Top 10 Tips for Schools

Make sure you know the correct pronunciation of their name and take the time to find out as much as you can about their background. Try and find out the answers to questions like: Have they recently arrived in the area or in the country? Where have they moved from? Which language(s) do they speak? Do they have any experience of education? Are there any dietary requirements? What are their likes/ dislikes? Your EAL teacher may help you collate this information and assess your pupil's level of English. This will be recorded on an EAL Profile of Competence.

Many children will understandably feel anxious in a new environment. Help the child by pairing them up with other children who will be good role models. The buddies can help them by showing them around the school, helping them learn routines and supporting them during break & lunchtime. It’s important to choose a few buddies as this means the responsibility does not just lie with one child and makes it a more positive experience for everyone.

Remember that it may feel overwhelming at first for EAL children who are new to the school. Many EAL pupils go through an initial silent period where they are able to comprehend more than they can say. It is important to let them speak when they feel confident and to avoid putting pressure on them.  EAL pupils may also be used to a different schooling system or have not been in formal education before. 

Ensure children are able to communicate their basic needs with you, such as needing the toilet or feeling unwell. Also, think about how you will communicate simple instructions to them, such as ‘sit down’, ‘listen’ or ‘line up’. You could use picture cards, communication fans, hand signals or actions.

Make use of translation tools to support initial communication. All Chromebooks have the Google Translate App which has a voice function. You can also add the Say Hi app to a mobile or tablet.

Make lessons visual with photos, pictures, real objects, graphs and diagrams. Use of gestures and facial expressions will also engage and aid your students 

Try and learn a few key phrases in the child’s home language, such as ‘hello’, ‘good morning’, ‘yes’ and ‘no’, and display these around your classroom. Encourage pupils to use their first language in class and celebrate their abilities. Provide dual-language resources for pupils literate in their first language.

Support parents too. Establish the best method of communication with parents (email is often easier than a phone call) and keep in regular contact. Parents may need help understanding how school works and what the expectations are. Use of an interpreter for meetings will also support this process.

If children are new to English, start with the basics. Teach them vocabulary that includes everyday objects, feelings, parts of the body and colours using the EAL Primary Induction Pack. Provide them with word mat or a word bank, or encourage them to record new vocabulary by letting them make their own word book or glossary.

You've already taken the first step by looking at this list! Try and find a bit of time to look through this website or undertake your own research. Our "Strategies Page" is a good starting point for those who are expecting an EAL pupil to join their classroom, as is our "New Arrivals" page.