Bridging between

Languages
 Concepts And Definitions

• Early-exit transition. Themothertongueor L1 is the mediumof instruction(MO1for

2-3years,thenswitch to L2and/or L3 asMO1
• Late-exit transition. The mother tongue or L1 is the medium of instruction for 5-6
yearsor more,then switchtoL2and/orL3asanMO1.
• Mother tongue. The language(s) that one has learned first; the language(s) that
oneknowsbestandusesmost.
 Concepts And Definitions

▸ Mother-tongue-based multilingual education. Learner

centered, active basic education which starts in the
mother tongue and gradually introduces one or more
other languages in a structural manner, linked to
children’s understanding in their first language or
mother tongue.
 Concepts And Definitions

▸ Multilingual Education. Adopted in 1999 in UNESCO’s General

Conference Resolution 12; the term refers to the use of at least
three languages.
○ Mother tongue
○ Regional/ national language
○ International language
 “
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN LANGUAGE AND
DIALECT?
 BENEFITS OF MTBMLE

▸ There is ample ▸ They learn second ▸ MTBMLE programs

research showing language more quickly benefit students who
that students are than those initially do not understand or
quicker to learn to taught to read in an speak the official/
read and write and unfamiliar language. school language when
acquire academic they begin their
skills when first education.
taught in their mother
tongue or L1.
 3 KINDS OF DEVELOPMENT

▸ Languagedevelopment ▸ Academic development ▸ Socio-cultural development

▸ Students develop
fluency and confidence
in understanding,
speaking, reading,
writing, viewing and
thinking in their first
language and then
transfer those abilities
to the official/ school
language for
communication and
lifelong learning.
○ Students are proud
▸ Students achieve the
of their heritage
required academic
language and culture
competencies in each
and respect the
subject at the end of the
language and culture
MTBMLE program.
of others.
 COMPONENTS OF MTBMLE
▸ Strong foundation
▸ Research show that children who
start education in the language of
their home tend to do better in the
later years of their education (
Thomas and Collier, 1997).
▸ Good bridge
▸ Well-planned transition from
learning through the mother tongue
or L1 to learning through other
language(s) results in better learning
outcomes.
 Language Progression Plan: 2 Languages
K Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6
Build oral Continue Continue Continue Continue Continue Continue
L1 & oral & oral & oral & oral & oral & oral &
confidence literacy in literacy in literacy in literacy in literacy in literacy in
L1 Filipino L1 L1 L1 (Filipino) L1 (Filipino) L1 (Filipino)

Begin L1 Continue Continue Continue Continue

Continue Continue
literacy oral L2 oral & oral & oral & oral & oral &
(reading (English) literacy L2 literacy in literacy in literacy in literacy in
and writing) (English) L2 L2 L2 L2
Begin oral Begin L2
L2 English literacy 4th
quarter
(English)
Use L1 as Use L1 as LO1 in all Use L1 as Use Filipino as LO1 in Esp, Ap, Filipino,
LO1 subjects LO1 in all MAPEH, EPP.
subjects Use English (L2) in Math, Science,
Including English (TLE in Grade 6)
science
 Instructional Strategies

 Teacher should use curriculum and teaching/learning materials which are theme-
based and rich with the knowledge and experience tend learners bring to school.

 Teacher should encourage children to talk about their home and community
experiences, motivate them to share their ideas/thoughts and feelings, thereby
building their self-confidence.

 Teacher need to be proficient in the language they are teaching. Soliciting help from
parents or community people can scaffold their teaching for positive results.
 Instructional Strategies

 Building oral fluency and self-confidence and nurturing creativity in the

early years is “planting the seed” of literacy skills.

 Bridging process takes time.

 When bridging from L1 to L2 literacy, it is important to start with common

sounds/alphabet then proceed to the uncommon unfamiliar ones.
 Instructional Strategies

▸ Variety is the spice of life.

▸ Language is a cultural tool.