What are Emergent bilinguals?

Emergent bilinguals are students (or any language learners) who are in the process of learning a second language. They are typically students who are native speakers of a language other than English, and are in the process of learning English as an additional language. The term is used to describe these students at any level of English language ability, from those who are just beginning to learn English to those who are nearing proficiency.

Emergent bilinguals face unique challenges in the classroom. They may have difficulty understanding their teachers and classmates, and may struggle to keep up with the fast-paced curriculum. They may also experience social and emotional challenges, such as feeling isolated and frustrated. However, emergent bilinguals also have many strengths, such as being able to think in more than one language and having a greater cultural awareness.

There are several best practices that teachers can use to support emergent bilinguals' success. These include providing scaffolded instruction, using visual aids, and creating a positive and supportive learning environment. It is also important for teachers to be patient and understanding, as it can take time for emergent bilinguals to learn a new language.

Emergent bilinguals are a valuable asset to any classroom, and with the right support, they can succeed academically and socially.