Translanguaging: Inviting the whole child into the classroom

Translanguaging: Inviting the whole child into the classroom

Author: Ethical Schools May 27, 2022 Duration: 43:50

We speak with Dr. Cecilia Espinosa and Dr. Laura Ascenzi-Moreno, co-authors of “Rooted in Strength: Using Translanguaging to Grow Multilingual Readers and Writers.” Traditionally, teachers have brought language to students rather than accepting and acknowledging children’s entire linguistic repertoires. Communities and families often have fluid language practices; when teachers impose strict separation of languages, they limit students’ creative and critical thought processes. 

Overview

00:00-00:45 Intros

00:45-02:00 Translanguaging

02:00-06:58 Why this book now

06:48-10:54 Translanguaging as transformative

10:54-17:48 An equity issue

17:48-23:31 Integrating phonemic awareness and phonics into reading

23:31-28:49 Native “non-standard” English speakers

28:49-33:10 Working with a child who is the only speaker of a language in the class

33:10-40:57 Data-driven  and student-driven assessment

40:57- Outro

Transcript

Click here to see the full transcription of this episode. 

References

  • Book

Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
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