#ELLCHAT A2 I am both an #ELL and an #ESOL T, and I have never found a situation where a home language hindered learning. Being able to explain something in a different way, in a different language, with different words -- it's all great!
A2 I think supporting home language is BOTH help and hindrance. Hindrance mostly because we haven’t done enough to teach teachers how to do it effectively :( #ELLCHAT
A2: I think learning English is important but punishing a student for using their home language when they need it should never been done. Being Bi-lingual is a gift and has proven to improve academic scores. #ellchat
A2. 100% help! Utilizing L1 helps ELLs learn L2 & begin to assign meaning to English vocabulary. Encouraging bilteracy empowers students & they are able to maintain their identity. #ellchat
A2 I think it can be important tool to utilize when creating a bond with Ss. By acknowledging what your Ss are familiar with you are showing that their culture is valid and their traditions are valued. You just need to ensure they are learning new material adequately. #ellchat
#ELLCHAT You are so right! And teachers think, often, that they need to replace the home language, rather than add to it. But knowledge is like velcro, the more little hooks there are in the brain, the more new stuff sticks...
A2 I think it can be important tool to utilize when creating a bond with Ss. By acknowledging what your Ss are familiar with you are showing that their culture is valid and their traditions are valued. You just need to ensure they are learning new material adequately. #ellchat
A2. For dual language learners in PreK it’s necessary to continue accessing the native language in the classroom as well as developing English simultaneously #ellchat
A2) students need to be supported by their parents and understand their parents needs and wants for them. This family connection is always most important and always expressed through native “home” language. #ellchat
A2 Learning about Second Language Acquisition helped me understand how a students’ L1 supports language development of L2. Ss can build from their skill sets/language knowledge in L1 to support L2 in the classroom. #ellchat
Would you mind posting links or names of the studies? I'd love to read these and have them on hand for discussing English only policies with other educators! #ELLCHAT
A2: Help or hindrance depends on HOW the home language is maintained. Are we thoughtfully and intentionally bridging the home language and English in the classroom? #ELLCHAT
A2 For preK and K, research is very clear that home language MUST be supported to ensure school readiness. It really can’t be a parent choice, but we need respectful way to explain it. #ELLCHAT
Would you mind posting links or names of the studies? I'd love to read these and have them on hand for discussing English only policies with other educators! #ELLCHAT#eloned
A2) A help--a gift for sure! For everyone! Esp in a linguistically diverse district where we can learn about so many languages. #bilingualismisagift#ellchat
A2: L1 helps build and develop cognition it helps process concepts and ideas.. I’m an adult EL and still use L1 when I need to process. Also helps me contrast L1 and L2 #ELLChat
A2: I think learning English is important but punishing a student for using their home language when they need it should never been done. Being Bi-lingual is a gift and has proven to improve academic scores. #ellchat
Totally agree! The #acculturationgap (& frankly family dysfunction) increases greatly if Ss don't maintain their native language. All too often, I see families where the student & their parents no longer have a language in common! #ellchat#socialwork#familyengagement
A2) students need to be supported by their parents and understand their parents needs and wants for them. This family connection is always most important and always expressed through native “home” language. #ellchat
#ELLCHAT A2 One possible problem is not even the lack of training, but fear of showing ignorance. We, as Ts, often wish to present our knowledge. It can be hard to learn to ask Ss, parents, community members and other Ts for help in navigating an unfamiliar language and culture.
I agree! By instilling that mindset in young language learners, they will grow up believing in themselves & have so many opportunities in life because they are proficient in more than one language! #ELLchat
A1) HELP. We feel that there is little training but some are making great strides. Look at this big step forward by Massachusetts to allow Ss to learn in L1. https://t.co/4iNWqchTGt#ellchat
"In a move to boost the academic performance of more than 90,000 Massachusetts students who lack fluency in English, the state Legislature Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a measure that would allow local schools to teach students in their native tongue."
https://t.co/OaiDDTAmV7
I often say that the most effective teaching practices I’ve ever seen and stolen to use with my Ss have been from primary (specifically grade one) teachers. #emergentliteracy#WRDSBESL#ELLChat
I agree, it is most certainly a gift. I have learned both ASL and Spanish, during the time I was in Peru I used both to communicate with people and it is such a gift to communicate with others from different backgrounds! #ellchat
#ELLCHAT You are so right! And teachers think, often, that they need to replace the home language, rather than add to it. But knowledge is like velcro, the more little hooks there are in the brain, the more new stuff sticks...
I often say that the most effective teaching practices I’ve ever seen and stolen to use with my Ss have been from primary (specifically grade one) teachers. #emergentliteracy#WRDSBESL#ELLChat
A2 Promoting the Educational Success of Children and Youth Learning English (2017) via @TheNASEM reports research on importance of supporting home language in young ELLs/DLLs #ELLCHAThttps://t.co/xVYQLM7JiU
Yes! To piggy back on this with my social work lens, there's a lot of research that shows children of immigrants do better (from a psychosocial / mental health perspective) when they are raised bilingually and biculturally. #ellchat
A3 I often ask students to teach me in their L1, what I am teaching in L2. Lately I’ve seen students become curious about language! In one 3G classroom, ELs book talk with each other in Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and English asking about vocabulary words/sight words! #ellchat
A1) HELP. We feel that there is little training but some are making great strides. Look at this big step forward by Massachusetts to allow Ss to learn in L1. https://t.co/4iNWqchTGt#ellchat
"In a move to boost the academic performance of more than 90,000 Massachusetts students who lack fluency in English, the state Legislature Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a measure that would allow local schools to teach students in their native tongue."
https://t.co/OaiDDTAmV7
A2 I think it can be important tool to utilize when creating a bond with Ss. By acknowledging what your Ss are familiar with you are showing that their culture is valid and their traditions are valued. You just need to ensure they are learning new material adequately. #ellchat
#ELLCHAT A3 Ss who retain a home language can refer to memories and knowledge in that language, the support of a cultural and lang community, and primary lit and other resources in that language. If you can read Dostoyevsky or Sufi in the original, why would you give that up?
A3. I see my students developing social relationships w/ peers because when they use their native language they can communicate w/ newcomers & help them feel at ease. They also can become leaders in their own families, translate, & teach parents English. #ellchat
A3) For starters, we are teaching by example that people are unique and special, and powerful, and welcome, and unique, and equal, and colorful, and that difference is good. #ELLCHAT
A3: Being culturally connected to wear they came from is so important. Language and culture are connected, you will never fully understand culture without language. Academically you cannot learn without understanding what you are being asked. #ellchat
A3) They will grow 2b bilingual which can build confidence and self esteem. Discuss benefits w ur #ELs to help elevate their mindset about their gifts: https://t.co/Z0kR2t2yZI
10 Amazing Benefits of Being Bilingual by Chontelle Bonfiglio - Bilingualkidspot
#ellchat
A3) Confidence, connection, and curiosity - we had Ss sharing their languages in class, and they have become interested in how many languages there are in the world. They've enjoyed researching this all week. #ellchat
A3 Spanish-speaking children’s social and language development in preK classrooms (2007) https://t.co/l4PeHRA47n#ELLCHAT found support of home language improved children’s interactions with peers and teachers.
Developing an academic identity should not impede students' relationships with their families. All too often we expect kids to separate the different "versions" of themselves by telling them their home language should not be used in the classroom #ellchat#eloned#edu401
A2) students need to be supported by their parents and understand their parents needs and wants for them. This family connection is always most important and always expressed through native “home” language. #ellchat
Yes! To piggy back on this with my social work lens, there's a lot of research that shows children of immigrants do better (from a psychosocial / mental health perspective) when they are raised bilingually and biculturally. #ellchat
A2 I always ask tchrs what they’d do if parents said they don’t want their child to study any math in school because they don’t enjoy it. Would you go along with that? Well - research on supporting home language is just as strong - shouldn’t be choice! #ELLCHAT
A3 I think a curiosity of language can be so beneficial both socially and academically. Ss think critically about language use and become aware of both their own language and the language(s) they are learning. I’ve witnessed such beautiful moments come from this. #ellchat
A3 Removing a home-language can remove a child from their family and culture. Allowing students to speak in their native tongue promotes strong culture among peers, family members, and the community.#ellchat
A3) Many Ss will translate words for Ts into their L1 thruout the day. One K said to me this year, "I will translate everything into Russian for you!" #ELLchat He does it a lot!
A3: Their Language is part of their identity! The link to their people, their history, and their collective culture. All of that helps shape who they are!#ELLChat
A3. Shoot I already answered this in question 2. :) Basically, better mental health outcomes and smaller #acculturationgap with parents. Plus better prospects for careers, etc. So many benefits! #ellchat
A3: Being culturally connected to where they came from is so important. Language and culture are connected, you will never fully understand culture without language. Academically you cannot learn without understanding what you are being asked. #ellchat#ellchat
A3) Many Ss will translate words for Ts into their L1 thruout the day. One K said to me this year, "I will translate everything into Russian for you!" #ELLchat He does it a lot!
A3: Students gain confidence and proficiency in their L1 and that leads to developing their attitude toward language/communication/interpersonal relations #ellchat
Absolutely! In many ways, language is our connection to culture, to society, to community. We can bridge barriers and connect to other worlds and experiences. We will never fully understand culture without language, and vice versa! #ellchat
A3: Being culturally connected to where they came from is so important. Language and culture are connected, you will never fully understand culture without language. Academically you cannot learn without understanding what you are being asked. #ellchat#ellchat
A3 I think a curiosity of language can be so beneficial both socially and academically. Ss think critically about language use and become aware of both their own language and the language(s) they are learning. I’ve witnessed such beautiful moments come from this. #ellchat
A3 One word: Grandparents! Keeping the home language may be the strongest way for children to benefit from the love and wisdom of extended family! Skype is a real lifeline between me and my grandkids in other country! #ELLCHAT
A3) When Ss cannot quite get out the words in English, they may say in L1 to let us know they have a lot to say! Then we try to work out their meaning in English. They might say, "Let me say it in_____." It doesn't matter that most of us don't understand it! #ELLchat
A3) ELs can look at the world using different lenses. A positive socially & professionally. As an EL, myself, I am able to use my point of reference to identify w many cultural groups, see the similarities, celebrate the differences, understand the challenges. #ELLCHAT
A2- I feel it is a help for them to make connections. I work primarily with first grade and I encourage parents to help them develop their native language.
Pretty much all the research by Portes and Rumbaut. And I believe @uclagseis_dean and Dr. Carola Suarez-Orozco have studied that a lot too. I'll try to pull up something more specific and get back to you. #ellchat
It's a great experience for anyone. I could not be more grateful for the language expertise of my adult Ss. Without their help, we could not learn half as much, or delve as deeply. And our Student Ambassadors are irreplaceable for their language and cultural knowledge. #ELLCHAT
They have a stronger understanding of —what I called earlier— the nuances of language and communication. Context. Connotation. All things we often take for granted in our first language (especially if we only speak one) #ELLchat
A4: academically, understanding of how language works will transfer. It really helps if you know what a verb/noun/sentence/paragraph is in your native language first #ellchat
So important for Ts to make this explicit though! Do u find that many even very young Ss already have the idea they shouldn't speak L1 at school? That's the idea they enter with often and it's part of our work to give the right message explicitly. #ELLchat
A4 This is a good question! I feel like I know the answer, but can’t find the words! Supporting/creating opportunities for students to use a home language in and out of school supports so many important skills... #ellchat
#ELLCHAT A4 Besides access to primary lit in the native language, students can parse information in different languages. For example, I have trouble doing math in English, but do very well in it in Russian. Something about the language...
A4. In NJ HS grads can achieve the @BiliteracySeal if they demonstrate proficiency in English & at least one other foreign language. What an accomplishment for them! Something that will only propel them futher in their futures. #ellchat
A4: Being multilingual opens doors for people career wise. The 21st century workforce is now demanding people to communicate in variety of mediums. #ellchat
A3: It's also important in building a foundation for literacy. Bilingual Resource: Why Reading to Your Kids in Your Home Language Will Help Them Become Better Readers | https://t.co/WnhlpQrlyO#ELLchat
I’m very lucky in my current district where biliteracy is encouraged and welcomed by so many Ts. This was not that case in my previous school & it was very sad that Ss felt they could only use L1 in the ESL room & were told to “stop” using tools like google translate. #ellchat
A4: Its been proven being Bi-lingual Bi-cultural puts students above their peers, we see this in Deaf students often. Holding on to their home language will help them be knowledgeable about other cultures and increase other skills. Knowledge is power. #ellchat
A4) Bilingual ELLs show literacy scores that are as high as and often better than that of ELLs in English-only programs (Genesee & Lindholm-Leary, in press). (from Colorin Colorado) #ELLCHAT
A4 When a teacher utilizes Ss home language, they are more likely to succeed academically because they actually understand what is being asked of them. We often place ELLs in SpEd because they are not "excelling," when in reality, they are not comprehending the language. #ellchat
#ELLCHAT A4 Knowledge of one language can inform the other. Word order languages still have cases, but it often takes knowing a case-dependent language, like Latin, to figure them out.
A4) From Colorin Colorado - a growing evidence from researchers that shows bilingual children exhibit significant cognitive advantages in comparison to monolingual children (e.g., Bialystok 2006; Chin & Wigglesworth, 2007; Kovaacs & Mehler, 2009) #ELLCHAT
A4: Sometimes one of my smartest girls ( in her 3rd year in US) needs to process science concepts in Spanish first. I can see her thinking, talking it out then we help her transfer that knowledge into English #ELLChat
A4) Research suggest that bilinguals are doing "Frontal Lobe Pushups" every day. It's taxing on our young learners but they should know that there is much evidence that they are strengthening cognitive abilities.
Like a brain workout! https://t.co/4PfVJEhyCN#ellchat
A4) At K screening in spring, I ask Ss to find their home language version of our BiG! Campaign flyer (from a display). MANY 5 yos can identify correctly. That amazes me. Quite a foundation and resource for young children! #ELLchat
A3 AND A4 When we encourage families to use home language at home for stories, conversations, songs - such a great benefit to family strength and vocabulary development together. These are both so diminished when family feels need to reject home language. #ELLCHAT
Yes! I find that there's a shame factor. Kids have this idea that they're not supposed to speak their home language. Heck, parents can't even get them to speak it at home! Sometimes Ss pick up that shame at school but sometimes it's just the vibe from the larger society. #ellchat
So important for Ts to make this explicit though! Do u find that many even very young Ss already have the idea they shouldn't speak L1 at school? That's the idea they enter with often and it's part of our work to give the right message explicitly. #ELLchat
#ELLCHAT A5 Be vulnerable and ask questions to learn. Try to understand a little in every S's language, even if it's just one word. Pronounce names correctly. And allow Ss to be experts and leaders in sharing their L1 knowledge.
A5) they can take the time to build relationships with kids, encourage the use of a student’s home langauge(s), praise writing in both languages, ask Qs (thoughtfully and respectfully), DON’T assume something negative simply bc you don’t understand...so many strategies #ELLchat
A5) Promote as a Superpower! Trying to find my pic of them as superheroes with speech bubbles introducing themselves and their languages! ...💥 #ELLchat
A5: 1/2 If I were a situation where I didn't speak the language of my EL Ss, I would utilize prgrms like twinkl and duolingo to support my instruction #ELLchat
A5 It is not only a question about monolingual teachers. In preK, where many classrooms have 3, 4 or more languages, even bilingual teachers don’t know all the languages needed. That’s a challenge! #ELLCHAT
A5: ask st to share examples in their L1, search for cognates, show what their writing/alphabet looks like teach peers how to say common phrases- might increase appreciation of culture/languages st bring from their homes #ellchat
A5 Take interest in your students. Learn about their culture, language, and home. Sometimes you have to spare extra time outside of the classroom. Holler If You Hear Me is a great book about a teacher who took on this task with his students of various cultures. #ellchat
A2) I think maintaining the home language is definitely a large help for the students. Of course it is important to teach them english and to learn the language but make sure they stay in touch with theirroots, and also having that ability when finding a job is important.#ellchat
A5a I speak Spanish, but work w Ss who speak Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, & other languages I don’t speak. What do I do? Find opportunities to learn from the Ss I have the privilege to work with… #ellchat
#ELLCHAT A5 This may be easier with adults, but I truly count on my students to teach and correct me, and help each other, sometimes in L1, sometimes in English. We use whatever tools we must to build as much knowledge as we can.
Listen and ask Ss to share their expertise. Let Ss discuss and write in their L1. And, of course, reach out to your school's ELL teacher if you have Qs. #ellchat
I love your response. These are very practical and important things all teachers can do! @scomorrison, we've talked about some of these in class #ellchat#eloned#edu401
A5) Get comfortable w tech that helps learners navigate & capitalize on their complete repertoire of language. Train students 2 understand how 2 use L1 in ways that will develop L2. (negotiate meaning)
Have a language objective so u are confident that ur moving English. #ellchat
A5) Promote as a Superpower! Trying to find my pic of them as superheroes with speech bubbles introducing themselves and their languages! ...💥 #ELLchat
A5: it’s not about me...let the child speak...encourage them speaking in their l1. Learn key phrases in their l1 and use them. Embrace their language! #ellchat
A5. Talking to Ss about how cool it is they speak 2 languages. Plus lots of conversations with parents about the importance of continuing to speak X lang at home. And giving them tools for what to do when they speak their lang to child & child responds in Eng. (Ideas??) #Ellchat
A5 Be open. Listen and try to communicate in every way you can. They want to understand you just as much as you want to understand them. Always be aware of "the look," the one we give our Spanish teacher when we are confused. #ellchat
A5 Another strategy our school used: Our media specialist worked with me to order bilingual & L1 books for the languages in our school. I can’t wait until these books are available in order to read with Ss and learn from them! #ellchat
A5) Learning about the students culture as well as giving the students a chance to show off their culture to their classmates and show them to not be ashamed of their home language #ellchat
A5: Monolingual teachers can help maintain Ss’ home languages by providing opportunities for Ss to learn from each other, providing resources so Ss become biliterate, and showing their own genuine appreciation for different languages and cultures #ELLchat
#ELLCHAT A4 Monolingual Ts should *trust* their Ss to use native languages in group work. More languages should be represented on school & classroom walls. Ss can do independent reading & writing if literate in another language.
A5. I allow Ss time (about 5-10 mins) before our lesson begins to talk freely with a partner in L1 or teach a friend (or me) some words in their L1. We also look for videos/songs on YouTube in different languages to share during our morning meetings together. #ellchat
Q5- Teacher can front load lesson using picture card with English and Native language translation. Allow Ss to share some of native language with class. #ELLCHAT
I think it goes along with the pervasive anti-immigrant sentiment in our country. It was already hard for children of immigrants to navigate two worlds and it's only become more difficult. Language, culture, & identity are so intertwined. #ellchat
Resource: This is a beautiful essay by the late, great Oscar Hijuelos on what losing his first language, Spanish, meant in his life and in terms of his identity | https://t.co/HPGgwmS8M1#ELLchat
#ELLCHAT A4 Monolingual Ts should *trust* their Ss to use native languages in group work. More languages should be represented on school & classroom walls. Ss can do independent reading & writing if literate in another language.
A6 @EpicKidsBooks, @ReadingAZ, as well as learning about the different search engines in other countries, not solely relying on google’s translate, although it can also be helpful at times. #ellchat
Have class discussions on forums like Padlet. Try not penalize students for using their home-language. Rather, use it as a tool to help the entire class grow in their cultural knowledge. #ellchat
#ELLCHAT A6 I had my 3rd graders Tweet or post Instagram in Eng/Span to empower them to use their voice to share their authentic messages with a global audience. Social media in the classroom is powerful! Taught digital citizenship & connected them to the world!
Have class discussions on forums like Padlet. Try not penalize students for using their home-language. Rather, use it as a tool to help the entire class grow in their cultural knowledge. #ellchat
A6: Try to connect with people whom speak their language and may still be in their country. Give them some time to immerse back into their culture. Use visual scaffolds such as @nearpod, learning words through images helps us give output faster. #ellchat
#ELLCHAT I like to ask students for store recommendations. Most average size cities will have a shop for a community or culture. This may have food, but also periodicals, books, cards, traditional crafts and treats... It can all come in handy.
A6 OK - I believe I have the winning answer to this question ;) Google Translate Mobile App uses your camera to visually change the words on a document to a new language. #ELLCHAT
A6 Have class discussions on forums like Padlet. Try not penalize students for using their home-language. Rather, use it as a tool to help the entire class grow in their cultural knowledge. #ellchat
#ELLCHAT A6- I love Seesaw in the classroom- awesome for language development in any language, oracy opportunities, & digital citizenship! They can share their learning in their home language with their families & "colleagues" (other students)!
A6 and apps like My Story by @brightbot and Draw and Tell by @duckduckmoose that let you make stories and record voices so support any language #ELLCHAT
