Embracing Students' Full Linguistic Repertoire

When Spanish- speaking  English language learners walk into a classroom, they bring more than just developing English skills —they bring a full linguistic and cultural toolbox. Yet too often, these tools go unused or even untecognized. That's where translanguaging (Garcia & Wei, 2014) comes in. Translanguaging is a powerful approach that encourages learners to draw from both languages — Spanish and English— to make meaning, deepen understanding, and express themselves fully.

What is Translanguaging? 

Translanguaging is not just switching between languages. It is a dynamic process where multilingual speakers use all of their language resources to think, learn, and communicate. Instead of keeping Spanish and English separate, translanguaging encourages fluid movement between both languages, allowing students to, for example:

• Use Spanish to understand complex content in English
• Take notes in one language and discuss in another
• Draf writing in Spanish and revise in English
• Reflect and share their ideas in the language that feels most natural

Fun Ways to Keep Bilingual Children Learning All Summer Long

School’s out, and summer is finally here! Kids are ready to sleep in, play outside, head out on family trips, and enjoy some well-deserved fun. These moments are important—they help children recharge, grow emotionally, and just be kids.

But if you're a parent of a bilingual child or an English Language Learner (ELL), you might also be wondering:

How can I help my child keep up with their language development during the summer?

The summer slide—where kids lose some of the academic progress they made during the year—is real. But the good news? You can help your child stay on track without turning summer into summer school.

In this post, I’ll explore **simple, engaging strategies to keep language skills growing all summer long—**in English and Spanish.

📚 1. Make Reading a Daily Habit

Reading is one of the most effective ways to support language development. And it doesn’t have to feel like a chore.

Try these tips:

• Read in both languages: Choose books in English and Spanish to reinforce vocabulary and comprehension across both languages.

• Let your child choose: Pick books based on their interests and reading level to make reading enjoyable.

• Read aloud—even to older kids: Hearing fluent reading helps with pronunciation, tone, and rhythm.

• Talk about what you read: Ask questions like “What do you think will happen next?” or “How would you feel if you were the character?”

🗣️ 2. Use Language in Everyday Moments

Summer is filled with opportunities for learning through daily life—no flashcards required!

Here’s how:

• Creative writing: Encourage your child to keep a journal, write stories, or even create comic books.

• Play word games: Games like Scrabble, Boggle, or bilingual language apps are both fun and educational.

• Have conversations: Talk with your child every day. Ask open-ended questions that encourage them to think and express themselves.

• Explore together: Trips to museums, parks, or even the grocery store can introduce new vocabulary and spark curiosity.

💻 3. Make the Most of Technology

Tech can be a great ally when used intentionally.

Explore:

• Language-learning apps: Try kid-friendly apps designed to build language skills through games and interactive lessons.

• Audiobooks and videos: Listen to stories or watch educational videos in both English and Spanish. Here are some examples: Duolingo, Busuu, BBCLearningEnglish, BrainPopELL, ABCya.

🎯 4. Keep It Fun and Connected to Real Life

Learning sticks when it feels meaningful.

• Follow their passions: If your child loves cooking, read recipes together in both languages. Into sports? Watch a game and talk about it.

• Show real-world uses: Let your child order food, ask for help in a store, or help write a grocery list in English and Spanish.

🏘️ 5. Get Involved in your Community

Your local community can be a powerful learning partner.

• Library visits: Many libraries offer bilingual story times, reading programs, and free resources for ELLs.

• Summer programs: Look for camps or classes with a focus on bilingual learning or cultural enrichment.

• Community events: Attend festivals, cultural celebrations, and family events that allow your child to use language in fun, social settings.

🌍 6. Celebrate Bilingualism and Culture

Keeping your child connected to their culture boosts confidence and identity.

• Use dual-language resources: Stock up on bilingual books, games, and digital tools.

• Incorporate cultural traditions: Cook family recipes, celebrate holidays, or share stories from your heritage.

• Blend the languages: Encourage activities that naturally use both languages—like singing songs, telling jokes, or making crafts.

Final Thoughts

Summer doesn’t have to be a break from learning—it’s a chance to learn differently. With just a little intention and creativity, you can help your child keep growing in both English and Spanish.

So enjoy the sunshine, make memories, and sneak in a little learning along the way. 

By engaging in these activities, you're not only nurturing language skills but also fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse traditions and perspectives. The key is to make learning a joyful, natural part of everyday life, where curiosity and creativity flourish together.

You’re not just preventing summer loss—you’re building a love of language that will last a lifetime.✨

Want more tips like this? Subscribe to our blog for ideas to support bilingual learners all year long!

As the Science of Reading (SoR) gains traction in classrooms across the country, teachers, specialists and interventionists are increasingly examining its implementation, effectiveness, and relevance—particularly for multilingual learners. One key question is whether the principles and findings of SoR apply equitably to students whose first or home language is not English, especially Spanish-speaking learners.

The Science of Reading, a multidisciplinary body of research that explores how individuals learn to read, outlines five essential components for developing strong reading skills: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Studies have shown that these components are effective for both English and Spanish speakers (Huerta, 2009). For Spanish-speaking students learning English, leveraging literacy skills developed in their native language can provide a strong foundation for building proficiency in English reading.

The literacy foundation that English learners possess in their native language plays a critical role in their acquisition of English literacy. Instruction for English learners should be tailored to account for differences in writing systems and students’ prior literacy experiences. For example, learners who are proficient in languages that use the Latin alphabet, such as Spanish, are more likely to transfer decoding and writing skills to English. In contrast, students whose native languages use non-Latin or character-based scripts—such as Arabic, Korean, Russian, or Chinese—may face greater challenges.

Additionally, students whose first languages are closely related to English (e.g., Spanish) can benefit from cognates—words that are similar in meaning and spelling across both languages. Conversely, learners whose native languages are structurally unrelated to English may not benefit from such linguistic similarities.

While the Science of Reading has strong support, it also sparks some debate—especially when it comes to Multilingual learners, including Spanish-speaking students. One key concern is whether a heavy focus on phonics works well for all learners. Some educators worry that placing too much emphasis on phonics might miss other important parts of learning to read, like building language skills and understanding meaning—areas that are especially important for students learning English as a second language. The argument is that this approach may not sufficiently address the complex needs of English learners who are simultaneously developing English language proficiency. Laurie Olsen of the National Committee for Effective Literacy (NCEL) and Californians Together, as well as Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, have voiced such concerns. Cárdenas-Hagan stresses that phonics is "only one part of literacy," and that broader language development and comprehension must not be overlooked. Also there are concerns that in its current application, SoR, may not adequately account for the unique linguistic and cultural backgrounds of bilingual learners. 

 On the other hand, many believe that the Science of Reading benefits all students, including English learners, when implemented thoughtfully. Proponents of SoR argue that phonics instruction lays a crucial foundation for decoding, which in turn supports reading comprehension. They also emphasize that SoR is not limited to phonics alone; it encompasses phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension as equally important components. 

Without dismissing either side, and as research evolves, it is essential for educators to remain mindful of the diverse needs of all students. Instruction should be holistic and responsive, integrating evidence-based practices from the Science of Reading with effective strategies for language acquisition and comprehension. Doing so will better support English learners on their path to literacy success!