View Content #27292

From https://seidlitzblog.org/2019/07/10/primary-language-support-in-general-education-classrooms/

Valentina Gonzalez writes, "Primary language support (PLS) is the use of students’ first languages to build on the development of their target language. For example, if a child first learned Italian at home and then begins school in America, the primary language of Italian would be used as a leverage to build the English language. 

"...For many decades in the United States, primary language support has been a highly controversial topic in education. Some argue that the use of primary language may delay ELs’ English language development. However, Claude Goldenberg states in a 2013 article for American Educator that, 'there is an inherent advantage of knowing and being literate in two languages.'"

Read Gonzalez's full article to learn more about PLS, why it's important, and how you can use it to support emergent bilinguals: https://seidlitzblog.org/2019/07/10/primary-language-support-in-general-education-classrooms/