English as an Additional Language in Practice gives clear guidance to educators about how to support the communication and language development of children learning English as an additional language (EAL) in early years settings. It references Australia’s National Quality Framework (ACECQA, 2017).
The book aims to help educators and students to feel more confident in their knowledge and ability to support children who are new to English. It is a user-friendly, practical resource that can be referred to when questions or queries arise with EAL learners in early years settings.
As well as providing essential information about EAL learners, the book covers several main topics including:
- How children learn languages
- How to prepare for a new starter who has limited or no English
- Helping children to settle-in, creating a suitable environment
- Working with families
- Observation and assessment.
There are also chapters which focus specifically on supporting the prime area of communication and language. Features of typical acquisition of an additional language are explored as well as information about how to identify and support EAL learners who have additional needs in relation to communication and language.
About the Authors:
Alice Bevan is a Speech and Language Therapist who works for the NHS and privately in the UK. She has worked in a range of paediatric settings including nurseries, children’s centres, clinics and schools. As a Sign-along Tutor and Elklan Tutor, Alice also delivers a range of nationally recognised accredited courses. She has a passion for educating others about speech, language and communication.
Bridie Raban was the Foundation Mooroolbeek Professor of Early Childhood Studies at the University of Melbourne. She is currently an Honorary Professorial Fellow at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education and in 2021, she was awarded an Honorary University Fellowship by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). Her past research has focused on language and literacy development, teacher change and development, curriculum and assessment for the early childhood years and quality provision. She was the first Professor of Early Childhood Education in Victoria and the second in Australia, and before this she was Professor of Primary Education (Early Years) at the University of Warwick and President of the UK Reading Association.
