Principles & Practices

Principle

Code switching is a normal part of language development for many bilingual children.

Code switching is a common practice in bilingual families and communities. As a result, children are following the language practices around them when they engage in code switching.

Practices

• Recognize that code switching is a natural process for bilingual children. At times children use this strategy to communicate when the necessary vocabulary in a language is lacking. Children are also learning a sophisticated way of using language.
• Value code switching as you would other experiments with language. As children get older, switching languages represents a complex language accomplishment reflecting knowledge of an advanced system of rules.
• As a teacher, it is best to avoid side-by-side translations. Some programs assign one teacher to use the child's home language and another teacher to use English. A teacher can serve as a language model in the language she knows well.
• Careful use of code switching can be a way to make sure all students understand what is being said.
• Read and make available bilingual children's books that provide written examples of code switching.
• Discuss with families their concerns about code switching and its merits.