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Blog Post #10

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The use of translanguaging immediately comes to mind as one of the ways to create a culturally responsive classroom.  Translanguaging became a huge part of my classroom this school year. I definitely view translanguaging as a resource because it allows my emergent bilinguals to make connections with what they already know and new academic content.  It also encourages our students to maintain their native language which is so important.

I definitely support and agree with the videos in regards to the benefits and use of translanguaging in the classroom.  With that in mind, I will continue to encourage and practice translanguaging in my classroom in multiple ways such as including and referencing their native language when introducing new vocabulary and anchor charts more regularly.  In conjunction with including my students’ native language on our word wall and by listening to and reading multicultural books. Unite for literacy is a website that provides access to various picture books that are read in Spanish (Espanola).  http://www.uniteforliteracy.com    

My hope is to find more innovative ways to incorporate translanguaging because I now know the value of the practice.  My students feel even more valued, appreciated and welcomed because of the frequent use of translanguaging in our classroom.  My emergent bilinguals are also able to teach me and other English speaking students something new which is empowering in itself.   Lastly, I’ve noticed that it too helps with connecting with my families as well as helping my students make meaningful connections of their academic content more easily.

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Blog Post #9

Here are a few questions that I have after this week's readings: What does liberating education include? What is the difference between engaged pedagogy and feminist pedagogy?  What are the similarities? What impact has Paulo Freire made to social justice? Are you influenced by Paulo Freire's work?  If so, in what ways?