Here you will find ideas and resources to support your child as they learn English. English as an Additional Language is a valuable asset to your child’s education. Here at Roundwood Primary we recognise bilingualism as a strength and celebrate the rich diversity that different cultures bring to our community.
Children learn best when they feel secure and valued, so the first challenge is to make our new arrivals feel welcome and help staff to make appropriate plans to include them.
As a school we use The Bell Foundation’s EAL Assessment Framework for Schools. The Framework supports the teaching and learning of EAL pupils: it is designed so that English proficiency can be easily assessed within the context of our curriculum. The level descriptors can also act as targets for pupils to progress to the next level. For every proficiency band, there is a set of strategies and recommended resources for supporting pupils within that band.
Can you help?
The school is continuing to build strong links with the community, and we have a few bilingual members of staff who can work with the children who are still learning English. If you think you could help in this way, we would be delighted to hear from you. Similarly, if you could help translate learning materials or school letters this will also be very much appreciated.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch!
Games and Activities
While some of these activities encourage the practising and using of English, it is important to emphasise that using your first language should still continue.
- Picture noughts and crosses (free, printable resources can be found online).
- Bingo!
- Songs – (Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes) look on Youtube or borrow CDs from the Library.
- Healthy eating – cooking.
- Flash cards (matching pictures to words).
- Books – dual-language books are available to borrow at the school or local library.
- Websites – Try ‘Treasure Island’ for lots of ideas and advice. Also see our website links at the bottom of the page.
- Talk about homework in your home language.
- Day trips – a visit to a park, the zoo, or museum will open up a whole new worlds for your child.
- Watch TV! Good quality TV programmes in English can be found on channels BBC1 and CBBC.
- Online games – see our website suggestions below!
- Listen to your child read even if you are not confident in reading English yourself.
Recommended Websites
Parents are reminded that children should be supervised when accessing the internet, in order to ensure they are safe when online.