Wait, Don’t Just Translate
Multidimensional Strategies for Emergent Multilingual Learners
Bilingual/ELL Learners | Differentiation & Multiple Intelligences | Teaching At-Risk Students
Empower emergent multilingual learners to thrive with multidimensional strategies that go beyond simple translation
When emergent multilingual learners enter a new classroom, educators often grapple with a complex question: to translate or not to translate? Wait, Don’t Just Translate offers a nuanced approach, moving beyond simple translation as a go-to strategy. Addressing the urgent need to foster true belonging, this book provides K-12 educators with a comprehensive, empathetic approach to honoring students' rich linguistic and cultural heritages without overreliance on translation.
Key features include:
- Authentic vignettes that let you walk in the shoes of emergent multilingual learners and better understand their unique experiences.
- Sample teacher-created materials and ready-to-use instructional tools that effectively move beyond translation.
- Self-assessment tools and reflection probes to continuously affirm and challenge your asset-based practices.
By embracing these inclusive practices, you’ll discover how to create affirming spaces where newcomer and emergent multilingual learners feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive academically, linguistically, and socially.
"This timely book makes a compelling case that overreliance on translation, including the growing use of AI by teachers and students, limits newcomer multilingual learners’ language development and equitable access to rigorous content. Honigsfeld, McDermott Goldman, and Dove thoughtfully reframe translation as one tool for engagement and equity rather than a crutch while offering a wide range of practical strategies to actively engage students in meaningful learning. From the very first pages, the book draws readers in with engaging visuals, authentic student artifacts, and practical insights. I highly recommend this resource for educators who are committed to supporting multilingual learners’ equity and engagement in new ways."
"This is a must-read resource that offers a clear and practical roadmap for supporting multilingual newcomers. It equips educators to build student agency and belonging, accelerate language and literacy, and design instruction that honors students’ identities and strengths."
"As the Director of EL & Bilingual Programs in a district serving over 1,000 multilingual learners, I see daily how critical it is for educators to move beyond defaulting to translation and instead make thoughtful, strategic decisions that truly accelerate language and content learning. This timely and practical book captures that nuance beautifully—guiding teachers on when, with whom, how, and why to use translation in ways that honor students’ assets while avoiding overreliance on AI-driven translation tools. It is an essential resource for any educator committed to creating classrooms where multilingual learners thrive!"
"As an educator with more than 26 years supporting newcomer students, this book resonates deeply with my lived experience—reminding us that while translation may open the door, it is connection, belonging, and high expectations that truly change lives."
"In Wait, Don’t Just Translate: Strategies for Emergent Multilingual Learners, Dr. Honigsfeld and Dr. Dove once again offer a powerful blend of research and practice that educators can immediately put to use. Grounded in a strong theoretical foundation and enriched by authentic stories from the field—including the voices of former newcomer students—this book brings clarity and humanity to the complex work of supporting multilingual learners.
Particularly impactful are the detailed tables and accompanying flowcharts that clearly outline the do’s and don’ts of translation. These tools provide educators with practical, actionable guidance while reinforcing the importance of translanguaging and meaningful second language development.
With a consistent emphasis on students’ strengths and assets, this book challenges educators to think more intentionally about when and how translation is used in the classroom. It is an essential resource for anyone committed to fostering multilingualism and creating more inclusive, responsive learning environments."
"The field has been waiting for a professional resource like this! While educators are often eager to serve and support their newcomer students, the overuse of translation has created misunderstandings and misconceptions in schools across the country. This book helps provide guidance to teachers, teams, and schools as they navigate how to leverage translation with intentionality, culturally responsive understanding, and identity-affirming pedagogy. I'm thrilled for this book to be in the hands of educators and leaders serving newcomer students!"
"As a teacher of ENL and HLA newcomer students for over two decades -- and as the founding teacher of a high school course in Spanish for Translation and Interpretation -- I can confidently say this book is long overdue!Early in my career, well-intentioned guidance often encouraged teachers to rely on translation as a primary support for English Learners. What we didn’t yet understand was that translation, when used without purpose or strategy, can unintentionally limit language development.Wait… Don’t Just Translate provides the clarity our field has needed for years. It offers thoughtful, practical guidance on discerning when translation supports learning and when it doesn't. The authors also provide concrete strategies for using translation effectively. This book is an essential resource for any educator committed to supporting English Learners with both intention and impact."
"As a teacher educator working with both K–12 pre-service and practicing teachers, I highly recommend this book for anyone new to working with multilingual learners. It speaks directly to the questions teachers often have: how to move beyond reliance on translation tools while still supporting students’ language development, and what effective support actually looks like in practice. Grounded in field-based research and the voices of both teachers and multilingual learners, this book offers clear, practical strategies for supporting newcomers in meaningful and sustainable ways. It is an accessible and much-needed resource for today’s classrooms."
"This book provides a guide for educators seeking to move beyond simple translation toward a more holistic, asset-based approach for supporting emergent multilingual learners. By prioritizing equity, engagement, and relational trust, it offers research-informed strategies that empower newcomers to thrive academically and socially from the moment they arrive. It is an invaluable resource for creating inclusive school environments where every student’s linguistic and cultural background is celebrated as a vital foundation for their success! I recommend this read for all teachers who work with multilingual learners!"
"Wait, Don’t Just Translate is more than a manual on language acquisition; it is a profound call to center the inherent beauty and unique gifts of every multilingual learner. This book reminds us that effective pedagogy must begin with a steadfast commitment to an asset-based mindset. By weaving together advocacy for equity with practical tools—such as guidance on what success looks like for newcomers, technology spotlights, and reflective opportunities for practitioners—the authors provide a comprehensive roadmap for success. This work directly answers the most pressing questions I encounter in my role supporting educators. I look forward to seeing its impact in classrooms everywhere."