Acknowledging Home Languages

1
Acknowledging Home Languages

2
Educating Teachers

• It is important to be aware of language
  differences and how they may affect a students
  writing style.

3
The Goal is to

• Honor students home languages
• Make students aware of situations that call for a
  more formal language
• Be aware of any prejudices we may have about
  language that would cause us to falter in the
  classroom

4
Example

• Them old Chuck Taylor high top nasty looking
  Converse these are the ugliest shoes I had ever
  seen. I thought as I put them on. Mom why I
  have to wear these ugly shoes. My mom say they
  was in style. Larry be quiet these are in style
  right now. I dont see how they raggedy.

5
Correct by AAVE Rules

• No third person present s on say does follow the
  rules of AAVE
• I dont see how they raggedy lacks a be verb,
  but also follows the rules of AAVE

6
How to Honor Home Languages

• Allow students ways of using them in class for a
  specific project
• Study the literature that correlates with their
  home languages

7
It is Okay to Code Switch

• When writing poetry
• When writing dialogue

8
Formal Language is Necessary When

• Writing a paper for class
• Filling out college or job applications

9
Avoid Traps that may Alienate Students

• What sounds right to you may not sound right to
  them
• Heavily critiquing their papers may hurt more
  than it helps
• Be a Scientist

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As a Scientist

• Look for what the work of every student is trying
  to tell you about their style
• Come up with a way to track students progress
  and usual pitfalls
• Interact one-on-one to give effective feedback