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Why Bilingual Reading Benefits Both Languages and Accelerates Literacy
There is something so powerful about bilingual literacy. Truly. And it’s one of those topics that deserves an honest, real conversation.
In this episode, we’re digging into why English-only instruction still shows up in so many classrooms… even when the research points us in a different direction. Because when we lean into multilingual practices, we’re not slowing readers down. Not even close. We’re actually helping them grow stronger, more flexible thinking skills while honoring the language and culture that make them who they are.
If you’re teaching multilingual learners, supporting them at home, or making decisions at the school level, this conversation is going to give you some things to think about. The kind of ideas that stick with you and quietly shift how you approach literacy instruction.
We talk about why learning in more than one language is not a hurdle. It’s a boost. A BIG one. You’ll hear how reading across languages strengthens comprehension and how translanguaging works with the brain, not against it. No confusion. Just deeper understanding.
And we get into the classroom side of things too. The simple, doable shifts that actually make a difference:
• How Spanish and English cognates can support faster decoding
• Why Spanish’s consistent sound patterns can build a strong reading foundation
• Easy ways to create a classroom that reflects and values multiple languages (think labels, visuals, and everyday routines)
These are the kinds of moves that don’t require a full overhaul. Just small, intentional changes that add up in a big way.
You’ll walk away with practical ideas you can try right away. Ways to encourage home language use. Ways to build a more responsive classroom. Ways to support multilingual learners so they feel seen, capable, and successful.
Because this episode? It’s about more than literacy instruction.
It’s about equity. It’s about identity. It’s about making sure every child gets to bring their full self into the learning space.
And when we start seeing bilingualism as the strength that it is… everything shifts. Truly.
Source Article:
https://iei.nd.edu/initiatives/notre-dame-center-for-literacy-education/news/at-the-frontier-of-literacy-development
Where can you find us?
Hilary Statum: https://pencilstopigtails.com/
Deedee Wills: https://mrswillskindergarten.com/
View all episodes
By Deedee Wills and Hilary StatumThere is something so powerful about bilingual literacy. Truly. And it’s one of those topics that deserves an honest, real conversation.
In this episode, we’re digging into why English-only instruction still shows up in so many classrooms… even when the research points us in a different direction. Because when we lean into multilingual practices, we’re not slowing readers down. Not even close. We’re actually helping them grow stronger, more flexible thinking skills while honoring the language and culture that make them who they are.
If you’re teaching multilingual learners, supporting them at home, or making decisions at the school level, this conversation is going to give you some things to think about. The kind of ideas that stick with you and quietly shift how you approach literacy instruction.
We talk about why learning in more than one language is not a hurdle. It’s a boost. A BIG one. You’ll hear how reading across languages strengthens comprehension and how translanguaging works with the brain, not against it. No confusion. Just deeper understanding.
And we get into the classroom side of things too. The simple, doable shifts that actually make a difference:
• How Spanish and English cognates can support faster decoding
• Why Spanish’s consistent sound patterns can build a strong reading foundation
• Easy ways to create a classroom that reflects and values multiple languages (think labels, visuals, and everyday routines)
These are the kinds of moves that don’t require a full overhaul. Just small, intentional changes that add up in a big way.
You’ll walk away with practical ideas you can try right away. Ways to encourage home language use. Ways to build a more responsive classroom. Ways to support multilingual learners so they feel seen, capable, and successful.
Because this episode? It’s about more than literacy instruction.
It’s about equity. It’s about identity. It’s about making sure every child gets to bring their full self into the learning space.
And when we start seeing bilingualism as the strength that it is… everything shifts. Truly.
Source Article:
https://iei.nd.edu/initiatives/notre-dame-center-for-literacy-education/news/at-the-frontier-of-literacy-development
Where can you find us?
Hilary Statum: https://pencilstopigtails.com/
Deedee Wills: https://mrswillskindergarten.com/