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Welcome to a new academic year, filled with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of your students. As teachers and leaders, one powerful way to create an inclusive learning environment is by seeing your curriculum through the eyes of EAL learners, so let's explore why this perspective shift is crucial, and examine some concrete examples and ideas to get started with this.
Why Should You See Your Curriculum Through EAL Learners' Eyes?
Understanding the challenges your EAL learners face will help you create a more inclusive classroom where every student can thrive. Here's why taking this perspective is essential:
Improved Learning Outcomes
When you tailor your curriculum to meet the needs of EAL learners, you're not only supporting them but also enhancing the learning experience for all students ("Helpful for all, crucial for some"). By breaking down language barriers and "scaffolding up" you create a more accessible and equitable pathway to knowledge in your lessons. And with any luck, you'll also inspire school-wide curriculum adaptations.
Boosted Confidence (for Students and Teachers!)
Imagine not having full comprehension of the language used within your immediate environment, and the impact that this would have on your confidence to participate.
By making adjustments to your curriculum, you can help EAL learners to feel more secure, ultimately improving their engagement and participation in your lessons.
And as teachers, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and that you're "not doing enough" to cater for a linguistically diverse class, particularly when you have learners who are new to English. By looking at the language demands of your lessons and pre-planning how you will scaffold comprehension of the essential language, you'll feel confident that everyone can engage in your learning.
Fostering Inclusivity
Seeing the curriculum through EAL learners' eyes promotes inclusivity, demonstrating to all students that their unique needs are valued and accommodated. It sets a tone of respect and empathy in the classroom that is role-modelled to students (and other staff) too.
Practical Strategies to Adopt
Now, let's explore the practical strategies and ideas for viewing your curriculum through the eyes of EAL learners:
Identify Language-Heavy Areas
Example: In a science curriculum, identify content that relies heavily on specialised vocabulary, such as terms related to biology, chemistry, or physics.
Idea: Create a list of these key terms and provide simple, concise definitions (with images as appropriate) to make your content more accessible.
Simplify Complex Sentences
Example: In history lessons, where complex sentences may be common, break down lengthy sentences into shorter, more digestible parts.
Idea: Encourage students to apply reading repair strategies such as: re-reading the sentence, looking at what comes next to help them, using clues and reading around non-essential language. You can also encourage students to interpret one part of the sentence at a time and understand the context before moving on.
Visual Aids and Illustrations
Example: In English literature classes, where interpreting and analysing texts can be challenging, use visual aids like images, diagrams, or storyboards.
Idea: Use widgit.com or thenounproject.com to do this easily and to create whole-school consistency. Ask students to interpret the visual aids before delving into the text, providing a visual context for better comprehension.
Pre-Teach Vocabulary
Example: In mathematics, identify the complex mathematical terms that EAL learners may struggle with.
Idea: Before starting a new unit, introduce and teach these terms (again with visuals wherever possible) ensuring students have a foundational understanding of the vocabulary before learning and practising the skill. If you have an EAL department, share these words with them so that they can be pre-taught and reinforced during EAL lessons.
Encourage Peer Support
Example: In any subject, create opportunities for EAL learners to collaborate with peers who are fluent in English.
Idea: Pair EAL learners with proficient English speakers for group projects, enabling language modelling and peer support. Click here for more ideas on the different types of groups you can experiment with.
How You Can Begin Your Journey to Inclusive Teaching
Understanding your curriculum through the eyes of EAL learners is a powerful step towards creating a more inclusive and effective learning environment. But where should you start, and how can you map out the steps to improve your EAL offering this year so that it feels actionable and achievable?
We're here to offer you guidance and support every step of the way. Consider booking a free consultation with us, where we can work together to understand your unique needs, challenges, and objectives. During this consultation, we'll help you outline a tailored plan to enhance your EAL teaching and make it more inclusive.
Here's how it works:
Book a Free Consultation: Contact us to schedule your consultation. It's a commitment-free opportunity to explore how we can assist you in achieving your goals.
Personalised Support: During the consultation, we'll listen to your specific needs and challenges. Together, we'll identify the most effective strategies and adjustments for your curriculum and teaching methods.
Mapping Out the Steps: We'll help you create a clear roadmap for implementing changes in your curriculum and teaching practices, making the process manageable and realistic.
Ongoing Assistance: Our support doesn't stop at the consultation. We're here to assist you as you implement these changes, providing ongoing guidance and resources to ensure your success.
By taking advantage of this free consultation, you'll be taking a proactive step towards a more inclusive and successful academic year. Don't hesitate to get in touch, and let's work together to unlock the full potential of your EAL teaching and ensure that every student thrives.
Email: anna@ealinclusive.com
Whatsapp me: +447561025205 Or book a slot at your convenience: https://calendly.com/ealinclusive
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