The Importance of first languages in early childhood education

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages, dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of language as a tool for communication, education, social integration and development. As the International Year looks set to turn into an International Decade, Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) First Languages Coordinator Naomi Fillmore affirms the crucial role of educators in integrating and promoting children’s first languages within early childhood settings.