Message in a Backpack™. Benefits When Families Speak Their Home Languages

Standard 1Standard 2Resource Type: ArticleTopic: Family DiversityTopic: Developmentally Appropriate PracticeTopic: Multilingual Learners
Written By Kadisha Conteh

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/summer2024/message-backpack-speak-their-home-languages

Also available in Spanish: https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/summer2024/message-backpacktm-los-beneficios-de-hablar


This article is a resource written specifically for families to explain why speaking their native language at home is so beneficial for their children. It suggests that using a home language doesn't slow down English learning, but instead builds a child's brain power, strengthens family bonds, and creates a proud sense of cultural identity. By sharing stories and songs in their own language, parents provide a "secret ingredient" that helps their children succeed both at home and in school.

Organization/Author: Rica Ramirez, Teaching Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Summer 2024

Topic of issue of TYC: Nurturing Multilingual Learners in Preschool

Kadisha Conteh
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Six Ways Educators Can Honor Home Languages