Encouraging the Use of Home Languages

A practical guide for teachers from Alberta Education.

Maintaining and supporting the growth of home language proficiency can benefit students in a variety of ways, including individually, socially, and intellectually. As a result, educators should encourage the use of home languages both with the family and in school. Encouraging emerging multilinguals to use their home language aids their learning by providing them with access to the language in which they think. It also enables individuals to transfer language abilities established in their home language to their new learning. A teaching guide from Alberta Education/LearnAlberta.ca will answer your main questions.

  • Why encourage the use of home languages?
  • How can teachers support the use of home languages?
  • How can teachers engage families in developing home language and literacy?
  • What types of resources and activities do teachers use to support learning in the home languages?

The publication includes two tools for teachers, a self-reflection inventory and a template to create a personal dictionary. 

Read more.

Encouraging the Use of Home Languages
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