills than girls. These findings suggest the importance of English exposure and native language maintenance for English L2 vocabulary development.

Type
Research Article
Information
Bilingualism: Language and Cognition , Volume 9 , Issue 1 , March 2006 , pp. 33 - 49
Copyright
Cambridge University Press 2006

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Footnotes

This research was supported by dissertation grants from the International Reading Association and Harvard University Graduate School of Education.I am thankful to Catherine Snow, Terry Tivnan, and Maria Carlo for their valuable comments on previous versions of this article. I also thank Carlo Santos, Frida Gomez, Kim Keith, Elisa Jazo, Kaytie Dowcett, Jill Jacobs, Jody Clarke, Jude Higdon, Patti Sullivan-Hall, Sara Roberts, Robyn Viloria, and Elizabeth Willmott for their assistance with data collection. Additionally, I am grateful to WGBH, as well as the principals, teachers, staff, and children of the schools for their support and participation in this study.