Talking their language with Helen Bodell

Episode Forty-Nine - Beyond Ofsted: Multilingual Learners and Inclusion with Soofia Amin: In this episode of  Talking Their Language , Helen Bodell is joined by Soofia Amin for an insightful conversation exploring the relationship between Ofsted and EAL provision in schools. Together, they discuss what effective support for multilingual learners really looks like, how schools can create genuinely...

Episode Forty-Eight - Embracing Multilingualism as an Asset with Natasha Viñales: In this episode, we sit down with Natasha Vinales, an advocate for multilingual education and equity, to explore the transformative power of multilingualism in today’s globalised world. Drawing insights from her article  "Multilingualism is Not Support for Some, It is Pedagogy for All" , Natasha challenges th...

Episode Forty-Seven - In Conversation with NALDIC: Championing Multilingualism: In this episode, I’m joined by  Christina Richardson , Chair of NALDIC, and  Tracey Costley , Vice Chair of NALDIC. NALDIC (National Association for Language Development in the Curriculum) is the UK’s leading subject association for English as an Additional Language (EAL). The organisation supports educators working wi...

Episode Forty-Six - Understanding the Silent Period in Multilingual Classrooms with Adrienn Szlapak: In this episode, we speak with Adri about the  silent period  in EAL - what it is, why it’s a natural and typical part of language acquisition, and why there is still not enough high-quality CPD available to help educators understand and support it effectively. Adri shares practical insights to hel...

Episode Forty-Five - SALT Meets EAL: Practical Language Insights with Ella McKenzie: Ella is a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and the Speech and Language Therapy Educational Content Lead at Twinkl, with experience supporting communication across early years, clinic, specialist provision, and mainstream school settings. Ella has worked closely with educators, families, and multidisciplina...

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 acces...

Episode Forty-Three - Building Language through Phonics with Anna Bejshovcova: In Episode 43,  Building Language through Phonics , Anna Bejshovcova joins us to explore how phonics can be a powerful tool for developing both reading skills and wider language acquisition in EAL learners. Anna shares practical strategies for integrating phonics into everyday teaching, highlights common challenges, and...

Episode Forty-Two: Empowering Educators: Collaboration for Multilingual Learners with Exceptionalities with Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld & Dr. Audrey Cohan In 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...

Episode 41 – EAL Strategies for Trainee Teachers and ECTs In 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 h...

Episode Forty - Scanning Pens: Revolutionising EAL Education with Assistive Technology featuring Quin Chandler In 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 ga...

Episode Thirty-Nine - AI & EAL: Bridging Language & Technology with Sarah Guinon In 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 thi...

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 Consult...

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 cu...

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 I...

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...

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.c...

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,...

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...

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 list...

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...

Episode Twenty-Eight - Outdoor Learning & EAL with Sabah Malik In 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 Ma...

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 bilin...

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/72...

Episode Twenty Five - EYFS and EAL with Denise Amankwah Denise 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 k...

Episode Twenty Four - Why It Works - Multilingual Classrooms In 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/eal If you wo...