Rationale

Across the United States over the last few decades, there has been an increase in the population of English Language Learners. As our country is becoming more bilingual and multilingual, it is crucial for educators to be prepared to teach ELLs and MLs. Although not every teacher can be fluent in all languages, best practice tells us that teachers should provide scaffolds and differentiated learning techniques for these learners. Think about it: not only are these children juggling content-area learning, but simultaneously literacy-skill acquisition in a new language and sometimes even in their home language. According to the SIOP Model, a research-based instructional model taught in my TESOL coursework that is considered highly effective in addressing the academic needs of ELLs, native language use for clarification is one of the main features as described by Echevarría and Short (2016) in Developing Academic Language with the SIOP Model.

Too often, native language use is deemed as a hindrance to learning a new language. However, based on my coursework, the advice of my mentor teachers, and my own observations, I think not only that this practice is beneficial, but that it is necessary. Imagine trying to learn a new language without having anything to relate it to? Sure, it's possible. However, why not create an environment in which teachers and the child use the child’s native language alongside second language instruction?

Additionally, while native language use is important for its educational and linguistic benefits in both content and language acquisition among ELLs (or learners of other languages), I think the most important effect this practice has on students is showing that they are valued. Language is a huge part of identity. Half of the children in nearly every class I have observed, choreographed, student-taught, or taught are native Spanish speakers coming from all different cultural backgrounds. They are proud of their language and cultures and love to see them represented in the classroom: whether this is through references posted on the wall in Spanish, the teacher using Spanish during instruction, or themselves using it throughout the day, students feel valued as whole people when their native language is used in school.