DisruptED TV Magazine

Honoring All Languages in Literacy Instruction

By Tonya Gilchrist

“English only!”

It may no longer be said in harsh criticism (at least, hopefully not), but it is still said far too often. And, even if said with a smile and a gentle nudge of encouragement, should it be said at all?

Those of us who have been in the world of education for quite some time have probably had moments where we defended this practice, perhaps thinking: Well, we have to help them learn English. They aren’t going to learn it if they aren’t using it.

I understand this line of thinking. I lived it for a time. And it is partly true. Yes, of course, learners need to actively use a language they are attempting to master. We learn by doing, after all. However, learners also deserve opportunities to pull on the unique skillsets they already have.

Imagine you love to bake. (If you’re like me, you don’t even have to imagine!) Now imagine you have made hundreds of vanilla cakes in your life, and today your friend is going to teach you how to make a chocolate cake. You start to get out flour, eggs, sugar, and butter, but your friend interrupts you.

“How could you possibly know what to get out of the cupboard? You’ve never made a chocolate cake before!” she…