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Is it important for young English language learners to read dual language text?
It can be helpful for learners to read texts in both languages. It can provide a quick reference to aid comprehension and fosters an appreciation of the languages. It can be used creatively as a shared reading teaching tool in a bilingual setting. However, it is not a necessary part of learning the language. Often young learners will read one language and ignore the other. Additionally, if the majority language is English, this tends to reduce the desire to read in a minority language. Controversially, English quite frequently becomes the favoured language of choice due to its dominance/status in environments where English is widely used.
There are many ways to use flashcards in the classroom. When introducing new vocabulary, they can be used by teachers to provide engaging visuals for learners to comprehend the meanings of new words, revise, and practise recall with games. In addition to this, learners can use flashcards independently to memorise, revise, and consolidate new language.
The start of a new school year can be a daunting experience for new EAL arrivals. Some may be devastated to leave their friends, schools and homes. Some may be excited at the experience of a new adventure, but for all arriving with little or no English can be an alienating and exhausting experience. It is important to gain an understanding of how the child feels about the move to enable them to settle well.
In ESOL classrooms, we often find that language is both the medium and the barrier. ESOL learners may understand ideas, routines, and concepts long before they can express them confidently in English. However, when teaching relies too heavily on spoken or written language, many learners can feel excluded from full participation and this can turn into a challenge. This is where images play a crucial role.