EAL Advice

English as an Additional Language: 10 ideas to help your child at school

Parents who speak more than one language at home can do a lot to help their children with their learning at school. Even if you are not confident with how well you speak English, you can still do a lot to help your child with their learning. Speaking two languages does make you smarter and it helps with thinking skills.  Studies also show that children do better at school when their parents are involved in their education.

Here are some things you can do at home to help your child to succeed at school:

1. Use your home language to talk about things your child is learning at school.  You can help them understand new ideas and things they may be learning about.

2. Provide your child with an English/home language dictionary and an English dictionary.  Learn new words and use them together.

3. Homework:  have a routine. Have a set time and a quiet place. Make sure that your child has pencils, books, paper, etc. Answer any questions your child may have. Even if you cannot yet speak English yourself, you can still check on your child to see if homework assignments are finished.

4. If your child has no set homework task, they should do some independent reading.  Students can borrow books from the library at school or Melton Library. Talk with your child about the book they are reading. Reading helps with learning new words. It also helps to see how sentences are written.

5. At Kurunjang SC, we have an after school Study Hall in the library from 3.15 to 6.00 Monday – Thursday.  Students can use school resources including computers to do any homework they have.  Teacher support is available during these sessions.

6. If you have a computer and the internet at home, there are many websites that help with English Language Learning.

7. Because your child is learning English at the same time he/she is learning new content, learning tasks are modified to accommodate their level of English proficiency. As they learn more English, the kinds of support they receive will change.

8. All children need a healthy start to the day – especially if they are learning a new language and new content. Make sure your child has enough sleep and is eating well.

9. Keep up to date with what is happening at school.  Use your Compass login to check your child’s reports.  You can get information about special events at school including Pupil free days and Parent Teacher interviews.  If you do not have a Compass login, call in to the school office.  They will organise one for you.

10. Come to Parent Teacher Interviews to talk with teachers about your child and their learning.  If you have any questions this is a good time to ask them.  Interpreters can be organised.  This does not cost anything.