Create an equitable, inclusive classroom environment that celebrates and respects the linguistic and cultural diversity of students. For example, hanging multilingual signs and posters is a great way to acknowledge and validate the multilingual identities of students. Additionally, normalize and show respect for the diverse needs of students so they view their languages as valuable assets rather than barriers. Allow all students, regardless of language proficiency, to use assistive technologies like translation apps, immersive readers, and bilingual dictionaries to ensure equal access to learning.

Students’ home languages are crucial tools for learning and contribute to creating an enriched classroom environment for all. Encourage students to draw on their linguistic knowledge by using their home language(s) alongside English. This strategy helps them maintain their home language(s), develop proficiency in English, and build confidence in their multilingual identity. Furthermore, intentional grouping during collaborative tasks like pairing students who speak the same language(s) can foster peer support and facilitate learning through peer tutoring.

We must teach in a context that acknowledges and embraces the cultural and linguistic diversity of the students in our Ontario classrooms to support student's social and academic development.

While these are important strategies to implement to teach and support student learning, we as educators must go further to address the needs of the substantially large and growing multilingual population in Ontario classrooms. First, we must pursue professional development to prepare ourselves to teach diverse classes. By building our understanding of Ontario’s linguistic heritage and developing the skills needed to effectively teach English Language Learners (ELLs) across all subject areas, we will improve our ability to teach and support students. Additionally, we should take the time to get to know our students, the languages they speak, and how these languages work in tandem with English.

By creating enriched classroom environments that incorporate culturally responsive materials and resources, students can see themselves reflected in the Ontario curriculum, fostering a sense of belonging. We must apply the principles of learning and teach in a way that embraces the cultural and linguistic diversity of students to support their social and academic development, to reduce failing literacy rates such as the OSSLT.

Overall, multilingual strategies like those mentioned must be employed to reduce barriers to learning English.