Author: Natalya Seals

This generation of K-12 students is growing up in a society that is increasingly bilingual. Foreign language requirements have long been a core requirement for high school graduation and are also part of most arts-based college degree programs. Along with Spanish, languages like French and German are common options for students. But is high school…

In the United States, bilingual education continues to provoke fierce debate. It seems that nearly everyone—from educators to policymakers to parents with school-age children to those without children—has a strong opinion on whether children with little fluency in English should be taught academic content in their home language as they learn English.  Many people, however,…

According to an NEA Policy Brief, by 2025 nearly 25 percent of students in public schools will be English Language Learners, the fastest-growing student population group. With such a dramatic increase, it is imperative that the educational community understands and adequately addresses the struggles of ELL students, and ensures that ELL teachers receive the best training possible. ELL students…

On one of the first days of class at Dos Puentes Elementary School in Upper Manhattan last month, a new student named Michelle peered up through pale blue glasses and took a deep breath. “Can I drink water?” Michelle, 6, said. “Diga en Español,” her first-grade teacher, Rebeca Madrigal, answered. Michelle paused. “Can I drink…

Bilingualism Can Generate Creative Problem Solving Personally, I love the sounds and musicality of all languages. I was raised in a bi-lingual household. I spoke English outside the home when I was with people who did not speak Italian. This was particularly at school and at activities that had some connection to school – e.g. cub scouts,…

We here at Little Sponges value our relationships with teachers and administrators. To show our appreciation of all who strive to make the world a better place through education, we are offering the chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card for use your classroom! Applicants will also have the opportunity to be featured on…