Multilingual & ENL Family Resources

These resources help families understand why bilingualism is a strength and how using all languages supports learning and confidence.

Why Home Language Matters: The Benefits of Bilingualism and Translanguaging

Explains how using all of a learner’s languages supports confidence, identity, and learning. Includes strategies for classrooms.

FlashAcademy® Blog

A Strengths-Based Approach to Multilingualism for Families

Shows how multilingual skills benefit children and adults, and encourages families to view all languages as valuable.

National Center for Families Learning

ELL Students’ Home Language Is an Asset, Not a Barrier

Discusses why home languages should be celebrated rather than suppressed.

EdWeek Article

Asset-Based Approach Supporting English Learners’ Reading Skills

Tips for promoting reading by leveraging students’ strengths and languages.

Edutopia Article

Resources families can use to support reading, writing, and language growth at home.

Colorín Colorado – Family Resource Library

Family literacy tips, multilingual resources, and tools to help children grow as readers in any language.

Colorín Colorado Resources

ELL & ML Family Engagement Resources

Videos, guides, and tools like Being Bilingual is a Superpower to support learning at home.

Colorín Colorado Family Resources

Should Families of ELLs Have an English-Only Rule at Home?

Guidance on why supporting home languages can help children succeed academically.

Literacy Worldwide Blog

How Literacy Instruction Differs for ELL Students

Explains strategies teachers use and ways families can support literacy development at home.

Graduate Program Article

Language Acquisition Overview (Colorín Colorado)

Describes stages of learning a second language and strategies to support development.

Colorín Colorado Article

Common Difficulties Learning English for Spanish Speakers

Explains linguistic differences and tips for supporting Spanish-speaking learners.

Langster Blog

NYSED Parent Resources for ELLs/MLs

Official guides explaining programs, supports, and benefits of bilingualism. Available in multiple languages.

NYSED Parent Resources

NYSED Parent Guide (PDF, Multiple Languages)

Answers FAQs about bilingual learners, supports, and rights in NY schools.

PDF Guide

These resources are primarily for educators but can help families understand classroom strategies.

Canva Presentation – Common Questions & Resources for Teachers

Visual guide answering FAQs and providing resources for ELL instruction.

Canva Presentation

NYSED Educator Tools & Best Practices

Guides, topic briefs, and strategies for promoting the success of ELLs and MLs in classrooms.

NYSED ELL/ML Educator Tools

Mid-State RBERN Toolkit

Research-based strategies and resources for teaching ELLs and multilingual learners.

Mid-State RBERN Toolkit

Colorín Colorado – New Teaching ELLs

Introductory guide for teachers new to working with English learners.

Colorín Colorado Teaching ELLs

Colorín Colorado – Special Education + ELL Instruction

Strategies for supporting students who are both ELLs and receive special education services.

Special Education & ELL

Colorín Colorado – Literacy Instruction for ELLs

Practical literacy strategies that can also help families understand classroom instruction.

Literacy Instruction

Colorín Colorado – Realia and Manipulatives

How hands-on materials can support language and literacy learning.

Realia & Manipulatives

NYSABE – New York State Association for Bilingual Education

Advocacy, family support, and information about bilingual programs.

NYSABE

NYC DOE Multilingual Learners Resource Page

NYC-specific supports for families, including biliteracy pathways and family engagement.

NYC DOE ML Resource Page