Code‐Meshing and Writing Instruction in Multilingual Classrooms

Classrooms act as linguistic sieves when they continue to accept only dominant forms of English as the “correct” and “appropriate” language choice for all students. Students who speak other languages, such as African American Language or Spanish, are often encouraged to use those languages on the playground or at home but not in “official” spaces. This article interrogates such language practices by considering code‐meshing as an instructional approach that invites multiple languages within the classroom. The authors highlight the choices of teachers who encourage code‐meshing in their writing practices and offer pedagogical suggestions that can help teachers broaden their incorporation of all students' languages.