Hello! ¡Hola! مرحبا! 你好！Building A Multilingual Classroom Through Literacy
Help me give my students talking bilingual dictionaries in their home languages that will not only enhance their learning of English, but reinforce vocabulary within their own language, AND facilitate communication between students and their teachers.
My classroom consists of 20 pre-kindergarteners. Several students have specials needs and the majority are English Language Learners with various backgrounds from different countries.
Even with such a diverse group they are still students who are naturally curious and love to explore!
Many students are new to the country and this may also be their first time in a school setting. In addition, it is possible that many have not had previous experience with classroom materials outside of basic toys and technology. Please help me to provide them with the resources that will create new, exciting experiences for them where they can make real-world connections and be proud of their accomplishments.
My Project
Over 90% of our class is made up of English-Language-Learners. Each one of those students is on a different path when developing language, in both their home language and in a new language. Some students come to school speaking fluently in both languages and speak both depending on who the listener is at school. Some students only speak their home language to family, but at school, speak English. Some students only speak their home language at school and few words in English, but eager to learn a new language. Some remain silent for periods lasting months, listening to the variety of languages around them until they feel confident in trying it themselves. Teachers who only speak English are left to find ways to communicate with their students on all of these levels by any means necessary.
Talking bilingual dictionaries can be used by both students and teachers to facilitate communication and teach new vocabulary that is kid-friendly and builds confidence.
We rely heavily on visuals, sounds, and body movements when teaching and communicating in a new language. Unfortunately, all of our resources in the classroom are provided only in English. This significantly limits the ways in which a child can pick up vocabulary in a new language. What better way to teach new words than to have a book that has pictures, has words written in their home language, and it says the words all at the same time! Teachers can use the dictionaries to have simple conversations with their students and students can feel comfortable and confident knowing that they are understood. Even better, all students will have access to a variety of languages and I can only imagine the fun they will have exploring the different ways to speak to one another!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Romano and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
