Talking their language with Helen Bodell

Episode Forty-Four – Inclusive Reading for Multilingual Classrooms with the Twinkl Originals Team:In this episode, we sit down with the Twinkl Originals team - a talented group of teachers, illustrators, and designers passionate about creating inclusive children’s books. Together, they share how Twinkl Originals stories are designed to give every child, including multilingual learners, easy access to a huge library of engaging reading experiences.We explore how inclusive storytelling can support EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners, open doors to reading confidence, and celebrate diversity in the classroom. Whether read as eBooks, enjoyed on the Twinkl app, or brought to life in print, Twinkl Originals books are crafted to spark curiosity and make reading accessible for all.Tune in to discover practical insights, creative inspiration, and the power of stories to connect children across languages and cultures.Discover our Originals Landing page: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/twinkl-originalsDownload our App: Twinkl Originals AppFind Twinkl Original Printed Books here: https://shop.twinkl.co.uk/collections/twinkl-originalsDiscover our eBooks with audio: Twinkl Originals - Picture Books eBooks with AudioFind our Animations here: Twinkl Originals Animated Stories, Originals: First Words, Leap into Chapters

Episode Forty-Two: Empowering Educators: Collaboration for Multilingual Learners with Exceptionalities with Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld & Dr. Audrey CohanIn this episode, we dive into a rich conversation about language learners and the groundbreaking insights from their latest book, ‘Collaboration for Multilingual Learners With Exceptionalities’.Andrea Honigsfeld, EdD, is professor in the School of Education and Human Services at Molloy University, Rockville Centre, New York, where she teaches graduate courses related to cultural and linguistic diversity and TESOL methodology. She frequently offers professional learning opportunities, primarily focusing on effective content and language integration strategies and collaborative practices for ELD and bilingual/dual language specialists and general-education teachers. She coauthored over 60 articles and chapters and coauthored or coedited over 30 books, 11 of which are national bestsellers. Find out more about Andrea here.Dr. Audrey Cohan is the Senior Dean for Research, Scholarship, and Graduate Studies at Molloy University, Rockville Centre, New York. She has been at Molloy University for thirty years during which time she served as Professor, Chairperson of the Education Department, and Interim Dean for the Division of Natural Sciences. Dr. Cohan has taught in the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. She began her career as a special education teacher in New York City working with students with special needs in both self-contained and resource room settings. In 2015, she earned TESOL certification and began focusing on multilingual learners with exceptionalities. She has co-authored and co-edited 13 books and multiple journal articles!In this episode Dr. Cohan and Dr. Honigsfeld share valuable models, strategies, and real-life stories that empower educators in supporting these students. It was an enlightening discussion, and I am so grateful to both of them for their time, expertise, and passion for this important topic!Key research links and Language Magazine Articles: Read the Needs are Special article hereRead the Collaboration is key article hereVisit the Companion WebsiteBuy the book hereIf you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tBook free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

Episode 41 – EAL Strategies for Trainee Teachers and ECTsIn this special collaboration between the Twinkl EAL team and the Twinkl Trainee and ECT team, Simeon Care interviews Helen Bodell to explore practical strategies for supporting EAL learners as a new teacher. Whether you're a trainee teacher (ITT) or an ECT, this episode is packed with insights, top tips, and actionable strategies to help you create an inclusive and effective learning environment for EAL students. Plus, we’ll introduce some brand-new resources, designed to support you on your journey. Tune in for expert advice, useful tools, and plenty of inspiration to boost your confidence in the classroom! 🎧✨EAL Support for Trainee Teachers PDF: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/lt4miIf you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tBook free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

Episode Forty - Scanning Pens: Revolutionising EAL Education with Assistive Technology featuring Quin ChandlerIn this exciting episode, we’re joined by Quin Chandler from Scanning Pens to explore how their innovative C Pen Reader 3 is transforming the way EAL learners of all ages engage with language. From KS1 students to adult learners and even in the workplace, the C Pen Reader 3 is bridging gaps and offering unparalleled support.Quin Chandler, Managing Director of Scanning Pens joined the company in 2019 and has spent over a decade working in the EdTech world. Passionate about making learning accessible for everyone, Quin is all about helping every learner get the tools they need to thrive.Quin dives deep into the pen's unique features, including its ability to support learners with reading, writing, and comprehension challenges. We discuss how this cutting-edge technology is not only enhancing classroom learning but also revolutionising EAL experiences in exams, ensuring learners can perform at their best under pressure.Whether you’re an educator, a learner, or a professional looking to integrate technology into your work, this episode will provide you with valuable insights into how assistive technology can make a lasting impact on EAL education.Tune in to learn more about how the C Pen Reader 3 pen is setting a new standard for accessibility and inclusion in education and beyond!If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tBook free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

Episode Thirty-Nine - AI & EAL: Bridging Language & Technology with Sarah GuinonIn this episode, Sarah Guinon dives deep into the world of AI tools and their impact on EAL (English as an Additional Language) teaching. From enhancing classroom engagement to navigating the challenges, Sarah shares valuable insights on how technology can transform language learning.🔍 What’s inside this episode?The pros and cons of using AI in the classroomHow to select the right tools for your EAL studentsPractical tips for integrating AI while maintaining a human touchIf you’re an educator passionate about language learning and educational technology, this episode is for you! Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation.Sarah is committed to the study of applied linguistics, with a particular passion for EAL topics and effective strategies to support language learners. Her experience as an EAL specialist at an international school in Hong Kong has intensified her dedication to this field. Growing up in a diverse part of California, she witnessed the challenges and successes of language learners firsthand, inspiring her to focus her career on supporting EAL students and ensuring they have the tools to thrive both academically and socially.Find out about the tools Sarah talks about here: https://sarahguinonteaching.com/ealIf you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tBook free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

Episode Thirty-Eight - Supporting refugees with trauma with Dr Tina Rae:Dr Tina Rae has 40 years’ experience working with children, adults, and families in clinical and educational contexts within local authorities and specialist services. She is currently working as a Consultant Educational and Child Psychologist in a range of SEMH and mainstream contexts and for fostering agencies as a Consultant Psychologist supporting foster carers, social workers and looked after children. She was an Academic and Professional tutor for the Doctorate in Educational and Child psychology (University of East London) from 2010-16. She is a registered member of the Health and Care Professions Council, a member of ENSEC (European Network for Social and Emotional Competence) and a former trustee of Nurture UK and a former member of the Advisory board for Fresh Start in Education and for The Association for Child and Adolescent mental health (ACAMH). Tina is also a member of the editorial board for the International Journal of Nurture in Education. Tina is a prolific author and has over 100 publications to date. These reflect her ongoing passion for developing practical resources for schools which have an evidence base and enable practitioners to ethically deliver effective preventative mental health interventions in schools.Buy the book: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/dzbm6Buy Dr Tina Rae’s Refugee Discussion Cards: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/6oftfConnect with Tina on X: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kavu7Connect with Tina on LinkedIn: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/bij37If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tBook free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

Episode Thirty-Seven - EAL and SEND with Anna Bejshovcova:Anna Bejshovcova is an experienced EAL/ESL educator, teacher trainer and academic manager with more than 15 years of international teaching experience. She has a Bachelor of Education degree in EFL and a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and ELT with a dissertation on the use of translanguaging in international schools. Anna is currently employed as an EAL coordinator for Key Stage 1 by Lanna International school in Thailand and is particularly interested in developing early literacy skills, assessment for learning and helping language learners with SEN.If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tBook free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

Episode Thirty-Five - Leading and Succeeding in an International School:In this episode we interview Adri on the topic of leading and succeeding in an International setting. Adri is an experienced EAL/ESL specialist and academic manager. Once an EAL learner herself, she uses her unique perspective and passion for plurilingual education as the Elementary EAL Leader at St Joseph's Institution International School Malaysia. Adri is also passionate about professional development and regularly attends international conferences as a participant and speaker. She serves on the IATEFL YLTSIG committee as Blog Editor, leads the Primary EAL Network for the Association of International Malaysian Schools, as well as runs her own blog at www.EALDiaries.com.If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tBook free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

Episode Thirty-Four - Why It Works - Planning for EAL Support:Welcome to episode thirty four and we have a new episode of our Why It Works series with Dr Robert Sharples and Jo Thomson. We discuss planning EAL support focusing on the role of the TA, supporting EAL learners in the classroom and in intervention. We hear the latest research in this area and Jo gives us evidence based strategies that you can use in your educational setting.If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tBook free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

Episode Thirty-Three - When EAL meets MFL with Bethan McHugh:Bethan McHugh, Twinkl Languages Product Owner, has over 20 years of experience in MFL education, curriculum development and assessment. She has taught French and Spanish from KS2-5 and is passionate about making language learning accessible to all.If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tBook free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

Episode Thirty Two - Supporting EAL Learners to Succeed in Handwriting:In this episode we speak to Bethany Harris. Bethany Harris is the Handwriting and English Intervention Product Owner at Twinkl. With a specialisation in Primary English and teaching experience in schools across the UK, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Kuwait, Bethany brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Prior to joining Twinkl, she served as an English Lead for several years. Her unwavering passion is to lead her team in creating high-quality resources that not only captivate and educate children but also support teachers in achieving a healthy work/life balance.If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tBook free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

Episode Thirty-One - Multilingual Pupils and Creating Home-School Connections’ In this episode we interview Susan Stewart on the topic of ‘Multilingual pupils and creating home-school connections’. We will talk about engaging with parents in order to better understand pupils’ language portraits/profiles, how to encourage home language use, and how to tap into the cultural richness of multilingual families. Susan is Director at Articulate Multilingual and has lived and worked in South Africa, Thailand, the UAE, Belgium, Oman, Sweden and the UK. Susan has raised two bilingual children and is a lifelong learner of languages, speaking, to varying degrees, English, French, Dutch, German, Afrikaans, Swedish, Arabic and BSL. Susan has a background in international education, leading multilingual language programmes, and creating cohesive language curricula rooted in a research-driven practice. Susan delivers regular parent workshops on raising bilingual children and has a particular interest in language policy as a driving force in promoting multilingualism within families, schools, on local and national levels. You can find Susan Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-stewart-55064249/If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tBook free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

Episode Thirty - Why It Works - Fostering Independence:We are back with our Why It Works series and we’ve got Dr Robert Sharples here today and our very own Jo Thomson. We are focusing this episode on ‘What do I need to do differently to make this year a success’. I think a huge part of it is creating and developing independence in your EAL learners and in your staff to ensure you (if you’re listening as the EAL lead) don’t have to take all of the work on on our own. If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tBook free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

Episode Twenty Nine - Why It Works - Pre-Teaching Vocabulary:In this episode we chat to Jo Thomson and Dr Robert Sharples about the importance of pre-teaching for learners particularly pre-teaching vocabulary. We offer practical ideas, resources and the research into why EAL learners benefit from pre-teaching and how you can get people at home involved too.If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t

Episode Twenty-Eight - Outdoor Learning & EAL with Sabah MalikIn this episode we interview Sabah Malik on the topic of outdoor learning within EYFS. Sabah Malik has been working in senior leadership over the last 10 years across London. She is currently working in a large infant school in Hillingdon and lead the Early Years including a 120 place nursery. She has a Masters in Leadership and Management looking specifically in her dissertation, in the important role parents play as early educators, supporting accelerated learning and progress. Sabah has a keen interest in wellbeing, coaching and staff development and lead on developing a bespoke CPD training schedule for staff including new teachers and ITT. Recently she has been working alongside other schools in developing the curriculum offer as we work through the post pandemic education recovery plan.If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t

Episode Twenty Seven - Supporting Multilingual Teens with Yoshito Darmon-Shimamori:In this episode we talk to Yoshito Darmon-Shimamori about his new book ‘In Search of the Lost Words’ which is aimed at multilingual teens. We talk about how we can support multilingual teens at home and in the classroom.Who is Yoshito Darmon-Shimamori? Yoshito is half-French and half-Japanese, and was raised bilingually and bi-culturally in France. He is now a French and Spanish teacher in a secondary school in England, and is raising his two sons to be multilingual, multicultural, and multi-literate.Growing up, he happily endorsed, and has always felt empowered by his role of "bridge" between the French and Japanese cultures. Helping others communicate and understand each other despite their cultural differences naturally became a passion!Becoming a dad made him reflect on the values he wanted to pass on to his sons. And more importantly he started thinking about how he could help them be(come) happy, fulfilled, and accomplished individuals.The answer he found was: "Knowing who you are and being proud of it". For a bi/multilingual child, part of this identity is found in the languages they master. Being able to speak a language can help them connect with people, and to feel part of a culture / community. And knowing how to read and write in that language adds a layer of independence.As a teenager, not being able to read as easily in Japanese as he could in French, he would see the gap between his command of both his languages grow even bigger. Therefore, with his sons, it has always been a big priority to gift them with the ability to read and write in all their languages.As he started his Instagram account (@multilingual_dad) to document his multilingual parenting journey, he realised quickly that his expertise in teaching languages could benefit many families. It was also apparent very quickly that the way information is stored on social media, was only helpful up to a certain level.This is how he came to writing The Parents' Guide to Raising Multi-literate Children and creating this website: https://www.library4multilinguals.com/about-the-library-4-multilingualsIf you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t

Episode Twenty Six - Building an Inclusive School Community:In this episode we chat to Jo Thomson and Dr Robert Sharples about practical ways in which you can build an inclusive school community. We also talk about the importance of whole school approaches and students feeling welcomed and included.If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t

Episode Twenty Five - EYFS and EAL with Denise AmankwahDenise has just completed her Masters in Education where she specialised in Language and Literacy. She also has an undergraduate degree in Linguistics. Generally, she has always been interested in languages. Denise currently works as a Speech and Language Advisor on a project called the London EAL project at Speech and Language UK, formerly known as I CAN. Her professional background has always mainly been in the Early Years sector, she has worked as a Senior Early Years Practitioner in a multilingual school and as a remote Early Years Teacher. She has also had lots of research assistant roles in between and the research was always focused on Language and Literacy. Denise is also Ghanaian by heritage and loves giving back to Ghanaian schools in a number of ways.If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t

Episode Twenty Four - Why It Works - Multilingual ClassroomsIn this episode we speak to renowned EAL author Dr Robert Sharples and Twinkl EAL Content Writer Jo Thomson, we discuss the importance of home languages, translanguaging, multilingual classrooms and vocabulary. We also answer your questions!Read our blog Why It Works - Multilingual Classrooms: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/ealIf you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t

Episode Twenty Three - The JONK approach with Marcelo Staricoff Marcelo is the author of ‘The Joy of Not Knowing’ (Routledge, 2021) and a former scientist and Primary School Headteacher. Marcelo is a Lecturer in Education at the University of Sussex and joint course leader of the BA Primary and Early Years Programme. Marcelo has recently worked on behalf of UNICEF with policy makers, educators and textbook writers to help implement a reformed national curriculum in Uzbekistan. Marcelo also works for Coram, the children’s charity, runs courses and acts as an advisor to a number of schools and educational organisations and speaks regularly at national and international events on the principles that underpin the Joy of Not Knowing’s philosophy of education and school leadership. Marcelo is also the author of Start Thinking (Imaginative Minds, 2005) and has published widely in the fields of creative, critical, multilingual, multicultural and philosophical thinking and learning in the classroom. Marcelo is a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Education (APPG) and a Trustee of the Laurel Trust and Chair of the Michael Aldrich Foundation. Marcelo’s work and his contributions to education wererecognised in 2019 by being named as a Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and in 2023 when he became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.Read our blog: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/ealIf you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldloAll of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t