Culturally Responsive Practices

When bilingualism is encouraged through language use at home, along with the language used in formal learning environments, bilingual and cognitive communication development can be achieved. Studies always indicate that children who hold on to their native language as well as they learn a second language (e.g., English) become more proficient in language skills in general. The EYLF points out that cultural identities of children must be honored and the home languages must be used in this procedure. Based on what Vygotsky said in the process of language acquisition children build meaning and knowledge as a result of a social interaction utilizing their native language. Families and teachers can support children by ensuring they are able to develop their language skills in support of home languages, which also help in maintenance of culture and cultural pride.

Strength-based approach aims at looking at what children can achieve, but not what they cannot, they acknowledge cultural and linguistic resources that each child has to offer to the classroom. On the language development front, this implies the importance attached to the home language of a child and the promotion of the same in an attempt to stimulate learning. According to the Culturally Responsive Teaching framework proposed by Gay (2018), the key to the academic prosperity of the learners lies in the idea to include the cultural knowledge of the students and their linguistic abilities into the course. As an illustration, sharing of words or phrases of home language by children will help them gain a confidence and become more active in the process of learning. This boosts their sense of identity and makes them better placed to take part in the classroom.

By encouraging inclusive communication practices, it can be ensured that every child, irrespective of his or her linguistic and cultural background can feel accepted and respected. This can be done by identifying and appreciating divergence in communication styles and this can be across cultures. The best way that teachers can use to encourage inclusivity is to provide multilingual resources, prominent the use of culturally pertinent samples, and ensure that the learning environment reflects that all languages are accepted. As discussed in EYLF, inclusivity is to be incorporated into the daily learning practice. By establishing this environment through which the children are actually shown their language and culture, we create a feeling of belonging and acceptance, which in turn leads to their increased confidence in the social environment as well as school achievements.