This comprehensive account of bilingualism examines the importance of using students’ native languages as a tool for supporting higher levels of learning. The authors highlight the social, linguistic, neuro-cognitive, and academic advantages of bilingualism, as well as the challenges faced by English language learners and their teachers in schools across the United States. They describe effective strategies for using native languages, even when the teacher lacks proficiency in that language. This resource addresses both the latest research and theory on native language instruction, along with its practical application (the what, the why, and how) in K–8 classrooms. Key features include:

Examples of programmes that address the needs of learners from diverse language backgrounds, including Spanish, Chinese, Korea, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Bengali, and Russian.
Teaching strategies, activities, and student tasks geared toward current academic standards.
The role of primary languages in ESL, dual language, special education, and general education programmes.