Understanding the Emergent Bilingual Population

In today’s classrooms, language diversity is more common than ever. Students bring unique stories, cultures, and ways of communicating that reflect the rich communities they come from. As teachers, we have the privilege and responsibility to help these voices shine. One important group within our classrooms is the emergent bilingual population. These students are often referred to as English Language Learners, but the term “emergent bilingual” offers a more positive and accurate way to describe their developing linguistic abilities.

Who Are Emergent Bilingual Students?

Emergent bilingual students are learners who are developing proficiency in English while also strengthening their first or home language. Unlike older labels such as “Limited English Proficient,” which focus on what students lack, the term emergent bilingual highlights what they already have: knowledge and skills in another language. These students are not starting from zero. They are adding English to an already rich linguistic system, one that supports their thinking, family life, and identity.

For example, a Spanish-speaking student in New York City might use both Spanish and English at home, at school, and with friends. They might think in one language and reply in another. This smooth switching between languages, known as translanguaging, is a natural and powerful part of how bilingual students learn. Recognizing this process helps teachers move away from seeing bilingualism as a problem and instead view it as an asset to build on.

Why It’s Important to Support Emergent Bilingual Students

Meeting the needs of emergent bilingual students is vital for several reasons.

1. Language plays a major role in how students access academic content. If we only teach in English without providing meaningful support, emergent bilinguals may struggle to demonstrate their true understanding. By incorporating students’ home languages, visuals, gestures, and cooperative learning strategies, we make instruction more accessible and inclusive.
2. Language is deeply tied to identity. When students feel that their home language and culture are valued, their confidence grows. They become more willing to take risks in speaking, writing, and participating in class discussions. This emotional connection builds trust and a sense of belonging, both of which are key ingredients for learning.
3. Supporting emergent bilinguals helps close opportunity gaps. Many of these students face systemic barriers such as limited access to bilingual programs, undertrained teachers, or assessments that don’t accurately measure their knowledge. By designing lessons that reflect Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, offering multiple ways for students to access information, express what they know, and engage with learning, teachers can help level the playing field.

Strategies That Make a Difference

There are many ways teachers can support emergent bilingual students in daily instruction:

1. Value the home language: Encourage students to use their first language for brainstorming, note-taking, or discussions before sharing in English. Display classroom labels and anchor charts in multiple languages.
2. Use visuals and modeling: Pictures, gestures, and real-life examples help connect new vocabulary to meaning.
3. Encourage peer collaboration: Pair emergent bilinguals with supportive classmates for group projects and discussions.
4. Integrate culture: Include literature, examples, and celebrations from students’ cultural backgrounds to make learning relatable.
5. Allow translanguaging: Let students switch between languages naturally as they make sense of new ideas. This promotes comprehension and deep thinking.

These strategies don’t just help emergent bilinguals; they enrich the classroom for everyone. Multilingual learning encourages creativity, empathy, and problem-solving. It shows all students that there are many valid ways to express ideas and understand the world.

Looking Ahead

As the number of emergent bilingual students continues to grow, teachers must advocate for policies and practices that truly support their success. That includes access to high quality bilingual education, culturally responsive materials, and professional development for educators. In the end, emergent bilingual students remind us that language is a bridge and not a barrier. When we honor their voices and provide space for both their languages to flourish, we nurture confident learners who can move seamlessly between worlds. As educators, our role is not only to teach English but to celebrate the beauty of bilingualism and the strength it brings to our classrooms. After all, every child deserves to be seen not for what they need to learn, but for what they already bring: their stories, their languages, and their limitless potential.