Speaking Multiple Languages with Dr Eowyn Crisfield

According to government statistics, in the school year 2022/23, 22% of children in state-funded primary schools were known or believed to have a first language that is "other than English" (EAL). In our increasingly linguistically super-diverse classrooms, how do we make sure that all students feel that their language is valued? How do we support pupils with different levels of English and make them feel included in the class community - and help them access the curriculum?

Dr Eowyn Crisfield, a specialist in language acquisition and development, delves into the fascinating world of multilingual education. The conversation emphasises the importance of understanding and valuing the diversity of languages among students.

• Understand and be curious about the diversity of languages among students in your school. Foster an environment where multilingualism is seen as a valuable skill.
• Utilise resources such as WoLLoW and WAM, which are designed to help schools in their journey of supporting multilingual students.
• Encourage parental involvement to boost the 'street cred' of a child's native language. For instance, invite them to do a story time in their language.
• Be prepared to adapt the curriculum that appreciates the range and variety of heritage and backgrounds of the pupils in the class.
• Advocate for the need for schools to have a staff member specialised in bilingualism and the need for the Department of Education to track students' English proficiency.

Dr Eowyn Crisfield is a specialist in language acquisition and development. She works with families, schools and governmental organisations to develop ethical and holistic approaches to supporting multilingual children. Her research focuses on equal access to learning and language development for all students and on appropriate and effective professional development for teachers working with language learners. She is the author of the recent book ‘Bilingual Families: A Practical Language Planning Guide (2021) and co-author of “Linguistic and Cultural Innovation in Schools: The Languages Challenge” (2018, with Jane Spiro).

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• Host: Ed Finch
• Producer: Laura Wilkes, Communicating for Impact
• Executive Producer: Joanna Borysiak, Hamilton Brookes
• Recorded and edited by: Story Ninety-Four

Primary Futures podcast is supported by funding from Oxford Brookes’ Small Knowledge Exchange Awards.