What is the purpose of highlighting similarities between Spanish and English in instruction?

Highlighting similarities between Spanish and English serves the purpose of promoting bilingualism among students. By drawing attention to the parallels between the two languages, educators can facilitate a more effective learning environment for students who are either native Spanish speakers or learning Spanish as a second language. Recognizing these similarities can help students transfer their understanding and skills from one language to another, thereby enhancing their overall language proficiency.

Emphasizing similarities also increases students’ confidence as they navigate both languages. It fosters an inclusive atmosphere where students feel valued for their linguistic background, which can motivate them to engage more deeply with the learning process. Overall, this approach supports the overarching goal of bilingual education, which is to develop fluency in multiple languages and promote cognitive skills associated with bilingualism.