Affirming culture and cultural identity in the bilingual/ESL classrooms.

This article discusses the importance of affirming culture and cultural identity in bilingual/ESL classrooms, particularly in Texas and the United States. It emphasizes the need for bilingual and ESL programs to address the needs of English learners and highlights the significance of incorporating students' cultural backgrounds in their education. The article provides strategies for teaching culture in the classroom and supporting families in their language use. It also discusses the importance of providing additional support to parents and students during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for young English learners, and suggests evidence-based strategies for educators to mitigate learning losses. The article promotes a culturally responsive approach to bilingual/ESL education, emphasizing the integration of culture and language to support students' development and sense of self-worth. [Extracted from the article]