Native Language in the Classroom: 7 Tips & Teacher Insights
When you welcome an English learner (EL) into your classroom, your primary goal is to help them develop the English skills they need to fully engage in learning.
It may seem counterintuitive, but a student’s first language plays an integral part in acquiring a second language. Research consistently shows that maintaining and drawing on a student’s native language has benefits that extend beyond the classroom.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the role of native language, how to celebrate native language in the classroom, and activities for multilingual classrooms.
Why Native Language in the Classroom Matters
Native language plays a powerful role in helping students bridge new learning to what they already know. A student’s native language contains their culture, background knowledge, and their sense of identity. It is the foundation on which new language skills are built.
When students are encouraged to use their first language as a learning tool, they can make stronger academic connections, develop deeper understanding, and build confidence in expressing complex ideas.
The Impact of Multicultural Education
Research demonstrates that when educators take an asset-based approach—where students’ native languages are treated as a resource to draw upon rather than a barrier—students thrive both linguistically and academically. Additionally, programs that value native language strengthen English acquisition, foster cultural awareness, and promote family engagement.
Utilizing native languages as a tool to connect learning rather than simply for translation will result in a richer, more inclusive classroom experience. When students’ languages are seen and celebrated, every learner benefits.
Adopting an asset-based approach will deliver measurable academic, social, and emotional gains. Research shows that skills developed in a student’s first language support both second-language acquisition and academic achievement.
This is especially true for newcomers, for whom the asset model yields immediate classroom wins. For these students, inclusion of their first language will help them to acclimate to their new classroom environment more quickly, lower their affective filter, and facilitate meaningful participation.
Practical Strategies for Incorporating Native Language
Native language support in the classroom doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, intentional choices can make a big difference in supporting your multilingual learners.
These strategies make it easy to weave native language into your everyday instruction.
Encourage peer collaboration in their home language.
Pairing students who share a home language can boost confidence and understanding, but consider each student’s stage of second language acquisition to ensure the task stays accessible.
Incorporate bilingual word walls or visuals.
Using images alongside text is a strategy to support comprehension for all learners. Label classroom items or anchor charts in both English and students’ home languages. Inviting bilingual students to help create visuals also helps to increase a sense of ownership and belonging in the classroom.
Include multilingual picture books.
Picture books offer benefits for ELs beyond the area of literacy. Good picture books will help them form connections between their first language and English, build key vocabulary, and support academic learning standards.
Provide translated materials or glossaries.
One easy way to support native languages is to offer a translated vocabulary list or short glossary for key terms in a new unit. You can support family engagement by translating homework directions or summaries into home languages.
Learn and use key phrases in students’ home languages.
By greeting students or using simple classroom phrases in their first language, you can help students feel more comfortable as well as model openness to the other students in your class.
Support translanguaging.
Translanguaging is the flexible and strategic use of different languages. In the classroom, this might look like encouraging students to take notes or brainstorm ideas in their native language before communicating in English.
Use digital translation tools strategically.
Apps like Google Translate can help you to clarify directions or vocabulary, but always be sure to review translations for accuracy.
Incorporate language comparisons into lessons.
Highlighting language connections helps learners see English as something they can build on rather than starting from scratch. When you introduce new vocabulary words, you can point out shared roots, prefixes, or cognates between English and their home languages.
7 Tips to Support Classroom Teachers with a Newcomer
Welcoming a newcomer is both exciting and a little challenging. With intentional preparation and a focus on relationship-building, teachers can create a classroom where every student feels seen, safe, and ready to learn.
1. Begin with empathy and patience.
Recognize that adjusting to a new environment takes time—show understanding through modeling a growth mindset and flexibility.
2. Learn about the student’s background.
Gather information on the student’s prior schooling, language experiences, and cultural background to better support their transition.
3. Build a welcoming classroom environment.
Use inclusive displays, greetings, and routines that reflect and celebrate your students’ cultures and languages.
4. Pair newcomers with peer mentors.
A friendly, responsible classmate can go a long way in helping your newcomer navigate new routines.
5. Use visuals and hands-on support.
Visuals are important for helping students to make meaning without relying solely on language.
6. Provide alternative ways to participate.
For students who are new to English, they may feel more comfortable responding through drawing, pointing, or using their first language while they build their confidence.
7. Communicate with families in accessible ways.
Translation tools, bilingual staff members, and home language notes are all strategies to keep families informed and involved in their child’s learning.
Teacher’s Corner: Insights from the Classroom
Our Teacher Advisors Group (TAG) members shared how they embrace and honor students’ home languages every day. Keep reading for their insights on how to incorporate native languages in the classroom and celebrate multiculturalism.
What are the benefits you’ve seen when students use their native language while learning English?
Jenn Rieff: One of the benefits of using their native language while learning English is comparing the two languages for one word or phrase. It helps with their comprehension. I also am learning words and phrases in their native language—it helps me understand their conversations better.
Benita Afonso: Students feel more confident and participate more when their native language is used. They make strong connections between English and their home language. I’ve noticed they’re more willing to take risks with English because they have a strong foundation in their native language. I often tell parents: Our job is to teach English to your children, and your job is to teach them in your native language. Knowing a second or third language is a strength, not a barrier.
How do you incorporate students’ native languages into your classroom?
Jenn Rieff: I currently incorporate a student’s native language into my classroom by allowing them to talk to each other in their native language. I also speak to students in their native language if they don’t recognize the word in English.
Benita Afonso: I encourage students to frequently use their native language when they are not able to communicate in English. They often share stories in their home language. In our classroom, we label objects in both languages, and I often let them use their native language in writing when they do not know the word in English. Translanguaging is valued in our school.
What’s one tip you’d share with a classroom teacher who is welcoming a newcomer for the first time?
Jenn Rieff: One tip that I would share with a teacher who is getting a newcomer: give them time. Give the new student time to get acclimated to school.
Benita Afonso: Don’t worry about being able to communicate perfectly in their native language. Be patient, show kindness, and be open to learning a few words in their language. It’s always helpful to pair them with another student who speaks their language. Visuals are always helpful. With today’s technology, there are many resources we can use. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to colleagues who’ve had newcomers before.
What are quick, practical ways teachers can make newcomers feel comfortable from day one?
Jenn Rieff: Perhaps say hello in their native language. Provide materials in the student’s native language to help them. Provide a translator or allow them to use a translating device to help the student understand the material better.
Benita Afonso: Make sure students know where the most important things are in the classroom and the school. Give them a tour of the building—especially show them the bathroom. Provide visuals of daily routines so they can follow along. Always greet them by name and learn how to pronounce it correctly. Whenever possible, celebrate their culture.
How do you make multicultural education meaningful in your classroom—not just for English learners, but for all students?
Jenn Rieff: I only teach English learners. So, I try to make concepts easier for them to understand with visuals and by breaking down definitions into bite-sized pieces. I also support teachers who are struggling to help our multilinguals.
Benita Afonso: Multicultural education is very important in our school. I incorporate books, music, and art. We celebrate many cultures—not only during heritage months, but throughout the year. We connect students’ personal stories to the curriculum so that everyone learns from one another.
Supporting English learners begins with recognizing that their home languages are valuable tools for learning. When teachers intentionally weave home languages into instruction—through visuals, peer collaboration, and language connections—students build confidence and understanding more quickly. By creating classrooms where every language is seen and celebrated, teachers help multilingual learners feel valued, included, and ready to thrive.
Language-centered ESL activities for students with limited English proficiency develop vocabulary and essential life skills necessary for effective communication with others. Ideal for SIFEs.
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