Introduction
Learners who use EAL and are at the New to English / Early Acquisition stage of developing proficiency in English require significant support to access the curriculum. Often, this is the group of learners that I receive the most queries about.
The DfE Proficiency in English code descriptor for a New to English learner (Code A) implies that these learners…
‘May use first language for learning and other purposes. May remain silent in the classroom. May be copying/repeating some words or phrases. May understand some everyday English expressions but may have minimal or no literacy in English. Needs considerable amount of EAL support.’ (DfE Proficiency in English Descriptors)
Below are some suggested blogs / posts about how to support learners who use EAL at DfE Code A and Code B.
Articles
I wrote this post about a possible assessment for New to English EAL learners. https://ealdaylight.wordpress.com/2022/01/08/possible-assessment-for-eal-new-to-english-an-inspector-calls/
I wrote about how to support a New to English EAL learner here. https://ealdaylight.wordpress.com/2021/04/16/supporting-an-eal-beginner/
This post outlines 5 ways to support beginner EAL learners with writing. https://ealdaylight.wordpress.com/2020/02/17/5-strategies-to-support-beginner-eal-learners-in-writing/
Many New to English EAL learners may go through a silent period which is a perfectly normal stage of language acquisition for some. This post outlines some ways to support this stage. https://ealdaylight.wordpress.com/2020/02/17/5-strategies-to-support-beginner-eal-learners-in-writing/
I wrote this about supporting New to English EAL learners. https://ealdaylight.wordpress.com/2018/12/22/supporting-new-to-english-eal-learners/
This is an excellent post from Hampshire EMTAS on teaching New to English learners of EAL. https://emtas.hias.hants.gov.uk/blog/index.php?entryid=111
The Bell Foundation wrote this about new arrivals which although is for all learners of EAL provides some recommendations on supporting New to English EAL learners. https://www.bell-foundation.org.uk/eal-programme/guidance/diversity-of-learners-who-use-english-as-an-additional-language/new-arrivals/#:~:text=New%20arrivals%20are%20a%20very,socio%2Deconomic%20and%20educational%20backgrounds.
This post from The Bell Foundation outlines ways to support all proficiency levels. https://www.bell-foundation.org.uk/eal-programme/eal-assessment-framework/levels-of-proficiency-in-english/
This post from The Learning Village outlines different approaches to supporting learners with basic literacy skills of which New to English EAL learners could be. https://www.learningvillage.net/article/literacy
Learning Village also have this giving guidance on new arrivals including New to English EAL learners. https://www.learningvillage.net/teacher-guidance/New%20Arrivals
Aberdeen City EAL Service wrote this about secondary EAL beginners. https://acceal.org.uk/secondary-beginners/ and this post from them includes links to resources https://acceal.org.uk/resources-for-beginners/
I found this post from East Midlands Education Support Service which has
examples of KS1 and KS2 planning to ensure the inclusion of Beginner EAL pupils. https://www.em-edsupport.org.uk/Page/21246
Voice 21 wrote about the importance of oracy for New to English EAL learners. https://voice21.org/eal-learners-and-oracy/
In Summary
Learners of EAL who are at the new to English / early acquisition stage of developing proficiency in English need considerable support to access the curriculum. As with all learners of EAL they need opportunities to develop both content and language. Hopefully, the posts above provide you with some ideas.
If you have any other articles please do share in the comment section. Thank you!
EAL in the Daylight 