Branson launches bilingual literacy project

Cultural diversity might not be the first thing that comes to mind when someone thinks of Branson, so it may come as a surprise to some to learn that 31 languages are spoken among Branson students.

This school year, Branson School District kicked off “Bridging Worlds: A Bilingual Literacy Adventure.” The project aims to overcome language barriers while celebrating the diverse cultural background of students. The project received a $15,000 grant from Silver Dollar City Foundation and includes monthly bilingual programs at Library Center of the Ozarks, introduces dual-language books at school, provides classrooms with language-specific materials and culminates with a multicultural event on April 4.

“When we think about kids who come to our area who don’t know English and are trying their best to fit in, to be successful, and to be understood, this project gives them hope and it gives them an edge up,” said DeAnna Sheets, Branson’s director of curriculum, assessment and federal programs.

In February, the district kicked off a monthly Spanish story time at Library Center of the Ozarks where children were read the book “The Snowy Day” in English and Spanish. The kids enjoyed an activity and craft before receiving their own English and Spanish versions of the book to take home.

While the event brought kids and parents together, it also helped connect English Learner (EL) families to the library, where Sheets hopes they will become comfortable and learn about all the great resources available to them and their families.

In addition to creating bilingual story time, grant funds are also being used to purchase classroom resources.

“Language barriers often impede EL students’ ability to fully engage with curriculum, leading to academic gaps, and risk of losing connection with the cultural heritage, which affects their sense of identity and belonging,” she said. “The main focus of this grant is to create dual learning opportunities for all students.”

While Spanish is the second most spoken language in Branson schools, Sheets said there are 29 other languages spoken which means teachers and staff have to get creative.

“To support students learning English, we provide bilingual books and classroom materials in multiple languages, not just Spanish, but Gujarati, and many others, allowing students to use their native language as a bridge to learn English,” she said. “We also utilize translation devices and iPads to assist with communication and instruction, ensuring that students have access to meaningful learning experiences in their classrooms.”

On April 4, the district will host Festival of Nations at Branson High School from 5-8 pm. The Festival of Nations will include bounce houses, food vendors, dancers, and an opportunity for families to showcase where they are from and their cultures. The district will also honor students who have earned a Pathways Award as part of the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy program. In 2024, about 300 Branson students received a Pathway Award.

The event is free and open to the public.

“The research that supports knowing a second language is so vast,” Sheets said. “It’s not just about knowing a second language, but also it is shown to increase your attention span, improve communication skills, improve academic performance, enhance a person’s cultural enrichment and much more.”

She said while the project is aimed at supporting EL students and their families, it’s a great opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of biliteracy and understanding other cultures.

“When students have cultural awareness, it creates empathy,” she said. “When I was a classroom teacher, I didn’t understand at first why one of my students wouldn’t look me in the eye. We often look at this as disrespectful but where the student was from, it was disrespectful to look me in the eye. When we understand cultural differences, it strengthens us as a community and makes us better.”