Bilingualism and Home Language
SEI/301 Erica Flores
What is Bilingualism and Home Language?
Bilingualism is a student's ability to speak two languages.
Home language is a student's native language he or she is raised with at home; first language learned
• Sociocultural aspects for bilingual students in the classroom
- Simultaneous exposed to language at school and home
- Communicate efficiently with individuals of different backgrounds and culture
- Become aware of different communication strategies
- Become culturally and linguistically diverse
- Gain confidence in language for both L1 and L2.
• Cultural impact of bilingualism and home language use
- Students become culturally diverse in both languages
- Gain perspective of both languages, (relate to emotions and feelings of language)
- Prepares all students to be open minded to learn even more languages
- Teach students the value of language: communication among home, school, traditions, customs, around the world
• Strategies and resources for cultivating home and school partnerships
- Teachers encourage home language use at home and school
- Show interest and respect
- Influence collaboration- phone calls, notes home, email, meetings
- Welcome diversity- Language is valued and appreciated
- Books, computer links, family night, community resources,
- Maintain safe environment in the classroom
- Gain trust of parents, encourage family involvement, develop strong teacher-student bond
- Educate parents on expanding language skills and how they can be useful in the future
• Strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of the home and school partnerships
- Emphasize importance of communication: praises/concerns
- Educate parents to obtain information: district website, teacher created website, notes home, US Department of Education
- Take the time to meet with families
- Show you care: translator, meaningful feedback, positive attitude, provide quality education
- Show support
The role of leadership in cultivating a positive home and school partnership for ELL students
- Advocate for programs and trainings
- Get teachers educated about the ELL population in their area
- Important resource: bilingual teachers, community
- Integrate diverse cultural traditions in your classroom
- Keep communication strong
- Have an open door to families
- Maintain professionalism