True or False: Bilingual children typically use their parents' native language at home and American English at school.

The notion that bilingual children often communicate with their parents in their native language while using American English in school reflects the typical language usage patterns observed in many bilingual households. Children usually learn and use the language spoken by their parents at home—this might be Spanish, Mandarin, or any other native language—because it is the language they first encounter and associate with familial bonding, culture, and tradition. In educational settings, however, the medium of instruction is often English, particularly in the United States, leading bilingual children to use American English during their school interactions.

This pattern allows children to develop proficiency in both languages, fostering a connection to their heritage while also equipping them with the necessary language skills to succeed in an English-speaking environment. This dual language exposure supports cognitive development and enhances their ability to navigate different social and cultural contexts. The other options do not encompass the holistic language use observed in most bilingual children, emphasizing the distinction between home language and school language.