Classroom teachers interested in supporting second language acquisition and multiligualism in their classroom can consider the following guidance and questions:
- Compile books, audio, digital and visual materials in a variety of languages, including the home languages of your students. Feature these assets prominently throughout your classroom.
- How does your classroom community value and model language diversity and inclusion?
- How do your students express comfort with people who are both similar to and different from them and practice engaging respectfully with all people?
Additional resources for elementary educators:
The National Network for Early Language Learning provides online and in-person support for educators in early language teaching and learning.
Learning For Justice provides lesson plans, professional development opportunities and classroom materials tied to social justice, anti-bias and social-emotional learning.
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages provides resources for world language teachers and strategies for teachers and families advocating for world language instruction.
Foreign Language Association of Maine offers resources and information for Maine’s K-12 teachers of French, German, Latin, Spanish, ESL, and other languages.
Libros for Language is a digital library designed to support teachers in finding and using translanguaging books. The catalogue features authors and illustrators who incorporate LOTE (Languages Other Than English) in their work.
Diverse Book Finder is a collection of children’s picture books featuring Black and Indigenous people and People of Color (BIPOC), with the ability to search for books by language and a Collection Analysis Tool (CAT) tool designed to help libraries diversify their picture book collections.
International Children’s Digital Library supports children in becoming effective members of the global community, exhibit tolerance and respect for diverse cultures, languages and ideas through this virtual, open-access collection.