A key ingredient for language success: language input
Every family’s multilingual journey is unique, and there is no secret formula for success. However, there are some key conditions that can impact children’s linguistic development.
Languages are all around us: an activity to reflect on multilingualism in our landscape
It is very common nowadays to walk around any city or large town in Ireland and hear many different languages. Main streets are populated with road signs in Irish and English and with shop fronts that signal the presence of ethnic food, with signs written in Chinese, Arabic and Polish.
Role play boosts language skills and confidence
Taking roles is a fun activity that uses children’s incredible imagination and creativity, while supporting their development of language and communication as well as problem-solving skills.
Communicating with families who are new to English
Establishing communication channels helps teachers to learn more about the children, their history and their home environment, but it also helps parents on learning more about what happens in school.
Find out how many languages are spoken in your class
While in the past it was common practice to refrain children from speaking their mother tongue in school, compelling evidence has been showing the benefits of supporting children’s learning across languages and through the inclusion of their mother tongue.
Dual language books in literacy instruction
Research shows that dual language books are effectiveOver the last 20 years countries in Europe have seen an increase of approximately 20% in the population that speaks a language other…
Using puppets to create an open language policy in the classroom
Often times children are unsure as to when to use their home language in school. Teachers can unknowingly send mixed signals as to when it is appropriate and when it is not, which may result in children not using their L1 at all.
Using a dual language book to learn new words
We know that creating a comfortable envinronment is important for all children and in particular for those who are learning English. It is important that these children see their homes and their identities represented in their school environment. This is why teachers should incorporate elements that children can recognise, such as language, culture and tradition.