Good Practice for EAL

  • Pupils with EAL should be placed according to their chronological age where possible.

  • Pupils with EAL should be placed with more able groups, so that they get the best role models and can be helped to reach their potential more quickly.

  • Pupils with EAL should have access to all classroom activities. Some will need to be supported or differentiated.

  • Try to encourage a language activity or game with a group on a regular basis; to allow learners to acquire new vocabulary.

  • Do not worry if the pupils are silent. This is normal and will improve as they settle in socially and gain confidence.

  • Use pictures, photos, artefacts, drawings, gestures, maps and graphics to aid understanding.

  • Use other pupils to act as a buddy to help the child and look after them at breaks; to show them the ropes, etc.

  • Allow the pupil to copy from others.

  • For younger pupils, or those not literate in their first language, a pictorial dictionary is very helpful.

  • Please encourage the use of a bilingual dictionary and give glossaries of new topics in advance, so that pupils can look up meanings and search in their native language beforehand.

  • Please be prepared to repeat instructions.

  • Include the pupils with EAL in paired reading schemes.

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