There are lots of great resources to help EAL students as they adjust to a new language and school environment. That being said, learning a language takes time, and every student progresses at their own pace. It’s completely normal for students to be very quiet at first—some may not speak at all for a while. Don’t panic! Many English language learners go through a “silent period” where they listen, observe, and absorb before they start talking and writing. With patience and encouragement, they will gain confidence and begin to thrive. If you’re ever unsure about how to support a student, reach out to the EAL Teacher at your school or our Newcomer Settlement Teacher. They can offer helpful strategies and resources to make the transition smoother for both you and the student. 

Approved EAL Websites for Students

Multilingual Learners in Nova Scotia 

Oxford Learner's Dictionaries provide students with simplified definitions, example sentences, and audio files (North American pronunciation)

SSRCE EAL Website