The Joy in Language Learning

Language instruction helps build the cultural competence of individual cultures and those worldwide. When educators foster culturally sustaining inclusive environments, it creates opportunities for students of all cultures to thrive. When students see themselves within texts, language, and materials, this helps build engagement, trust, and a sense of belonging. Recently the ELL and Languages departments have collaborated with teachers and schools throughout the district to facilitate the inclusion of multicultural and multilinguistic resources and opportunities to enhance student learning resulting in meaningful language construction.

Recently, Tanguy Exumé, Slameur Poet and educator, worked with Middle and Secondary French Immersion students to inspire the creation of multi-modal identity texts. Tanguy modelled language scaffolds to support an inclusive and engaging environment where students felt safe expressing themselves in an additional language. By allowing students to share their experiences through slam poetry, the diversity of learners was celebrated and honoured collectively.

At Abbotsford Senior Secondary School, ELL teacher Darcy Lainchbury exemplifies the multilayered practices of an ELL teacher to model collaborative environments where students feel a sense of belonging. Darcy works with colleagues to support and create spaces where students feel joy while learning an additional language and curriculum successfully.

He works with staff to support multilingual students by welcoming them to the building. Through an integrative project, students interviewed staff to learn more about them. This assignment created the opportunity for students to build connections with their teachers as well as their English communication skills. Darcy partners with elementary feeder schools where ASSS students create books (using Bookcreator) and then read the texts to primary students. This helps build students’ plural literacy skills and affirms their identity.

If you would like to find out more about creating joyful, inclusive practices for language learners, we recommend the following resources; reach out to the Languages and ELL department or follow the ELL SharePoint: https://abbyschools.sharepoint.com/sites/EnglishLanguageLearners

LYNETTE POWER, DISTRICT VICE-PRINCIPAL
CORE - Centre of Resources for Education