In the research project SpedAims Language of the Heart, we want to find out more about how we can support Sami-speaking children's linguistic, academic and social learning and development opportunities in Norway. The study includes children from both Northern Sami, Lule Sami and Southern Sami language environments and language regions. It consists of both qualitative and quantitative studies, and we will follow a large number of children from all over the country through the last few years in kindergarten and further up to school.
Facts about SpedAims Language of the Heart
Investigating
how we can support Sami-speaking children's linguistic, academic and social learning and development opportunities.
A collaboration
between SpedAims and municipalities with Sami-speaking children across the country.
Funded
by The Research Council of Norway and all the partners.
We need more knowledge
Most of the research on what supports young children's development and learning has so far not included Sami-speaking children. Although we have research on the Sami language, knowledge is needed about how these children develop their linguistic competence. Such knowledge is important in order to know how kindergartens and schools can support good linguistic, academic and social development, and to provide good special educational support early in the educational process to Sami-speaking children who need it.
The purpose of the project:
This study aims to identify early precursors of academic development among Sami-speaking children. Such precursors can be linked to individual factors such as spoken language skills and numerical understanding. Precursors can also be linked to structural factors. This can be anything from access to Sami-language resources such as kindergarten staff and children's books, to parents' experience of support and barriers to Sami language and identity.
We also aim to establish collaboration with various players in the education sector.
The study will contribute to the development of tools that can be used to strengthen the development and learning conditions for Sami-speaking children.
SpedAims - Centre for Research on Special Needs Education and Inclusive Practice is a collaboration between special educational research environments at the University of Oslo, the University of Stavanger, the University of Bergen, the University of Agder and Nord University.
Contact persons SpedAims Language of the Heart
Bjørg Mari Hannås
Professor at the Faculty of Education and Arts, Nord University.
Kari Hagatun
Associate Professor at The Departement of Eduacation, University of Bergen.
Monica Melby Lervåg
Professor of Special Needs Education at the Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo.
Veslemøy Rydland
Professor at the Department of Education, University of Oslo.
Astrid Knutsdatter Lenvik
Associate Professor at The Departement of Eduacation, University of Bergen.