Celebrate and Support Bilingual Students

Suzanne RogersBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better

TL;DR:

  • Bilingualism enhances cognitive skills, academic performance, and cultural understanding.
  • Schools can foster multilingual environments through culturally responsive teaching, resources, and family support.
  • Supporting bilingual students builds global competency and celebrates linguistic diversity.

Bilingualism is much more than just being able to speak two languages. It is a powerful asset that shapes cognitive development and enhances academic achievement. As classrooms across the United States become more linguistically diverse, celebrating and supporting bilingual students has never been more critical. Schools can create environments that embrace multilingualism by recognizing the academic and cognitive benefits while implementing strategies to empower bilingual learners. Our LISA Academy families speak 50 different languages! Some of our students are fluent in 3 languages! Supporting and celebrating these students is part of our school culture.

Why Bilingualism Matters

Being bilingual is linked to several cognitive advantages. Bialystok (2001) states that bilingualism strengthens executive functioning skills such as problem-solving, task-switching, and memory retention. Bilingual students’ cognitive flexibility allows them to switch between languages effortlessly, which enhances their ability to perform well in multiple tasks and problem-solving situations.

In addition to cognitive benefits, studies have found that bilingual students tend to perform better academically. Research published by the National Library of Medicine supports this, showing that bilingual children often outperform monolingual peers on standardized tests. Their ability to navigate abstract concepts in two languages provides a unique opportunity for a more complex understanding of ideas, enriching their learning experience (National Library of Medicine, n.d.).

Supporting bilingualism in schools helps to celebrate students' cultural backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment where all learners feel valued. Click To Tweet

Enhancing Phonetic Learning in Bilingual Students

Bilingualism impacts language development, even from infancy. Kuhl, Tsao, and Liu (2003) discovered that infants exposed to a second language through social interaction significantly improved phonetic learning. Early exposure to multiple languages sharpens auditory processing, setting the foundation for more robust language acquisition and fluency later in life.

This phonetic adaptability gives bilingual students an advantage when learning new languages, making them more proficient in understanding and replicating new sounds. By supporting bilingual students from a young age, educators can foster an environment where multilingualism becomes a powerful tool for academic and social success.

The Cultural and Social Benefits of Bilingualism

Language is a cognitive tool and a bridge to cultural understanding. Bilingual students often have a richer appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, giving them an edge in global competency. Supporting bilingualism in schools helps to celebrate students’ cultural backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment where all learners feel valued.

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) emphasizes that language learning broadens students’ worldviews and prepares them for global opportunities (ACTFL, 2023). Encouraging bilingualism in education benefits individual academic success and contributes to the development of global citizens.

How Schools Can Support Bilingual Students

There are several ways schools can support bilingual students and celebrate their unique abilities:

  1. Provide Culturally Responsive Teaching: Acknowledging and incorporating students’ linguistic and cultural backgrounds into the curriculum encourages them to take pride in their heritage while enhancing their learning. LISA Academy is growing our culturally responsive teaching with Dr. Mel Battles
  2. Create Bilingual Resource Centers: Bilingual resources such as books, websites, and study aids can support students’ language development and introduce monolingual students to new languages.
  3. Support Families: Encouraging bilingualism at home and maintaining communication with parents in their preferred language ensures a collaborative approach to supporting bilingual students’ development. Smore and SchoolStatus are two tools that can help!
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Conclusion

Bilingualism provides numerous academic and cognitive advantages, from improving problem-solving skills to enhancing memory retention. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that nearly 22% of school-age children in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.), highlighting the need for schools to celebrate and support these students. By creating bilingual-friendly environments, schools not only enhance learning but also help cultivate future leaders who are globally aware and culturally competent.

References

  • Bialystok, E. (2001). Bilingualism in development: Language, literacy, and cognition. Cambridge University Press.
  • Kuhl, P. K., Tsao, F.-M., & Liu, H.-M. (2003). Foreign-language experience in infancy: Effects of short-term exposure and social interaction on phonetic learning. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 100(15), 9096–9101. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1532872100
  • National Library of Medicine (U.S.). (n.d.). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

About Suzanne Rogers

Suzanne M. Rogers is an accomplished, passionate, technology-inspired educator, experienced conference presenter, and yoga enthusiast. She is the Assistant Director of Public Relations at LISA Academy Public Charter Schools. In addition to her 20 years of work in education, Suzanne also serves on the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Educator Advisory Board, the UCA Executive Advisory Board, the UCA MAT Program Advisory Board, and the SAU ERZ Advisory.

Suzanne’s passion for education and her community is evident in her involvement in these organizations, where she works tirelessly to support students and educators. As an #ArmyMom and former #AFbrat, Suzanne brings a unique perspective to her work, understanding firsthand the sacrifices made by military families. Suzanne exemplifies dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence.