Your students are already experts at navigating two languages.
They code-switch without even thinking about it texting in English, calling out to mamá in Spanish, answering you in class in one language and whispering to a classmate in another. That kind of linguistic flexibility? That’s brilliance in action.
Now imagine how powerful it becomes when that skill is not only used in the classroom, but celebrated at the kitchen table, during family gatherings, or even in those everyday car rides home where a student says, “Mira, I read this article in class today…” and suddenly, their family is part of the learning too.
That’s the magic of translanguaging. It opens the door for students to connect learning to real life. It tells them: Your full self is welcome here. Your Spanglish. Your accents. Your cultural references. All of it.
And as educators, when we intentionally build those bridges through bilingual-friendly materials, tasks that encourage language choice, or even just validating a student’s voice we’re doing more than teaching content. We’re nurturing identity. We’re saying, “I see you. I hear you. And your languages are a strength.”
So, if you’ve ever wondered whether translanguaging “counts” as rigorous instruction let me just say: it does. And when students feel that their home languages are not only accepted but celebrated, they carry that pride with them long after the bell rings.
Let’s build more of that.
Builds trust and connection between school and student identity
Makes bilingual learners feel seen and valued
Encourages deeper comprehension through emotional connection
👍Do:
Represent everyday experiences and family dynamics
Use regional Spanish varieties (e.g., Mexican Spanish, Caribbean Spanish etc.)
Include texts authored by Latine/immigrant voices
Reflect joy, success, and resistance
🚫 Avoid:
Sterotyped or "token" characters
Only formal "academic" Spanish that feels unfamiliar
Traslated texts with no cultural connection
Only stories of struggle or trauma
Use publc library bilingual collections
Translate or adapt student-generated texts! (oral stories, family anecdotes)
Check Newsela.com or Colorín Colorado for leveled texts with culture-based themes
Always check the book reviews or read the back cover for more information
Encourages cross-generational storytelling in both languages
Validates home language and cultural wealth
Strengthens identity through collaboration and memeory-sharing
Bilingual Home Reading Log
Invite students to log any language reading: menus, prayers, social media captions, idioms etc.
Family Interview Prompts (EN/ES)
"Pregúntale a tus abuelos ¿Qué juegos jugaba cuando era niños?
Oral Storytelling Flip Videos
Students record a parent/grandparent/ or guardian telling a story in Spanish. Then retell it to the class in English.
Family Recipe and Memory Project
Create a class cookbook with bilingual student/family stories attached.
Ready to see what all this looks like in one place?
I've created a sample text set template to help you visualize how your lessons can flow bilingually with purpose and flexibility. Whether you’re a Google Slides guru or new to text set design, this example is your jump-start for building something that feels authentic and inclusive.