Chapter 4:
Planning the Strategic Use of Two Languages
Key Points
An effective unit framework for developing biliteracy in the United States does the following
- Tackles the issue of allocation of time and resources
- Provides for a structure for planning for the strategic use of Spanish and English
- Includes activities and strategies that reflect the distinct linguistic and cultural rules of Spanish and English
- Includes strategies for transferring skills and understanding between languages
- Integrates instruction in literacy skills with meaningful content
Activity objectives: Participants will correctly:
- Sort and order the elements of a biliteracy unit framework (BUF)
- Match these elements with appropriate examples, strategies or activities
- Explain how the BUF meets the requirements articulated in the Key Points.
Notes for Book Study Leader:
- Copy the three different word sorts on three different colors of card stock
- Cut and store each word sort separately.
- Make sure there is enough of each word sort for every two participants.
- Word sorts are most effective when done in groups of two, rather than in larger groups. Make sure partners are sitting next to each other, rather than facing each other, so that neither partner has to read the words upside down.
- Make sure to allocate time for review and discussion after each of the three word sorts.
- After completing all the sorts, reflect on the word sort strategy itself. Where would that fit in the BUF?
- Finally, ask groups of participants to reflect on how the BUF meets the requirements of each of the Key Points. This can be done through a jigsaw, where each groups is given only one Key Point.
- The answers can be found on pp. 16-17, and pp. 63-65.
You can download the complete activity here: Teaching for Biliteracy, Chapter 4 Book Study Activity