A student’s home language is something we should never try to take away from a student.
Melissa Eddington in Education Week Teacher
Listen to this conversation between educators Larry Ferlazzo, Melissa Eddington, Wendi Pillars and Tracey Flores discussing the role of home language in the classroom. Some great tips include:
- Dialogue journals to practice writing in any language
- Classroom newsletter with contributions from students and parents in their home language
- Family writing workshops
- Traditions/rituals in the classroom that incorporate home language in chants, songs, and greetings
- Include family and community members into the classroom to read or share cultural experiences
- Offer books in students’ home languages
ELs Excel 