Colorful flags representing countries of the world decorated the ceilings and hallways of the WAB Elementary School this week. These flags were part of the "Celebration of Languages" week and a symbol of the linguistic and cultural diversity of our school.
At WAB, we embrace and develop all languages spoken because we believe this fosters a greater sense of identity and belonging, in line with our strategic focus on I-DEAS (Inclusion through Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Social Justice). Preserving and developing multiple languages also prepares students for success in an interconnected world.
Following on from our conversation with EAL teacher Helen Avetisyan about English as an Additional Language and multilingualism on the WAB Podcast last month(link to the article), we continue to explore how languages are celebrated and promoted at WAB in a new podcast episode – this time speaking with High School French Teacher Ludivine Kennedy and ES Chinese Teacher Hershey He.
Listen as Ludivine and Hershey unpack the many pathways WAB offers to allow students to preserve their home languages, excel in academic English and explore other languages. They also discuss the concept of translanguaging as a learning tool to make the curriculum accessible to all. In the conversation you'll also hear how the many events, workshops and activities at WAB promote a culture where multilingualism is celebrated and integrated in everything we do.
Listen to explore WAB's commitment to multilingualism and its importance.
