My child’s amazing bilingual abilities and skills are not valued, used or developed in English-only school

This was piece recently that I read in the Guardian what do you think?

My child’s amazing bilingual abilities and skills are not valued, used or developed in his English-only school.”

The Government can point to a growth in the number of bilingual primary schools as a result of its free school programme – there are French, German and Spanish schools in operation.

In addition, it is making languages compulsory from the age of seven in state primary schools for the first time ever from next September.

However, such actions are too little, Ms Gavrilova feels. “Our children are set to grow up in a world where their sense of normality is very different from ours,” says the brochure outlining its plans. “Their ability to adapt and adjust will be the difference between success and failure.

“It’s why the behemoth of the British education system is increasingly not the answer to our children’s needs.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/teaching-in-tongues-the-bilingual-preschool-tapping-new-potential-9032047.html

But what do you think?

I think schools delivering bilingual opportunities are valuing their learners and parents culture.  It from the first language that the second language is learnt and developed. It is only done much quicker than the traditional methods used as the young people brains are wired differently so they can translate easier and quicker across language using the technologies available to them to support their language acquisition. But what are your views?

If you would like more information on the tools and resources we have available to make your job easier when communicating with children or parents then contact us at www.emasuk.com or info@emasuk.com 0845 009 4939 Thanks Liz

Supporting EAL learners – Literacy activity for small groups

Choose a book to read. Pip is a great one to start with.

Work out which words the children will need to understand the story.

Pre teach these words. Use two can Talk, talking tutor or the hand held to engage and ensure greater understanding.

Read the book

After reading ensure understanding and embedding of relevant words to do this.

Organise the group into smaller groups of three to five learners.

Give each child a discussion type question to ask the group that they are in.

Encourage reading out aloud of the question.

Number each group member i.e. groups of three number 1-3. Ask Number 1 to read the question and No2 to make a comment about the question and invite discussion via all 3. when that finished no 2 to read out their question, No 3 to comment etc. until all group members have had their say.

Make necessary adjustments depending on the groups needs e.g. for those whose language is limited.