Nepalese dance performed in Bharatiya Ashram, Indian Cultural Centre, Dundee.
Inclusion involves removing barriers to participation and learning. We believe in equal opportunity for all children, respecting diversity in race, gender, disability, religion, culture and age.
Explore EAL learning methods and strategies to promote independent learners. Help them to achieve their full potential, be happy and motivated, be proud of their identity and language skills.
Display the vocabulary on the wall to show that all languages are equally important and valid for ‘real learning’. Include multilingual captions on your science, maths and other curricula. Celebrate the diversity of languages spoken in the class.
Learning pupils’ language extends their knowledge and excites the children.
Provide opportunities for bilingualism. Children should be encouraged to use their first languages:
Share games from other cultures;
Vocabulary labels in the child’s language;
Pair talking in the first language;
Writing in the home language and in English;
Use dual language dictionaries;
Brainstorm ideas and concepts in first language groups and in English;
Promote dual language reading;
Listen to audio texts in dual languages;
Valuing home language not only increases self-esteem of the child with English as an Additional Language, but also promotes modern language learning experience in the setting for the other children. Everyone benefits from both languages.
There are different ways to value the home language and provide opportunities to welcome pupils from other nationalities in the school.
Importance of EAL in a recent Scottish Government report ‘ Language Learning in Scotland : A 1+2 Approach’
A Language Working Group was set up by the SNP Government to take forward their manifesto pledge to implement in schools the EU 1+2 model of plurilingual citizens. It contains reference to EAL (see below).It also includes a recommendation that student teachers should undertake some study of pedagogy associated with additional language learning.
English as an additional language
9. It is recommended elsewhere in this report that a 1+2 languages delivery will mean substantial enhancement of the role of EAL within schools and staff working within EAL will be central to 1+2 delivery. This will involve both qualified teachers and support staff working within EAL . Much important work has already been undertaken in Scotland in delivery of EALand in developing the qualifications and roles of staff working within the sector. However, it is a service which is itself frequently vulnerable at a time of budgetary reductions. The Group is of the view that EAL work and delivery should be incorporated within a policy of 1+2 delivery in schools and should be protected and developed as part of the roll-out of that policy.
