This book synthesises research on very early language learning in pre-primary organised instruction settings such as kindergarten, nursery or afternoon classes. Using a framework of ecological development, it investigates the nested systems in which very young learners operate, the other agents involved in each of these systems and the influence…

The growing manifestation of multiculturalism in Lithuania has been prompting the educational community and education policy makers to pay more attention to the issues related to quality education for bilingual and multilingual children. Due to the lack of experience in analyzing this phenomenon, certain previous studies on multilingualism have…

This best-evidence synthesis appraises the design and outcome characteristics of vocabulary intervention studies conducted with preschool through 6th grade emergent bilingual (EB) children and spotlights rigorously designed studies for which effects could be better attributed to instructional features. Twenty-nine selected studies were analysed…

Augmented reality (AR) is an immersive, interactive, and engaging advanced information technology and it is widely used in language learning. Although several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of AR in EFL learners' language gains, these research findings are inconsistent. Therefore, this study conducted a meta-analysis to analyze to what…

This article offers insights into trends found in 74 empirical studies on teaching and learning a foreign language (FL) in pre-primary schools in 25 countries. The emerging picture is like that of primary-school programs: most are implemented in English, mostly owing to parents' enthusiasm rather than evidence on long term FL benefits. Researchers…

This article aims to provide a systematic review of existing research on the use of digital game-based learning (DGBL) technology for foreign language (English) in preschool and elementary schools. Digital game-based technology enables learning to become more interactive and inspirational, thereby enhancing language acquisition. The authors…

Music experience during early childhood can promote language and literacy skills, particularly phonological awareness, vocabulary, and turntaking and self-regulation skills useful for communication more broadly. Incorporating music activities into the early childhood classroom can be particularly useful for Dual Language Learners' (DLLs) language…

Augmented Reality (AR) has gained significant attention in the field of language learning. This study conducted a systematic review of research on AR-supported language learning published between 2008 and 2022. Thirty articles were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, and analyzed using an analytical framework with the…

The role of self-regulated learning in language learning has been widely acknowledged, and there is a growing number of studies on technology-enhanced self-regulated language learning (SRLL). This systematic review aims to provide a holistic picture of existing studies in this area by identifying the characteristics of published studies, the…

It is expected that all students in the United States learn to read English well. This task is more complex for emergent bilinguals (EBs), the majority of whom speak Spanish, who are simultaneously developing their English language proficiency. Although several syntheses have documented the positive effects of shared book reading (SBR) in school…

The acquisition of a language is a complex process. Applied Linguistics research tends to view this process as classroom-based. It is only more recently that learners, in particular young learners, are being placed in the centre of investigation in research exploring language learning from their subjective perspectives. To understand these…

This article summarizes the findings of a systematic review of 15 group and two single-subject experimental design studies that evaluated the effectiveness of phonological awareness interventions for dual language learners (DLL) in preschool through second grade. Studies were evaluated using a "Consumer Reports"-like rating system. Each…

This meta-analysis reviewed research between 2012 and 2018 focused on technology-assisted second language (L2) vocabulary learning for English as a foreign language (EFL) learner. A total of 45 studies of 2,374 preschool-to-college EFL students contributed effect sizes to this meta-analysis. Compared with traditional instructional methods, the…

Preschool teachers can best educate youngsters learning their home language and English by using children's primary language where possible, adopting effective practices for building English language skills, and involving families in supporting children's learning. This article surveys the growing body of research on improving preschool…

It is well known that the number of non-English speakers is on the rise in the United States. What is less well known is that the largest proportion of this population is children under the age of 5. These young English language learners (ELLs) often demonstrate achievement gaps in basic math and reading skills when they start school. How best to…