Techniques For Teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL)

As educators, you must be able to support pupils with a range of skillsets. Part of this is having accessible resources available for pupils who do not speak English as their first language. This article will cover a range of techniques educators can use when working with pupils who are learning English as an additional language (EAL).

Immersion is key

One of the best ways to learn a new language is to be full immersed in it. Pupils in English speaking schools have the built in benefit of being surrounded by English, though they may not feel included at the start. Focus on helping your pupils immerse themselves in the language by encouraging them to watch English language TV shows, listening to English language music, and interacting more with other pupils.

Use the world around you

Learning from a textbook can be repetitive and cause the pupil to lose interest. By using the world around you, you can turn learning into a fun and engaging game. Take your pupils out for a walk, identifying different objects and naming them. This not only helps pupils stay focused and interested but helps to associate words with their real-world counterparts.

Practice mutual teaching

Learning a new language can be difficult, and at times discouraging. Students may struggle through the language and feel frustrated and disheartened as they watch their classmates who speak the language fluently speak it easily. To better connect with your pupil, encourage them to teach you their language in return. Make a game out of naming words in English with the pupil teaching you the word in their native tongue. This way they feel empowered as they are now teaching you something new and it will help you connect with them better.

Focus on their interests

A key part of language learning is developing communication skills, which is why it’s crucial to engage your pupils in conversation. Finding conversation topics that keep your pupils can be challenging, which is why using their own interest can be a good place to start. Ask about their hobbies, interests, favourite movies or music. If they have recently moved from a different country, ask about their home country. Practicing this will not only help them improve their skills but will also allow you to be a person they trust.

Be patient

Language skills are ones that develop over time, the more practice your pupil gets the better they will become, but it will take time. Additionally, if working with pupils that are resistant to learning (such as ones who were not keen on the move to a different country) it can take some time for them to open up and be receptive of the learning. It’s crucial for you to remain patient, show them that you are there to support them and don’t rush their learning journey.

Specialise as an EAL Teaching Assistant

LMP Education is an award-winning training provider offering a range of funded training programmes for the education sector. One of our most popular programmes is the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant.

This programme is available as a standalone or with an additional HLTA qualification and aims to help current Teaching Assistants further develop and specialise in a specific area. One of the areas of specialism learners can choose is EAL working to support pupils developing their language skills.

Learn more about the Level 5 Teaching Assistant programme.

If you work in a school and are interested in utilising their programme to upskill existing staff, book a discovery call with the LMP Education team today!