How can a teacher effectively utilize a picture book of folk tales from an ELL's culture?

The effectiveness of selecting the option to have the student tell one folk tale in her native language while identifying key English words lies in the approach of fostering language development and cultural connection simultaneously. This strategy not only validates the ELL's background and experiences but also promotes bilingualism, allowing students to leverage their native language while making connections to English vocabulary.

By engaging in this activity, the teacher encourages the student to express her cultural heritage, which is essential for building confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, it creates a rich, interactive learning experience, as the student can relate her folk tale to her peers, facilitating cultural exchange in a meaningful way. This practice highlights the importance of maintaining students' cultural identities while supporting their language acquisition, ultimately creating an inclusive classroom environment that values diversity.