As a new school year starts, many EAL learners will be feeling anxious about what the year has in store for them. They may not know the language or the culture, and they will likely be feeling overwhelmed. It is important that schools take steps to ensure the well-being of their EAL learners, and make them feel welcome and supported. In this article, we will discuss some ways that schools can improve the well-being of their EAL learners.
Well-being for EAL learners
For EAL learners, well-being is essential for academic success. Research shows that students who are physically and emotionally healthy are more likely to perform well in school. Furthermore, well-being is linked to increased motivation, concentration, and memory. However, many EAL learners face barriers to well-being. Some may come from cultures that prioritize academic achievement over personal health.
Others may struggle with the stress of adapting to a new culture and language. As a result, it is important to make sure that EAL learners have access to resources that promote well-being. This could include mental health support, physical activity programs, and culturally-sensitive counselling services. By prioritizing well-being, we can give EAL learners the best chance to succeed in school and life.
Signs that a student is struggling with their well-being
A student’s well-being is important to their success in school. There are many signs that a student may not be feeling well. They may be withdrawn from others, have a change in eating habits, or suddenly start having trouble sleeping. They may also have a hard time concentrating or miss more days of school than usual.
If a student is showing any of these signs, it’s important to talk to them and see how they’re doing. Sometimes all they need is a little extra support. Other times, there may be more serious underlying issues that need to be addressed. In either case, it’s important to reach out and help the student get back on track.
How to improve a student’s well-being
There are a number of things that can be done to improve a student’s wellbeing. First, it is important to make sure that students have a healthy diet. Eating nutritious foods will help students to focus and have energy for their classes. It is also important to make sure that students get enough exercise. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
Finally, it is important to encourage students to find a balance between their schoolwork and their personal life. When students have time for hobbies and friends, they are less likely to feel stressed out by their schoolwork. By taking these steps, we can help our students to be happy and healthy both inside and outside of the classroom.
Strategies for teachers and school staff to help EAL Learners
Teachers and school staff play an important role in helping EAL Learners. There are a number of strategies that can be used to support these students. One way is to provide visual supports, such as pictures or diagrams, to help explain concepts. Another strategy is to use simplified language and short sentences when communicating with EAL Learners. It is also helpful to provide extra time for them to process information and respond to questions.
LILAC Strategies for EAL Learners
LiLAC is a training course that teaches the importance of recognizing differences between genres of text. It uses a teaching and learning cycle to scaffold language, along with the register continuum (thinking about the purpose, audience, and delivery of communication). The relationship between spoken and written language is also emphasized.
The course:
• expands teachers’ understandings of what EAL students need to become successful learners
• builds awareness in teachers of how they can include the cultural and linguistic diversity and experiences of EAL students
• discovers the language-related needs of EAL students and creates teaching practices that attend to their whole needs explicitly.
• outlines strategies for optimal teaching and learning, across various subjects
• gives teachers a positive environment to try out different suggested methods and reflect on their strengths and weaknesses constructively
• all strategies are based on an understanding of the importance of language in the learning process—this builds strong relationships between all teachers who share this fundamental belief
Resources for parents of EAL Children
There are many resources available for parents of EAL (English as an Additional Language) children. These resources can help parents to better understand their child’s needs and how to support their language learning. One great resource is the website EALice.
This website provides information on a variety of topics related to EAL children, including tips for supporting language learning at home, advice on dealing with cultural adjustment, and information on resources in the community. Another great resource is the book “Raising Multilingual Children.”
This book offers practical advice on everything from choosing a language for your child to start learning to strategies for promoting bilingualism in the home. Whether you are just starting to learn about the topic or you are looking for more specific information, these resources can help you support your EAL child’s language development.
School staff and teachers can play an important role in helping EAL learners feel comfortable and supported in their learning environment. By providing visual supports, simplified language, and extra time for processing information, as well as introducing LiLAC strategies to scaffold language, we can ensure that our EAL students have the best possible support to succeed.
Additionally, there are many great resources available for parents to help them understand their EAL children and better support their development. With the right support, our EAL learners can flourish in school and life.
FAQ
Q: What are some strategies for teachers and school staff to help EAL learners?
A: Some strategies include providing visual supports, such as pictures or diagrams; using simplified language with short sentences; providing extra time for the students to process information and respond to questions; introducing LiLAC strategies to scaffold language; and offering resources for parents to better understand their EAL child’s language development.
Q: What is LiLAC?
A: LiLAC is a training course that teaches the importance of recognizing differences between genres of text. It uses a teaching and learning cycle to scaffold language, along with the register continuum (thinking about the purpose, audience, and delivery of communication). The relationship between spoken and written language is also emphasized
Q: What resources are available for parents to help them understand their EAL children?
A: The website EALice is a great resource for parents of children who are learning English as an additional language. This website provides information on topics such as how to support your child’s language learning at home, cultural adjustment, and where to find resources in the community.
“Raising Multilingual Children” is a fantastic resource for parents of EAL children. This book provides helpful tips on subjects such as choosing which language you would like your child to start learning, and ways to encourage bilingualism at home. These resources will be beneficial whether you are new to the topic or seeking more detailed information.
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