Teaching in a Dual Language classroom comes with a unique challenge: Not all bilingual students are the same. Whoever said there are 3 types of bilinguals was right! And understanding these differences can change how you approach literacy instruction. In this post I'll give you a breakdown of the 3 types of Bilinguals plus a simple pedagogical focus for each.
Here's a quick breakdown on the 3 types of bilinguals:
- Simultaneous Bilinguals: These students are exposed to both languages from birth. They're navigating two systems at once, often with strong receptive skills in both languages early on. Demographics that fit this type many times are ex-pat children and immigrant children.
- Sequential Bilinguals: These students learn one language first (at home) and then pick up the second language in school, or playing with friends. Their learning path may look different, but with the right support, they thrive. Usually immigrant children will learn the second language in school, and ex-pat kids will learn the second language as they play with friends. This is in most cases (but not all cases, of course) because ex-pat families will tend to send their kids to an international school where all content is taught in English, and the language of the host country is taught as 'world language'. Sometimes ex-pat kids don't even get the chance to learn the host country's language.
- Balanced Bilinguals: These students demonstrate similar proficiency in both languages. They're less common, but they remind us what's possible when instruction truly supports biliteracy. Balanced Bilinguals are the ultimate goal in Dual Language. We want to see our students gain equal proficiency in biliteracy.
Think of the 3 types as points on a triangle. Students may move over time, but recognizing where they are today helps you meet them with the right strategies.
Pedagogical Focuses for Bilinguals:
Each focus is good for all bilinguals, but I have categorized them because one focus might 'click' with a type earlier, or more effectively than with another type.
1. Pedagogical Focus for Simultaneous Bilinguals: Language Learners Exposed to 2 or More Languages From Birth
- Strengthen literacy in both languages simultaneously: Even if they sound fluent, reading and writing in both languages require structured support.
- Provide syllable and phonics instruction in both languages: Use routines like Dictados, phonics centers, and shared reading.
- Provide rich oral language opportunities: Encourage storytelling, discussions, and oral rehearsals in both languages to reinforce vocabulary.
- Offer cross-language connections: Highlight similarities and differences between the two languages (cognates, syntax, vocabulary).
Teaching Approach Summary:
Simultaneous bilingual benefit from parallel biliteracy routines that intentionally develop reading and writing in both languages at the same time. This Bilingual Type will thrive when instruction honors both languages as assets rather than assuming they already 'know it all.'
2. Pedagogical Focus for Sequential Bilinguals: Language Learners who acquire one language first, then add the second.
- Build on the first language (L1): Treat the first language as a bridge, not something to replace.
- Scaffold new language acquisition: Use visuals, sentence frames, and oral rehearsal to support comprehension and production.
- Transfer skills across languages: Teach literacy strategies explicitly so skills learned in L1 transfer to L2. For example, be explicit about syllable segmentation, word families, sentence structures, and so forth.
- Differentiate pacing: Sequential Bilinguals may need more time or repeated practice to reach balanced literacy in the second language.
Teaching Approach Summary:
Sequential Bilinguals benefit from additive instruction--building a strong foundation in L1 while layering L2 literacy. Structured routines like dictados and shared reading help create a bridge for transferring skills across languages.
3. Pedagogical Focus for Balanced Bilinguals: Language Learners with roughly equal proficiency in both languages.
- Maintain and deepen both languages: Offer high-quality reading and writing experiences in each language.
- Challenge with academic language: Focus on higher-level vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills in both languages.
- Encourage metalinguistic awareness: Help students notice patterns, structures, and differences between languages.
- Flexible language use: Promote cross-linguistic reflection (comparing sentences, retelling stories in both languages, etc.)
Teaching Approach Summary:
Balanced Bilinguals thrive when instruction pushes both languages to the next level rather than taking one for granted. Biliteracy routines should emphasize higher-order literacy skills and cross-language connections to maintain and grow balanced proficiency. 
Key Principles Across All Types:
- All students benefit from structured biliteracy routines like literacy centers, shared reading and dictados.
- Recognize students' language history and current proficiency levels to tailor instruction.
- Emphasize transfer, not replacement--every language is an asset.
- Build oral language, reading and writing skills concurrently for an authentic biliteracy experience.
Why This Matters for Biliteracy
When we design instruction as if all bilingual students were on the same path, we miss opportunities to meet them where they are. But when we recognize their path to biliteracy, then we can choose teaching routines that actually support growth.
That's why I created my El Dictado Mega Bundle. This resource is a complete system of dictado routines, literacy centers, short & illustrated passages, and shared reading activities. It's designed to support all three types of bilinguals and make biliteracy instruction feel doable for K-1 teachers.
Want to see the difference it can make in your classroom? Check out the Mega Bundle by clicking here.
