Us teachers can maximize engagement and add instructional strategies in many ways, such as by putting up signs sensitive to cultural differences, using books in multiple languages, and encouraging parents and kids to emphasize their own cultural knowledge and background. One example from the reading is that teachers can ask one or two students to present a term from their native tongues to the class, explaining its meaning and the reasoning behind their choice. By doing this activity students and teachers pick up new vocabulary over time in many languages.
Multilingual students who are encouraged to use their home languages alongside the language of the classroom come to see themselves as talented and accomplished speakers of multiple languages who are more likely to engage academically. As the reading explained, it is important to encourage individuals’ home languages so that they do not feel constrained by their current proficiency in the school language. It is crucial to understand that every child has a right to an education that matches their needs, so as educators, it is our responsibility to adjust to each student’s needs to maximize achievement.
Reading- https://www.edcan.ca/articles/multilingual-students/
Hi Kamryn, great post!
I agree that there are so many new and effective ways for teachers to engage and encourage students to bring aspects of their cultures into the classroom. As you said, simply asking students to share a couple of words in their first language, or share stories about their cultures, can help the other students, as well as the teachers, learn and respect them. Small approaches can make huge differences for multilingual students and their learning and help create a more inclusive classroom environment. As future teachers I think that it is our job to create a space that allows students to feel equal, comfortable, and safe, and using the instructional strategies that you mentioned above are great ways to work towards this classroom goal.