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Teaching English While Respecting Home Languages
April 19, 2016
Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.
-H. Jackson Brown, Jr., from Life’s Little Instruction Book
-H. Jackson Brown, Jr., from Life’s Little Instruction Book
"Teaching English to immigrant children is not disrespectful of their culture when it is done well and explicitly," writes Angele Sancho Passe in Dual-Language Learners: Strategies for Teaching English. "On the contrary: It gives children a skill they need to thrive in the United States — and the world. Affluent children in Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Africa learn English as a second language in their schools. Some families go to great lengths so their children can learn English.... They do so because English is currently the world's common language for business, science, and diplomacy. If English is important for children in other countries, then it is absolutely vital for immigrant children in the United States."
But Passe adds that it is important that families maintain their home languages:
"It is hard work to maintain a home language under the pressure of a dominant language. Families need help from educators. For dual-language learners, home languages are the languages of emotions, relationships, family traditions, and cultural values. Home-language support helps families preserve their culture and connections. It also reassures families that their children can learn two languages successfully."
Support dual-language learners as they develop the skills necessary for school readiness and success
For dual-language learners—children who are learning both English and a home language—the first eight years are crucial for building strong foundations for academic success. During this time, children acquire the early literacy skills needed to be ready for kindergarten, do well in elementary school, and thrive in the years beyond. Based on research and the author's experience as a multilingual educator, Dual-Language Learners provides a thoughtful approach to help young children learn English, maintain their home language, and develop the skills necessary for school readiness and success.
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Comments (2)
Displaying All 2 CommentsSanta Monica College
Carlsbad, CA, United States
A long time ago I heard about another important reason for being sure that children do not lose touch with their home language. So many grand parents & other older adults may only speak their home language. If young children do not maintain their home language they may lose the ability to converse & connect with their older extended family members and others.That would mean a huge loss in the family's cohesiveness & continuation and sharing of cultural practices.
CSBC
Denver, CO, United States
I am glad our field is finally understanding the critical importance of teaching English to all children in the U.S. In the past there was a misguided belief that somehow it was OK to only support children's home language development. To succeed in the U.S. one needs to speak English. Let me also point out that it is not only affluent children in these other countries who learn English; the public schools in Brazil, Japan, China and Korea teach English to all students as an economic necessity. What we need to stress in this country (the U.S.) is that young children are perfectly able to learn and function effectively with two or more languages. This knowledge is especially needed by teachers, school psychologists, and social workers, some of whom still do not understand it.
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