Rodriguez "Bilingual Teaching and Learning" Blog 8

With America becoming a melting pot of ethnicity and race, the question of how to teach students the ability to be bilingual or learn multiple languages takes center stage. Whether a school age child is brought up in a home that speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, or any other language, the benefits of speaking multiple languages will help in so many facets of life. With this becoming fact, the question arises, how do teachers that speak only one language become effective in helping multi-languaguage learning students thrive? There is not enough research at this point for a right or wrong answer. Does the onus fall on the families, teachers or students? I feel like there needs to be a collaborative effort between all parties. In this writers opinion, it begins with the department of education putting policies in place that will help all parties thrive. Starting with the educators, they need to be cognizant and versed that society is moving in this direction. This means getting to know the students, their families and incorporate their native language into their curriculum. The teachers need to be willing to learn and grow with their students. Incorporporating different languages into their every day teachings. The students responsibility lies within practicing what they learn, talking to their friends and family in multiple languages. The families responsibility is to their children. Whether it is spending time learning and talking to their child about the benefits of learning multiple languages. Or simply providing their child with the proper avenues to learning multiple languages. Parents must also be part of the solution. The simple truth is that the United States is becoming a melting pot with multiple languages becoming a part of every day life. The success of the future lies within everyone working together.