A1 Journal article (refereed)
Miten monikielisyys ja kielitietoiset toimintatavat koetaan varhaiskasvatuksessa? (2020)

Honko, M., & Mustonen, S. (2020). Miten monikielisyys ja kielitietoiset toimintatavat koetaan varhaiskasvatuksessa?. Journal of Early Childhood Education Research, 9(2), 522-550. https://journal.fi/jecer/article/view/114145

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Honko, Mari; Mustonen, Sanna

Journal or series: Journal of Early Childhood Education Research

eISSN: 2323-7414

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 9

Issue number: 2

Pages range: 522-550

Publisher: Suomen varhaiskasvatus ry

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: Finnish

Persistent website address: https://journal.fi/jecer/article/view/114145

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/73405

Abstract

Supporting multilingualism is emphasized in the current curricula of early childhood education in Finland. This article reports an analysis of the educators’ experiences of multilingualism and language aware practices. The data consists of a questionnaire addressed to the personnel (n = 86) working in a multilingual child groups, and it was analyzed using data-driven content analysis. The article focuses on the challenges and joys that the multilingual environment has brought to the educators, as well as on the findings that the perceived challenges and joys reveal about the shifts in the notions of multilingualism and language learning. The results indicate that the challenges of multilingualism entwine especially with disruptions in interaction and the feelings of uncertainty in everyday situations, as well as ideological differences and lack of resources. The main source of joy is described especially by the children: they are open-minded and proud of learning. The educators are inspired by shared everyday humorous situations and by possibilities to broaden their minds and learn new things

Keywords: early childhood education and care; curricula; multilingualism; language-aware education

Free keywords: multilingualism; early childhood education; language awareness

Contributing organizations

Related research datasets

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 1