Language information for schools

Celebrating home languages in schools is an important way to promote linguistic and cultural diversity, foster a sense of inclusion, and support multilingual students. Here are some ways to celebrate home languages in schools:

• Display posters or banners that promote multilingualism and diversity, including the flags of the students' home countries or languages spoken at home
• Celebrate cultural events or holidays that are important to students and families, such as Lunar New Year, Diwali, or Eid al-Fitr, and incorporate language learning activities and lessons
• Encourage students to share their home languages, stories, or traditions with their peers, through show-and-tell, storytelling, or cultural presentations
• Provide multilingual resources, such as books, videos, or audio materials, in the school library or classroom
• Encourage students to use their home languages to read, write, or communicate with each other
• Support the development of bilingual or multilingual skills by offering language classes, language immersion programs, or language exchange programs
• Provide opportunities for students to practice their language skills in authentic settings
• Recognize and validate the language and cultural diversity of students by encouraging teachers and staff to learn about and respect different cultural backgrounds and home languages
• Address any biases or stereotypes that may exist

By celebrating home languages in schools, we can create a more welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all pupils, and help them build a strong sense of identity and pride in their linguistic and cultural heritage.

Welcoming EAL learners into your school involves creating an environment that is inclusive and supportive of their linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Here are some strategies to help:

• Celebrate diversity: Celebrate the cultural and linguistic diversity of your school community by displaying flags and cultural artifacts from different countries in the school hallways and classrooms. This sends a message to EAL learners that their culture and language are valued and respected
• Provide a welcoming space: Provide a welcoming space for EAL learners that includes resources such as bilingual dictionaries, bilingual books, and resources for learning English. This space can be a place where EAL learners can receive language support and connect with other students who share their cultural and linguistic background
• Assign a mentor or buddy: Assign a mentor or buddy to each EAL learner who can help them navigate the school environment, introduce them to other students, and answer their questions. This can help EAL learners feel more comfortable and included in the school community
• Use visual aids: Use visual aids such as pictures, diagrams, and videos to support understanding and help EAL learners learn English. This can be especially helpful when teaching complex or abstract concepts
• Be patient and inclusive: Be patient and inclusive with EAL learners who are learning English. Speak clearly, use simple language, and provide time for EAL learners to process information and ask questions
• Encourage participation: Encourage EAL learners to participate in school activities and events, such as sports, clubs, and extracurricular activities. This can help EAL learners develop social connections and feel more included in the school community
• Provide translation support: Provide translation support for important school information, such as newsletters, emails, and school policies. This can help EAL learners and their families understand important information and feel more connected to the school community
• Involve families: Involve families of EAL learners in school activities and events, and consider offering family workshops or resources that provide information on school policies and expectations
• Provide targeted language support: Provide targeted language support for EAL learners that meets their specific needs. This could include EAL classes, individual or small group tutoring, and language support within mainstream classes
• Develop a welcome program: Develop a welcome program that includes orientation sessions, tours of the school, and information on school policies and expectations. This can help EAL learners and their families feel more comfortable and connected to the school community

• Recognise and value diversity: Acknowledge the cultural and linguistic diversity of EAL learners and create a welcoming and inclusive school environment that celebrates different cultures and languages
• Assess and monitor language proficiency: Use appropriate assessments to determine the language proficiency level of EAL learners and regularly monitor their progress to ensure that they are making progress towards language proficiency
• Provide language support: This should meet the specific needs of EAL learners. This could include EAL classes, individual or small group tutoring, and language support within mainstream classes
• Use visual aids and hands-on activities: Use these to support understanding, especially when teaching complex or abstract concepts. This can help EAL learners who may struggle with abstract or complex language
• Encourage peer interaction: Support EAL learners to interact with their peers, both in and out of the classroom. Pairing EAL learners with native English speakers can help them to practice their language skills and build social connections
• Provide translation support: This could be translated materials and bilingual support staff, to help EAL learners understand important school information and communicate with teachers and staff
• Involve families and communities: Including them in school activities and events can help to build relationships and support the language and cultural development of EAL learners
• Train staff: Provide professional development opportunities for teachers and staff to help them understand the needs of EAL learners and develop strategies to support their learning
• Monitor progress: Do this on a regular basis and adjust language support as needed. This can help to ensure that EAL learners are making progress towards language proficiency and academic success
• Provide targeted interventions: This could include additional language support or academic support for EAL learners who are struggling academically, or with language development

Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council and Portsmouth City Council have developed a multi-agency toolkit aimed at helping schools to tackle prejudicial behaviour among children and young people and enabling them to become more targeted in their response to discriminatory and negative attitudes towards difference.

The Toolkit offers a new recording form, a pupil survey and a leaflet to inform parents and include them in the dialogue.

It is available for Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and Isle Of Wight schools as a free download.

To get access to the Toolkit, or the information leaflet, contact Minnie Moore at the Rights and Diversity Education Centre by email: RADE.Centre@hants.gov.uk.