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The lack of a common language between children can be frustrating so we often assign buddies who have a common language to help our learners. Someone who speaks the same language can help the new student feel less alienated by speaking the same language and recounting what is being said and explaining what is happening. Students are often used as interpreters in schools. However, as with any translation, it can result in unintentionally misinterpretation.
Interpreting is a difficult skill. Although they find it easy to interpret for classroom language, they understandably often struggle to translate academic content that demands more complex concepts and subject specific vocabulary.
How can we help our young interpreters?
Firstly, they need some guidance. Perhaps you have a learning mentor, EAL or class teacher or school council leader who will take on the responsibility of training those buddies who are often translating.
When selecting an interpreter, consider that they will need a good short term memory to remember what was just said as well as a good long term memory to put the information given into context.
Here’s a guide for a young interpreter:
(Available to download for free by clicking on the green button)
If you have the opportunity to use a bilingual support partner to help families who have learners working from home, it may be useful to prepare a list of questions for this staff member to ask. Bilingual support is extremely useful when making contact with parents who speak little or no English.
In the last edition, we considered the importance of not using a Whole Language approach in isolation as a primary method of literacy instruction, but rather ensuring that a systematic, skills-based approach is used to guarantee reading and writing progression for second language learners. This begs the question, which systematic approach should we use? The two systematic methods adopted by most practitioners for first language learners are the Analytical or Analytic Phonics approach or the Synthetic Phonics approach.
For some learners, including those with SEND, the thought of a writing lesson can be daunting and unappealing. However, by finding creative ways to engage and 'hook' your learners, they will be more likely to feel motivated and engaged.
Tip or Idea: Start your lessons in an unusual or exciting way! Set up a scene or have props that give clues to a character or event, play an engaging video or audio clip or perhaps transform your classroom into a courtroom for a debate...