Dr. Tiffany Turner Hall is a Worthy Educator and a Champion for personalizing learning by promoting student ownership and a sense of belonging so all members of the community can reach their fullest potential! She is the Principal of Northside Middle School in West Columbia, South Carolina.
Celebrating the cultures of Hispanic students is critical in developing their sense of belonging and especially for our multilingual learners to ensure their successful integration into the educational system in the United States. As educators, it is crucial to recognize and honor the rich cultural heritage these students bring to the classroom while providing the necessary support to help them acclimate to their new environment. This approach not only builds their confidence and self-esteem but also enhances their academic achievement and social development. Here’s how schools can celebrate Hispanic cultures, help students acclimate, build literacy using Total Physical Response and cognates, and understand the consequences of not valuing cultural diversity.
Failing to value the cultures of Hispanic students can have detrimental effects not only on the students but also on their families. When schools do not actively celebrate or acknowledge cultural diversity, the following consequences can arise. When Hispanic students do not see their culture represented or respected in school they may feel alienated and ashamed of their heritage. This can lead to an erosion of cultural identity, where students feel pressured to assimilate by abandoning their native language, traditions, and customs. Over time, this can cause a disconnection from their family and cultural roots.
As a young child, I remember my maternal grandmother trying to teach me Slovak. I remember telling her at about 10-years old, “I am an American.” It is so ingrained in our culture to be “American” we speak English. Unfortunately, I have totally lost that part of my cultural identity. In the past I have frequently heard teachers tell students to “speak English.” Yes of course we want students to learn the language, but we do not ever want them to feel like their native language should not be spoken. When we do this, we inadvertently break down the family connection. The child becomes less proficient in their home language and cannot communicate effectively with their parents.
I remember my Bubba (great grandmother) had the bluest eyes and would always be cooking. She would talk to me with the kindest eyes, but I had no idea what she was saying. I never got to hear from her story of why or how she came to the United States. Maybe if I was not made to think that as an American I should only speak English I would know a little more about my heritage and my Bubba’s journey.
In addition, when schools do not value the cultural backgrounds of Hispanic students, it can create a disconnect between the school and the family. For example, if a school does not provide bilingual communication or fails to involve Hispanic parents in school activities, parents may feel unwelcome or unable to participate in their child's education. This can lead to a breakdown in the relationship between the school and the family, negatively impacting the student’s academic performance and emotional well-being.
Developing literacy in English is a significant challenge for many Hispanic students, especially those who are recent arrivals. Total Physical Response (TPR) and cognates are effective strategies for building literacy among these students.
Total Physical Response (Asher, 1967) is a teaching method that combines language learning with physical movement. For instance, when teaching vocabulary related to body parts, a teacher might say the word in English and have students touch that part of their body. This kinesthetic approach helps reinforce language concepts and aids in memory retention. When my son Parker was in Spanish partial immersion in kindergarten it was amazing how quickly his language acquisition was. Senora Quave was amazing. She would say, in a very exaggerated way, “la cabeza” while touching her head. Students very quickly picked up the vocabulary term in Spanish. View this video example here.
Cognates are words that are similar in two languages due to a common origin. Did you know 30-40% of English words are very similar to Spanish words? For example, the English word "family" and the Spanish word "familia" are cognates. Teachers can explicitly teach these cognates to help Hispanic students make connections between their native language and English. This strategy builds confidence and accelerates vocabulary acquisition. In classrooms at Northside, some teachers create word walls with English-Spanish cognates and encourage students to add new words they discover. Here is an extensive list of cognates.
Celebrating Hispanic Cultures
Celebrating the cultures of Hispanic students involves integrating their traditions, languages, and histories into the curriculum and school activities. This can be done through various strategies, such as:
Cultural Events and Celebrations: Organize school-wide events like Hispanic Heritage Month, where students can showcase their cultural backgrounds through dance, music, art, and food. For example, a "Cultural Day" could include a parade where students wear traditional clothing and present on their country of origin, followed by a potluck featuring dishes from different Hispanic cultures or bring food trucks to the school.
Incorporating Hispanic Literature: Include books and stories by Hispanic authors in the curriculum. This not only helps Hispanic students see themselves represented in the literature but also educates non-Hispanic students about diverse perspectives. Books like "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Muñoz Ryan or "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros offer valuable insights into the Hispanic experience.
Bilingual Signage and Communication: Display bilingual signs throughout the school and provide communication in both English and Spanish. This simple act shows respect for students' native language and helps parents feel more comfortable engaging with the school.
Culturally Relevant Curriculum: Adapt lessons to include Hispanic history,
heroes, and contributions to society. For instance, during a unit on American history, teachers could highlight the role of Hispanic leaders like César Chávez or the influence of Hispanic culture in various regions of the U.S. There are also great traveling companies like Bright Star Theatre that will bring the curriculum to live.
Helping Hispanic Students Acclimate to the United States
Helping Hispanic students acclimate to the U.S. involves providing them with the resources and support they need to navigate a new educational system and social environment. Specific strategies include:
Mentorship Programs: Pairing new Hispanic students with bilingual mentors or buddies who have successfully acclimated to the school can provide invaluable support. These mentors can guide them through school routines, help with language barriers, and offer emotional support. Be careful of making these peer mentors “translators.” It is unfair to put that burden on a student's peer. Programs like WEB (Where Everybody Belong) with the Boomerang project are a great way to develop a mentoring program with 8th graders mentoring 6th graders. It is scripted and ensures students get all of the information they need.
Family Engagement: Schools can create welcoming environments for Hispanic families by offering orientation sessions in Spanish, organizing parent-teacher meetings with interpreters, and providing information about community resources. Engaging families in the educational process helps students feel supported both at home and in school.
ESL Support: Providing English as a Second Language (ESL) classes tailored to the needs of Hispanic students is crucial. These classes should not only focus on language acquisition but also teach about cultural norms, educational expectations, and social skills necessary for success in the U.S. At Northside Middle School, we currently are serving students in an ESL class who are at one level, AVID Excel at another level, pushing in and pulling out for other students.
Safe Spaces for Expression: Schools can establish safe spaces where Hispanic students can express their feelings and challenges as they adapt to their new environment. Counseling services and peer support groups are vital for addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of acclimation. At Northside our social worker and school counselor met with a small group, Groupo De Chicas, of our hispanic females identified as needing a little extra support at school.
Celebrating the cultures of Hispanic students, helping them acclimate to the United States, and building their literacy are crucial steps in fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring their academic success. By incorporating cultural celebrations, providing tailored support, and using effective literacy strategies like TPR and cognates, educators can create an inclusive and supportive environment for Hispanic students. As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that every student feels valued and supported, regardless of their cultural background.
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