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Resources for EAL Learners | St Mary's Catholic Primary School

Introduction

In this session we will focus on the attainment and achievement of children who are at risk of underachieving in English because of a number of factors, focusing specifically on children with EAL. Strand et al (2015) indicated that 'EAL children's scores in maths assessments are always higher than in reading assessments at every age'. (Strand et al : 2015: 6). We will consider the teaching strategies that can be used to promote success right from the start in speaking, reading and writing for children with EAL. Blatchford et al (2009) noted that children with EAL are often isolated and work alone with TAs and we will consider the impact of this approach by questioning the rationale and research.

Before the session

Ensure you are able to access:

Canvas

Your email (personal or university)

You will need the following:

Something to make notes on

The session- by the end of this session you will:

describe the factors which contribute to the ability range within a classroom
explain the challenges and benefits of inclusion in English
apply effective 'quality first teaching' to practice to ensure all children succeed
outline some specific approaches which have a significant impact on learning in English for EAL pupils

Part 1	Take the quiz on your knowledge of EAL in schools You can access the slides here Watch the video - Lost in Translation Part 1 Essential reading
Part 2	What are the challenges and limitations in addressing the needs of children who have EAL? Devise a list of questions to ask in placement or on the discussion below.
Part 3	Watch the video clip below to find out whether the children from the video in the session have made progress. Lost in translation part 2
Optional task	The comma splice If your written feedback from your last assessment identified comma splices as a target then it would be advised that you engage in this task.

After the session

Devise some questions to ask in placement to gain an understanding of the EAL context in your school :

The percentage of children who have EAL

The number of languages spoken in school

What support is available for children and families

Sources of further information

Research in schools 2012

Resources and further reading and information

Assessing children's proficiency in English

Language trends in UK schools

EAL Resources - The Bell Foundation

Teachers TV: Talking & EAL at Green End Primary

Children with EAL working with TAs

How schools ensure that children with EAL make progress

100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Supporting EAL Learners (100 Ideas for Teachers) by [Pim, Chris]