6D) Content understanding in both languages
Make sure to use content to build both home language and English, so that multilingual children develop content understanding in both languages.
Video: Gustavo Counts & Shares Galletas
In this video clip, Gustavo counts and organizes manipulative blocks (or "cookies") with prompting and support from the teacher. She uses intentional questioning to develop Gustavo's mathematical vocabulary and thinking.Read More
Video: Home Language as Foundation for English-Language Development
This video promotes the importance of supporting the child's home language along with learning English. Both languages should receive supports through intentional instruction, specific language interactions, and a culturally sensitive engagement with children and their families.Read More
Video: My Pumpkin Story—Metalinguistic Awareness
A teacher works with Wendy to orally discuss and write a story about a recent pumpkin project. When the teacher asks Wendy to take her writing home, the interaction changes to Spanish so Wendy can talk to her Spanish-speaking mother about her project.Read More
Website: Primero Lee
This is a Spanish language website with a variety of literacy content for children, including reading and phonics games and read-aloud stories.Read More
Website: SALSA Spanish Language Series
This is a collection of 30 episodes of puppet-based Spanish language programming for children. Each episode is roughly 20 minutes long and comes with supporting materials and vocabulary lists.Read More
Website: Árbol ABC
This is a Spanish language website of digital learning games for children 3-10 years old. Many games are free and support both literacy and math skills.Read More
Webinar: Designated and Integrated SLD with GLAD® (Spanish)
This webinar, given in Spanish, focuses on dual language programs, and the development of the Spanish language using Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD) strategies. One strategy in particular, using pictorial diagrams, is showcased and discussed.Read More
Blog: Equity Measures in Dual Language Education – Separation of Language
This blog makes the research-based case that language separation is a "non-negotiable" in a dual language program. Giving students access to content in their native language is a key component of accelerating achievement for Multilingual Learners.Read More
Video: Model Curriculum for English Learners—Justice, Courage and Fairness (2nd grade)
In this video, a designated teacher for Multilingual Learners talks through her objectives for a fairness and justice lesson. The bridge lesson incorporates opportunities for Multilingual Learners to share their thinking and practice oral language in English. The content matches up to prior learning they have done in Spanish.Read More
Blog: The Potential of Wordless Picture Books with English Learners
Wordless picture books can be "read" in many different ways with Multilingual Learners, both at home or in the classroom, to provide instruction on book concepts, to practice oral language fluency, and make connections between multiple languages.Read More
Strategy Overview: Use of Multiple Languages in the Classroom
In a bilingual classroom, or even when teachers do not speak the home language(s) of Multilingual Learners, there are many things the teacher can do to invite home languages into the classroom. This overview suggests the steps teachers can take to draw on all of their students' linguistic resources during instruction.Read More
Strategy Overview: Vocabulary in Context
This resource introduces teachers to all of the ways that vocabulary can be introduced, reinforced, and practiced across multiple lessons and activities. This helps Multilingual Learners learn key academic and content words in context.Read More
Strategy Overview: Draw, Tell, & Label
This resource describes how to implement the Draw, Tell, & Label strategy in classrooms with Multilingual Learners. This strategy provides multiple opportunities for children to engage with and practice content area vocabulary. This resource also includes guidance on building content understanding in the home language(s) and English.Read More
Tip Sheet: Communication with Parents / Comunicación con los padres
This bilingual (Spanish) document explains to parents the benefits of speaking a home language. Advice is shared on how to develop oral home language proficiency and provide high-quality and extended talk opportunities for children.Read More
