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What is the best way to teach a second language? 

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What is the best way to teach a second language? 

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Anyone at any age can learn a second language after a first language is already established, but it takes a lot of practice. Second language acquisition often happens when a child who speaks a language other than English goes to school for the first time.

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Bilingual students will "catch up to their peers" if they learn in their native tongue.

With more opportunities to learn in a native language, students are presented with an opportunity to make connections and learn with a broader vocabulary. This is why it is important to provide native texts and other language-related opportunities for English Language Learners

If students' cultures are valued, they will feel a sense of belonging and feel there is an appreciation for their culture.

It takes approximately 3-5 years for a child to become fluent in a language. If efforts are not made to educate the child while incorporating their native language, the child may fall behind his or her peers.

It is important to promote a student's native language because it will contribute to his or her sense of self, and will also keep communication with his or her parents open and growing.

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The benefits of a bilingual brain - Mia Nacamulli

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Approaches to teaching Language Minority Students

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Approaches to teaching Language Minority Students

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Teachers participate in professional development to learn how native and subsequent languages are learned.

Adapt the curriculum for students whose first language is other than English

Communicate effectively with parents of diverse language

Say your students' names correctly

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Bilingual picture books offer children the opportunity to develop a second language and expand their cultural awareness. While reading a bilingual picture book won't teach kids a new language, it's a great way to introduce and reinforce new sounds and words.

Because these bilingual books provide side-by-side text in English as well as Spanish, I recommend starting with one language and sticking with it throughout the entire book. Then, read the book again but in the other language. If your child is fluent in both languages, you can try reading both languages side by side and comparing the translations. Either way, after you read, spend some time talking about the story and the new words you learned. Oral language development is foundational for reading success in any language.

When it comes to choosing a bilingual book, it's no different than picking any book for your child. Select high interest, relatable stories. Even better, have your child choose the books.

Here are ten bilingual Spanish/English books to get you started.

by Pat Mora, illustrated by Maribel Suarez

This simple book shares comforting words of dream-filled sleepy time. "Shh, shh. Close your eyes." The perfect bedtime book in either language.

by Jen Arena, illustrated by Blanca Gómez

Half in English, half in Spanish, and all sweet. "Daddy shares kisses, tickles, and giggles," says one page. The next page reads "Besos, Papi, besos." It's not set up like a traditional bilingual book, but it's still a lovely introduction to Spanish, and especially helpful for parents who are not strong Spanish speakers.

Additional Resources:

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10 Spanish/English Bilingual Picture Books | Brightly

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Bilingual picture books offer children the opportunity to develop a second language and expand their cultural awareness. While reading a bilingual picture book won't teach kids a new language, it's a great way to introduce and reinforce new sounds and words.

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https://translate.google.com/
http://www.wordsift.com/

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/success-esl-students/
Conversation cards:

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Visual illustrations allow ELLs to better understand the material while learning important vocabulary.
Students should be provided an opportunities to connect new knowledge with their schema through the use of visual representations.
http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/

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Researchers...found that kinesthetic motions are effective tools for helping students create mental representations for abstract concepts (Collins, 2005).

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Hand motions and strategy starters help scaffold the use of comprehension strategies for English Learners.