Language in the PYP

What We Believe

Language learning includes the development of home and family languages, languages of the school, additional languages and literacy.
Language is a means of affirming and expressing cultural identity and developing international- mindedness.
Multilingualism benefits learns and the learning community in a variety of ways.
We provide students with multiple, authentic opportunities to learn language, learn about language and learn through language.
The student language portrait is a tool that captures a learner’s complex language profile.

The Role of the Library

Language Learning in Preschool

Symbolic exploration and expression in the early years.

Symbolic language forms, such as written and spoken language, visual arts, mathematics and physical movement, allow early learners to explore the world and construct meaning.
Literacy and numeracy are key symbolic language forms and support students in gaining more sophisticated understandings over time.
Languages spoken in the home and community are valuable forms of symbolic expression.
Development of home languages is viewed as crucial for cognitive growth.

Experiences and strategies which support development of symbolic exploration and expression

Preschool Language Procedures and Agreements

Procedimientos y Acuerdos de Lenguaje en Preescolar

Language Learning in Primary

Language Strategies

Translanguaging

Planning is key

Effective translanguaging strategies are intentional. When planning for inquiries and assessment, teachers build in appropriate opportunities for students to draw on home and additional languages.

Planning questions

• What are the language backgrounds and needs of my students?

• Do I want to scaffold content or language?

• What content is not easily accessible to particular students?

• What are the unit aspects which might best be approached through a home language? (for example, local or cultural knowledge).

• In what ways can translanguaging strategies be incorporated into the engagements—pre-engagement, partner/collaborative and using home language resources?

• Am I using home languages for input or output or both?

Building an active translanguaging classroom

Opportunities to explore and develop translanguaging strategies exist in lots of daily contexts and many may arise spontaneously. Making languages visible in the learning environment through class routines, labels, signs, transitions and interactions will encourage and foster these moments.

Teachers may not understand all the languages of the classroom, but by seeing themselves as co-learners they support and build positive attitudes in their learning community.

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