When we think of the core goals of dual language education, the first two that come to mind are bilingualism/biliteracy and high academic achievement. After all, those are directly tied to our evaluation systems. However, now more than ever, we need to pay attention to the third core pillar of bilingual education: sociocultural competence. Creating an inclusive bilingual classroom that celebrates linguistic diversity and fosters collaborative partnerships is vital. It promotes a positive self-concept and a sense of belonging among students, which in turn enhances their engagement and motivation to learn.
Embracing the linguistic diversity our multilingual students bring to the table makes them feel respected, appreciated and empowered. We can encourage students to share their languages, cultures and traditions. When selecting resources, we can incorporate those that reflect our students' backgrounds.
An inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging. To do so, create norms that promote inclusivity, mutual respect and empathy. Plan for opportunities for students to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives. Honor students identities, backgrounds and learning styles.
Leverage collaborative partnerships with parents, teachers, administrators and community members to create an inclusive classroom. Seek opportunities for community engagement, such as workshops, cultural events, service projects and guest speaking. Find ways to network with other teachers to share best practices and resources and to have conversations that challenge and expand our own views.
Creating a transformative bilingual classroom means embracing linguistic diversity, fostering an inclusive environment, and building collaborative partnerships. It means means creating a place where students feel celebrated every day for who they are, for their language, their culture and their contribution to their community.
We hope you subscribe to our newsletter and that you come back to our website to check out our blog, where we will explore different aspects of dual language education. Stay in touch and reach out if you have suggestions for the next blog post!
Abrazos,
Espericueta Bilingual Education Consultancy, LLC
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