Virginia Collier- Teaching Mutilingual Children- Reflection



In Teaching Mutilingual Children, reminded me what it was like when I went to school growing up. I was the student who spoke only Spanish at home and spoke English in school. It was such a challenge when my mother would ask me what I learned in school because she really did not understand. It was difficult when I struggled on a subject in school and my mother could not help me because she only spoke, understood and knew Spanish. I can remember in kindergarten when I was first learning to read. I was so frustrated because it was a struggle code-switching trying to communicate with my teacher because English was still a working process for me. Although Spanish was my primary language, I was able to shift from both languages when neccessary quite easily. Virginia mentions in her article that students and "code-switching by students should be accepted not penalized." (page 230) I agree with this quote because I was that student who was comfortable with both languages and Spanish was better for me. I enjoyed this article because I was able to relate and make connections because most students feel uncomfortable to speak English because it is not their strongest. I think students should be themselves and speak which ever language they desire just along as there is a time for their language and English..My teachers always motivated me to do my best and work as hard as I could. I think because of them, Spanish and English are both my strengths. I hope to be that teacher who can teach both Spanish and still teach English and hope to motivate them as my teachers did for me.