Evaluating a Vietnamese language exposure program for preschool heritage and additional language learners

Abstract

This study evaluates the third implementation of the Little Multilingual Minds (LMM) program, which was a Vietnamese language exposure program delivered in a Melbourne preschool serving in part a large Vietnamese-speaking community. The program adopted a play-based, Content and Language Integrated Learning approach using Vietnamese as the language of instruction. It included thematic units that progressively increased in conceptual and linguistic complexity across three school terms. Children's engagement, early school readiness indicators and linguistic proficiency were assessed longitudinally. Results showed consistently high engagement across all children, with significant increases in di..