A student's first (L1) or native language is one of the best tools they have readily available that can help them support their own learning. If a student's L1 is Spanish, then they will already have a large bank of Tier 2 vocabulary (cross curricular) that they already know. Tier 2 vocabulary is important because these are the words that tend to lead to breakdown in understanding because they are not the the common (Tier 1) vocabulary they used to using with their classmates or the math vocabulary (Tier 3) that is being emphasized during instruction. Furthermore, Tier 2 vocabulary is the "testing vocabulary" that students will encounter on standardized assessments. Sometimes in an effort to increase a student's English language acquisition & development, students are encourage to use English and discouraged from using their L1. However, students can benefit greatly from using their L1 during "self-talk" & thinking time because they are able to focus on content rather than the English language & vocabulary that they should use. I find that when I am tired, I start thinking in my L1 (Spanish) and that is OKAY! I also find that when I am doing computations it is easier to do so in Spanish and that is OKAY! I know two languages and I am going to use switch when needed or use both to support my work & thinking. Our emerging bilingual students need the support & encouragement to know that it is OKAY to use all of their languages.
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