7B) Key content vocabulary in home language
Introduce key vocabulary words in the home language that are related to the content being taught, prior to teaching in English.
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
Blog Series: Teaching For Biliteracy as a Monolingual English Speaker
This series includes 25 blog posts that speak to what the monolingual teacher can do to support biliteracy in the classroom. Topics covered include specific strategies, advocacy, collaboration, and intentionally bridging languages to support the language and content transfer of Multilingual Learners.Read More
Website Article: Early Literacy Instruction in Spanish
This article is a research overview for teachers about the early literacy development of Spanish-speaking children. The content covers stages of literacy development, explicitly notes the differences in reading instruction between English and Spanish, and includes some example literacy strategies and tips for parents.Read More
Video: Model Curriculum for English Learners – Weathering and Erosion (3rd grade)
A multilingual teacher uses numerous supports in English, Spanish, and Portuguese to develop the content understandings of beginner Multilingual Learners.Read More
Tip Sheet: Including Children’s Home Languages and Cultures
This resource includes tips for teachers to ensure that the home languages and cultures of Multilingual Learners (MLs) are included in the classroom environment and experiences, even if teachers do not speak the MLs' home languages. Tips include learning key phrases in children’s home languages, inviting families into the classroom, and incorporating cultural traditions in the classroom experiences.Read More
Website Article: The Home Language-An English Language Learner’s Most Valuable Resource
This article offers a review of research and policy that supports home language development, and covers numerous strategies that teachers can use to support home language use in the classroom.Read More
Blog: A Chat About English/Spanish Pedagogical Connections
This blog offers a quick review of pedagogical connections between English and Spanish. Teachers can make linguistic connections visible for Spanish-speaking Multilingual Learners, and set them up to draw on all of their language resources for learning that they are familiar with, particularly on the differences and similarities between the two language structures.Read More
Blog: ELL Students’ Home Language is an Asset, Not a “Barrier”
In this blog, numerous teachers share their thinking on why home languages are an asset to acknowledge and celebrate in the classroom. Additional links and resources are available to help teachers know how to draw on students' knowledge in their home languages, and structure activities that support Multilingual Learners' language development.Read More
Website: Teacher Interactions and Strategies to Support Listening for Dual Language Learners
This resource provides a list of strategies teachers can use to support Multilingual Learners’ listening skills, such as using visual cues and gestures to accompany speech. Teachers can integrate reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages. Teachers can also introduce key vocabulary in the home language prior to teaching in English.Read More
Lesson Plan: Comprehension Strategies for English Learners
This is a five-day lesson plan focused on building reading comprehension skills with Multilingual Learners. Lessons are structured to incorporate discussion, critical thinking skills, and incorporate numerous language-based supports.Read More
Website Article: Reading 101 for English Learners
This article names specific components of literacy instruction that can be more challenging for Multilingual Learners. Instructional strategies for teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and reading comprehension are shared.Read More
