Questions are often raised as to whether the learning of two or more languages in early childhood is an advantage in terms of the academic, cognitive and social benefits it brings to a child. Yet, the age for formal school based second language learning continues to drop with very little published research existing to support teachers, teacher educators and policy-makers in this decision.
Drawing on a synthesis of theory, research and practice, this edited volume makes an innovative contribution to the literature concerning second language learning in very young children. It explores language learning in a wide range of geographical contexts and focuses on second and foreign language learning as well as plurilingualism with children under the age of 6 years old. Chapters present theory and research related to practice in teacher education, policy-making,
country case studies, school and home based projects, code switching and language use, and methodologies and approaches. This makes the book essential reading for researchers, academics, teacher trainers, and post-graduate students alike.

The age for early language learning has dropped dramatically in the past decade to include children under 6 years old, yet very little published research exists to support the implementation of such programmes. Drawing on a synthesis of theory, research and practice, this edited volume makes an innovative contribution to literature concerning language education for very young children. It explores language learning in a wide range of geographical contexts with reference to second and foreign language learning, bilingualism and plurilingualism with children under the age of 6 years old. Chapters present discussion around teacher education, policy-making, international case studies, school and home-based projects, code switching and language use, and methodologies and approaches. Early Years Second Language Education: International perspectives on theory and practice will be essential reading for researchers, academics, teacher trainers, and post-graduate students in the fields of early years education, foreign and second language education, language didactics and teacher education.