For many EAL students, obtaining and utilising vocabulary is a key focus of acquiring a secure and confident understanding of a new language. Words which are heard or seen regularly can be processed and practised with a level of accessibility. However, what about more nuanced words which may be encountered whilst reading or when hoping to communicate a particular shade of meaning in writing?
During my time teaching and leading Primary English in British schools, in the UK, Spain and Dubai, empowering pupils to be able to access and have an understanding of vocabulary was a key focus of development and reflection. Widgit’s clear, user-friendly and consistent symbols and sets have been an integral part of the development of best practice methodology and resourcing which I have seen having a true impact on EAL learners. There are a number of ways in which Widgit’s symbols can enhance all children’s experiences in reading and writing lessons. These are easy to action and sustainable – sometimes all that is needed is a shift in focus, attention or the spark of a new idea!
How can symbols facilitate EAL learners’ language acquisition?
One of the many fantastic tools available on Widgit is the ability to create flashcards and vocabulary mats. Knowing that the recommended reading age of a whole class text is at least one school year above the children’s actual age, it is highly likely that the aspirational language choice within this text will hold a number of words which will be new, and potentially abstract, for EAL learners. Preparing a word mat alongside the symbols which represent these words allows for equitable access where newly acquired language could previously have been a barrier.
Once this resource is made, the capacity for its use goes beyond just being a support or exemplification during the reading process.
How about also using dual symbol and vocabulary flashcards and mats for:
Synonym/antonym exploration?
- Adding further shades of meaning by creating dual vocabulary and symbol cards which communicate the opposite meaning of the word.
- Creating flashcards of words and symbols which have a similar meaning and asking the children to match these.
- Applying knowledge of synonyms and antonyms in independent writing by editing and redrafting to change the meaning of sentences and exploring the effects of this.
Translation?
- Using Widgit’s translation tool to add another layer of understanding and engagement for EAL pupils.
- Creating word mats and flashcards with both English and the additional chosen language to explore the nuance of similar words in more depth.
- Pairing children of the same language (if possible) to discuss translations of words and matching the choice of symbol which best exemplifies the intended meaning.
- Partnering children whose first language is English (or those who show a confident understanding) with children who speak different languages to actively learn from each other when creating translated resources – promoting oracy and discussion.
Links with home?
- When home learning is purposeful, it can have a positive impact. Adding Widgit symbols to tasks ensures a clarity of understanding and an opportunity to learn new vocabulary in action.
- Using symbols on home learning tasks also makes these more accessible for families who may also have a limited understanding of academic and nuanced language.
- When symbols are used on tasks, or letters which are sent home, the pupil is empowered to share this information with their families. This also creates an opportunity for the child to teach new vocabulary to family members, particularly if the translation tool is applied.
How can symbols remove barriers during the writing process?
Having high expectations for all learners is important. Writing opportunities allow pupils a platform to share their thoughts and also to exercise their creativity. There are a number of ways in which Widgit provides equitable access for EAL pupils during the writing process.
Dual-coded success criteria charts
- Success criteria charts allow pupils to discuss the grammatical features which can be identified within an expert text.
- There are often a number of terms which are specific to the English language when creating and using these, therefore a symbol alongside the word supports in demonstrating what the impact of the feature is.
- Students can use these charts to find examples of the feature in a text and tick these off when they are creating their own independent piece, to empower them in their self-assessment.
Sentence strips/Colourful Semantics (word order)
- Using sentence strips to support pupils with their word recognition and development has a significant impact on pupils’ ability to build sentences. As they are acquiring language, or learning academic or technical words, placing these symbols on a sentence strip supports as a prompt for applying specific vocabulary in independent writing.
- The use of Colourful Semantics further supports sentence construction, adding colour-coding to symbols to signify word classification and sentence ordering. Grammatical constructs across languages can vary greatly, so having a visual framework to support this understanding makes such a difference.
- As with the above dual-coded word mats, inviting children to create their own resources for the writing they would like to produce empowers pupils to have the freedom to share their own ideas by selecting the Widgit symbols which best fit with the meaning of vocabulary. Once again, this resource can also be enhanced by using Widgit’s translation tool.
Unlock understanding for children with EAL
Widgit have produced a really helpful, and totally free, EAL guide full of further ideas and strategies to ensure all pupils ‘can access learning, develop confidence, and flourish at school’.
Explore the guide in full here.
Widgit’s full range of resources and products, ‘to support people to realise their full potential, regardless of age, ability or background’ can be explored on their website.
To find out how I can work with your school to create inclusive approaches and resources to ensure that all children succeed and thrive across the curriculum, do get in touch and feel free to explore my services.
To see further visual exemplifications of Widgit symbols in action to support EAL learners, take a look at my insights over on the Widgit Software YouTube channel.