What literacy practice should the teacher encourage for families whose primary language is not English?

Encouraging families to share stories and songs in their home language is a highly effective literacy practice because it allows children to engage with language and literacy in a way that is culturally relevant and personally meaningful. This practice supports a child's linguistic development by fostering their first language skills, which can enhance their overall literacy acquisition, including English language development. When families share their native language stories, it strengthens familial bonds and builds confidence in children's language abilities.

Incorporating the home language can also help children draw connections between their first language and English, making the learning of a new language more accessible. It encourages a multicultural approach to literacy that validates and celebrates the diverse languages spoken in a classroom or community, which can be crucial for a child's identity and self-esteem.

Furthermore, engaging with the home language can improve comprehension, as children may find it easier to grasp concepts and ideas before translating that understanding into their second language. This strategy not only provides a rich literary experience but also supports the linguistic and cognitive development needed in both languages.