E40: Supporting Multilingualism with Beth Vaucher of Inspiring Young Learners
Shelley:
Hello, everyone. Welcome to Raising Thinkers. It's Shelley, and I'm so glad that you're here with us today.
Today we actually have a really special episode. It's our very first guest podcaster episode with my dear friend, Beth Vaucher. We taught together in the country of Panama. She's taught in the States. She's taught internationally and she's not only a fabulous educator, but a wonderful wife and mother. she's also the head honcho behind inspiring young learners, which specializes in helping multilingual learners. So we're going to focus in on that today. So, without further ado, here's Beth. Beth, tell us a little bit about your background, yourself, and your journey, how you're helping develop thinkers as well.
Beth:
Well, I'm so honored to be your first guest. This is to me the best thing of podcasting is getting to just talk to people and share our passion. So yes, I am originally from Chicago. I've been in Panama for the last 12 years. So I had the wonderful opportunity to work with you, Shelly, and just really change a lot of my thinking around how thinking happens, how learning happens, coming from public schools in the States to working in an IB school and just really was blown away with the difference. And just some really simple things to do that help all of our students think. My heart and passion kind of all came together because in Chicago, there was a large population of multilingual learners. And then moving abroad here, our school was from all around the world, parents from all around the world, these six-year-olds were speaking three languages. It was just incredible.
So that and then also living in a foreign country where you know the first language is Spanish and even though I took years of Spanish really feeling just the uncomfortableness of like I thought I was a lot better at this language and I'm not so feeling just a little bit of an outsider and the struggle that a lot of students and families go through when they're entering the US and don't know the language and so it all kind of came together into this unquenchable passion of wanting to help multilingual learners really enjoy the process of learning English, also really solidifying the beauty of their native language or the multiple languages that they know. It's not just about learning English, but it's really about becoming bilingual or trilingual and really preserving that cultural identity that they bring into our schools, our classrooms. And now I have three children of my own, one more on the way.
Really a lot of it is just watching through their lens of just the beauty of kids who are really being raised in ways that were so different than my upbringing was not very diverse, even though we had diversity around us, it just wasn't really part of our home life and culture. Even in the school, they were very separated. We had bilingual classrooms that we never associated with and then monolingual classrooms. And so there are opportunities around us that we just didn't take advantage of. And so now I get to watch my own children go to bilingual school, go in and out of both languages, know, find kids on the park that are from all around the world and be so interested and fascinated about who they are, their language, and just ask questions. And so it becomes such a global part of just this community. So that's really kind of where it all has come together.
Shelley:
So Beth, while your focus has been more on helping teachers, I know it's because you care about the learners so much as well. You talked about this becoming an unquenchable passion. And I love that. I've been loving just seeing how your journey's developed. What inspires you just to focus on the multilingual learners in particular?
Beth:
I mean, the Lord really, I think gave me that passion. That's unquenchable. Like I said, but I think what I've seen is just the resilience in these students, no matter what age they are. especially in the US so many of those students have overcome so much already at a very young age and they have a drive and a resilience that is just so admirable. And so I think part of that was just wanting to help these kids really, you know, pick up English quickly. A lot of my experience, especially in the US was, they'll just learn through immersion. don't worry. And it was like, well, we could do this in a better way. We could actually create spaces where they feel really excited about this and they feel really welcomed. And so that was a big part of it.
Then also because I'm not a language person and I literally have a minor in Spanish. I took years of Spanish. I've lived in a foreign country for 12 years, still not super proficient and fluent. And so I think I just really am so impressed by people who have learned another language and like can go in and out of both languages, you know, both kids and adults. And so I think it's really become something that I'm just, love watching them soar and unlock another language and seeing how it really unlocks a whole other world and a different culture. cause I didn't have that growing up. So.
Shelley:
Yeah, that's so true. I know for myself as well. Once I started teaching abroad, it was like, okay, I'm addicted. I want to learn more. I want to know more. I want to be able to figure out how to help my learners, but also just learn more for myself because it just makes your learning experience so much richer, really. So my podcast often we're talking with parents and for the parents that are listening, what might you recommend as strategies or tools for parents to learn? How to help their child at home if the child's navigating between two different languages, or if the parent just says, you know, I want to start introducing my child to a new language, what would you suggest for them?
Beth:
I want to hit on both parents because one, if you're a parent and you have multilingual, kids learning different languages or maybe you speak a different language at home or you have grandparents that speak a different language. The biggest and best thing that you can do is to keep that language going.
So often I would see parents think that, for my student to learn or my child to learn English, they need to be speaking English at home. They need to be watching TV in English and really losing that cultural identity. And that's really the opposite of what they need. have been in, if they're in school all day in English, that's enough. Their brain is done with English. They need to come home and they need to connect in their native language, in their heart language.
So if you're a home that is speaking a different language than what's being taught in school, keep that language going and really teach them, teach them how to read in their native language. Have them call their grandma and talk to them in that language. Talk about family stories and you know, part of your cultural stories that you have or recipes and things they need that richness of their culture because it's not forgetting that and only going to English. It's really the beauty is when they embrace both and they become and sometimes we have third culture kids who are embracing three cultures. So we want to really create a space at home.
If you are a multilingual parent where you continue to keep that because I mean the research shows even when students try to learn and are read in English, if they're able to read in their native language, it is so much easier for them to transfer their skills over not having those skills at all. So we want to keep up the native language at home. If you are a parent who is not someone that you speak English at home, but you want your kids to learn and embrace new languages, there's so many, just keep it simple. You know, once a week, have them watch a show in another language, let them just explore. So much is just about, and this is, you know, raising thinkers, is just create that mindset to be curious, be curious about languages, get books that are in multiple languages.
You know, there's just so many incredible books that have like vocabulary in English and Spanish, or you go to public libraries now, they have whole sections of Russian and Arabic. And so you just start to have conversations with your kids of like, Hey, let's explore this together. Let's, know, look at this language. Isn't that incredible? Let's find out what this word is. Because when you open your children's mind to the fact that there is a huge world and we're a very small piece of that, but you start to explore how other people live. mean, Usborne Books and more is, they're some of my favorite books because they have really incredible stories. They have really incredible visuals, very interactive for kids. And I found so many from that site in particular that just really lend itself to opening questions and curiosity in your children of what things are like in other parts of the world. What language they speak? What foods do they eat? What is it like to live there? There's so many books like that. So just be curious, be curious together and really have those conversations.
A lot of time is just the catalyst needed to, for those of your kids who really are language, you know, my oldest, she's already wanting to learn French. She's taking French classes now because she already knows Spanish and English. so, yeah, and that's for her. She wants to do that. And so it's not that you have to sit down and say, we're going to learn English or we're going to learn Spanish, you know, force it on them. But a lot of times your kids will just get excited about it. Or maybe they have a new friend in their class that speaks another language. Talk about it. Find it on the map. Learn some words together. I mean, what a great way for your kids to be, you know, really global thinkers and be able to really connect with kids from all over the world, which I think is going to be one of the best and greatest assets for our kids in their generation. when they're older, when they're in, you know, working, they're going be working with people from all around the world. So let's teach them now how to do that and how to be a part of that.
Shelley:
That's so true. And I love those tips, Beth, about just being curious with your child and sitting down and reading with them and exploring with them and listening to different things with them because that model is being the lifelong learner for them, which that's the best we can hope to be as parents is to be a model for our child and a role model. So I love those ideas. Those are great. They're practical. And absolutely, the public library is such a great source of everything in terms of learning.... And it's free.
Shelley:
Yes, all the wins right there. Thinking about just teachers, really for teachers and parents. It could be from the perspective of a parent and it's like, my child now has made a friend at school and they speak Arabic or Spanish or whatever at home and maybe I don't speak that language. What would you say to those parents? Thinking about, my children's friends who are maybe a multilingual learner and also for teachers thinking about the multilingual learners in their classroom. What do you wish that people would know about multilingual learners?
Beth:
Yeah, that's a great question. You know, I'm just thinking as a parent, sometimes when things are unknown, we feel afraid of that. And I think we need to flip that on its head with multilingual learners. And let's say, you know, your child comes home and says, hey, I made a friend who's from Afghanistan. Sometimes that creates in us this fear, you know, as a parent, if we're just unknown of what that looks like, what does their home look like? But I just really want to encourage people to be curious.
As an adult, like we were saying, you know, that's really what it comes down to because as I've come across so many people from so many different countries, what has really kept me from not engaging is just the fear that I'm going to make a mistake or say the wrong thing or offend somebody. Cause I'm not sure. But what I have found that if I approach it with curiosity and kindness, every single time, if I do make a mistake, people are so gracious and you know, they might correct me or I might just ask them like, is this the proper way that you would do this? Or, you know, during the month of Ramadan, like how can, like just share that with me. And honestly, every single time someone is so willing to be open and share, and they want people to ask them about their culture. They want them to be, they want everyone else to be known.
So I think just as a parent as a teacher, when things are unknown, approach it with curiosity and kindness. And it helps us to just see the world in such a more beautiful way when we can, you know, relate to people and find connections and just open our worldview as well. and what's really incredible is it's happening right in our neighborhoods, right? In your own, on your own street with your neighbors. we have some German neighbors that moved in. And it's been so incredible to just get to learn about their their history, their background, what they're doing, learn new words together as my kids are learning words with them. there's just more often than not, you know, when it comes to multilingual learners, multilingual families, there's just a kindness to them that they are very gracious when, you know, I might say something the wrong way or make a mistake and it helps me to be that lifelong learner for my kids.
Shelley:
That's so true. I really appreciate that. Just that open-mindedness and wanting to learn that I think is the best thing we can do. And just being unafraid, like you said. Be open, be curious, be willing to apologize. You just have to be human and not be intimidated. Thank you.
Beth:
Yeah. And even saying that sometimes, and I'll say, I might say like, I'm not sure if this is the right way you would say this. You know, if someone's celebrating Rosh Hashanah, I might say, Hey, happy Rosh Hashanah. Is that the right way you say that? Or is there a better way that I can say that? you know, tell me more about what that is for you. And people are so, they're so excited to share what they're so excited to have somebody ask them about their culture. think in the American culture, we expect everybody to acclimate to the American culture, really it's a melting pot. It's a beautiful place where people can share their cultural and keep that identity and still become a part of the American culture. And so I think it's really a gift to be able to have those relationships and opportunities. And a lot of times it happens through our children and the relationships that they have of making friends at the park or a neighbor down the street or at a church or something like that. So it's really just have open eyes to see people who are lost and you know, maybe hurting, lonely, leaving everything behind is a lot. It's a lot. And it can be very lonely. So what a great way that we can make those connections and spread love.
Shelley:
It is, Yes, that's so true. Thank you for sharing those. Talk to me for parents who are just trying to get going with raising a multilingual learner or they already have a multilingual learner, they have a family situation where maybe one parent speaks one language, another one speaks another. What would be kind of your top tips for any parents who are looking to raise a multilingual learner?
Beth:
Yeah, that's a great question. And I think, you know what it comes down to is just taking action, just getting started. It can be something simple, you don't try to make it too big or try to do something that's, you know, taking a whole class and doing all these things, but just there's so many opportunities every single day to be curious, to learn about other cultures, to engage with other people. I think it's just having that mindset and that desire to start. And to look for those opportunities, you know, like I mentioned, whether it's going to the library and getting books in a different language and reading some stories, even if it's just by the pictures and seeing if you can point out a few words.
I mean, there's so many opportunities now with technology, with AI, with, you know, my kids all the time are like, Alexa, how do you say this in French? it's just, it's all around us. you know, just having an open mind, having a curiosity, having a desire to meet people that look different than my family, that eat different food, that speak differently. It just really is looking for those opportunities and seizing them, taking action. That's really, I think, the biggest thing with creating multilingual learners.
You how many of our students that have grown up in other countries and are, you know, maybe in the US or our children as, you know, as well, that they're not really being taught, here's how you become a multilingual learner. Here's how you become a you know, global citizen, it's just because of their experiences. And so how can you as a parent put yourself and your family and your children in the path of having multicultural experiences? here just even at the, church we've been attending, they had an international fair and they had, I think like 55 countries represented. it was just really incredible to see the depth and width of this small community here in Panama, but from all around the world, you know, and that's what we're living in, the times we're living in is it's right in your community. And so get creative, go see, maybe there's volunteer opportunities that you as a family can go and connect with. Maybe there's refugees in your city that you can go and help and serve and love on. Maybe there's, you know, I remember volunteering at an afterschool opportunity to teach adults English. And you can bring your kids along with that. And that I promise you are going to be some of the most transformative opportunities for them to see that there is a bigger world that they are part of. And just really to help them feel comfortable with people from all different backgrounds, to show kindness and love and just, yeah, open-minded and curiosity to learning with other people together. And that's the beauty of the world that we live in.
Shelley:
That's so true. And I love how you incorporate that idea of service into it as well, because then your children are learning so much more than just other little bits and pieces of cultures and languages. They're also learning how to look out for the needs of others and that there's ways that they can give back. And that's so, so rich.
Beth:
Yeah, absolutely. Something to add to that Shelley that I just thought of is so often we approach other people thinking, Oh, I'm going to go help and serve, whether we go out of the U S to go, you know, maybe do a short-term mission project or go serve somewhere, or even within our community, we think, Oh, we're helping other people, but what really happens is the reverse. actually get so transformed by that opportunity and the same thing happens with our kids. And so yeah, just look for those opportunities. They really are all around us. There's even online communities that you can connect with you. There's tons of programs that you know, you can order boxes to your house that your kids can learn another language through games. mean, there's there are opportunities out there, but. Just start start simple exactly make it fun. Do it together.
Shelley:
Yeah, it's like you say, just start taking action.
Beth:
That's what it's all about.
Shelley:
Yep. I was thinking of too just listening to music in different languages or instead of maybe going on the classic vacation to Disney or something like that if you have an opportunity to take your family on a vacation to just a country that's nearby you. In the case of the United States could be you go to Canada or Mexico or whatever, but there's a big world out there. And I know for me that was transformational when I was younger that my parents were able to take us traveling and see different parts of the world. And I think that opened my eyes to so, much comparatively to a lot of my peers. And now I feel like the world is even smaller, even though it's the same size. I know that it just feels like we're more interconnected than ever before. think due to technology and lots of ways, like the world is at our fingertips in more ways than we've ever known before. And to allow our children to have the opportunity to understand that and reach that just makes a difference for them.
Beth:
Yeah, they will not come away unchanged by any of those experiences, whether big or small. It will shape a piece of who they are.
Shelley:
Yep, for sure. I have loved having this conversation with you, Beth. It's been so enriching for me and helped me learn as I am trying to raise my own multilingual learners just like you. Where can parents find out more about you and what you do?
Beth:
Absolutely. So you can find us at inspiringyounglearners.com. a lot of it is geared towards teachers, but there's a ton there that you can find that are gonna help your own children learn multiple languages or just learn the dynamics and the acquisition of language and some articles you might be interested in. So you can find us there on our website. You can follow us on Instagram at Equipping ELLs. We offer a lot of just advice and strategies there. So that's where you can reach us.
Shelley:
Awesome. Yeah, I know I've loved following you on Instagram as well. And I'm like, oh, yeah, I need to remember that or this, that or whatnot. And parents truly are the children's first teacher. And so even if you think, oh, this is something that's a resource for teachers. Well, you already are a teacher. You might not have a degree or certificate in education, but you're a teacher, whether you know it or not, because your child is always watching you and learning from you. And that goes back to what you were saying, Beth, about how, you know, if we just get started and if we are a role model, our children will learn from us as well. Well, thank you so much, Beth. It's been a pleasure. Really appreciate it.
Beth:
Absolutely. Thank you so much, Shelley, for having me on this wonderful podcast.
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