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Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for educators, families, and school communities who are passionate about multilingualism, inclusion, and supporting children who use more than one language.
In Episode 53, Helen Bodell is joined by Maria Dsouza to explore the important role that families and communities play in international schools and multilingual learning environments.
International schools bring together children and families from a wide range of linguistic, cultural, and educational backgrounds. In this episode, Helen and Maria discuss how schools can build meaningful partnerships with families, create a strong sense of belonging, and ensure that multilingual learners and their communities feel valued and included.
Together, they explore how effective communication, cultural understanding, and collaboration between home and school can support children’s academic progress, wellbeing, and identity.
In this episode, you'll discover:Families bring a wealth of knowledge, languages, experiences, and cultural perspectives into schools. When educators recognise these strengths and work collaboratively with families, they create learning environments where every child can thrive.
Whether you work in an international school, support multilingual learners, lead inclusion, or are interested in global education, this episode offers valuable reflection and practical ideas for strengthening family-school connections.
Meet Maria DsouzaIn this episode, Maria Dsouza shares her insights and experiences around the importance of family engagement, community connections, and creating inclusive spaces for multilingual learners within international school settings.
Explore more Twinkl EAL resourcesJoin Twinkl EAL:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3
Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t
Free EAL CPD sessionsBook your free online EAL CPD sessions:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299
If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with educators and families who are passionate about multilingualism, inclusion, and creating welcoming learning communities.
Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for educators, families, and anyone passionate about multilingualism, inclusion, and creating environments where every child’s language and identity are valued.
In Episode 52, Helen Bodell is joined by Sarah Guinon for an inspiring conversation about supporting multilingual families and building communities where every language is recognised and celebrated.
Together, Helen and Sarah explore the experiences of multilingual families, the important connection between language and identity, and how schools and communities can create welcoming spaces where children feel proud of the languages they speak.
This episode highlights the importance of moving beyond simply supporting children to learn English and instead recognising multilingualism as a strength that enriches classrooms, families, and communities.
In this episode, you'll discover:Every child brings a unique linguistic and cultural story to school. When educators and communities celebrate these experiences, they create stronger connections and more inclusive learning environments where multilingual learners can thrive.
Whether you are a teacher, EAL Lead, school leader, parent, or community member, this episode offers thoughtful ideas and practical inspiration for supporting multilingual children and their families.
Meet Sarah GuinonSarah Guinon is passionate about multilingual education, language learning, and supporting educators to create inclusive environments for multilingual learners.
Through her work, Sarah explores how language can be celebrated as a powerful tool for connection, identity, and belonging.
Explore more Twinkl EAL resourcesJoin Twinkl EAL:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3
Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t
Free EAL CPD sessionsBook your free online EAL CPD sessions:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299
If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues, families, and educators who are passionate about multilingualism and inclusive education.
Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for educators, families, and anyone passionate about multilingualism, language learning, and creating inclusive environments where every language is valued.
In Episode 51, Helen Bodell is joined by Dr Eowyn Crisfield, a leading expert in multilingualism and bilingual education, to explore the importance of family language planning and how families can create positive multilingual environments at home.
As more children grow up using multiple languages, families often have questions about how to support language development, maintain home languages, and make choices that work for their unique circumstances.
In this episode, Helen and Dr Crisfield discuss how intentional language choices can help children develop strong connections with their languages, identities, and communities. They explore practical approaches to creating a family language plan and share advice for navigating the opportunities and challenges of raising multilingual children.
In this episode, you'll discover:A child’s languages are a valuable part of who they are. By recognising and supporting multilingualism at home and in education, families and schools can work together to help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Whether you are a parent raising bilingual children, an educator supporting multilingual learners, or someone interested in language development, this episode offers practical advice and expert insight into the world of multilingual families.
Meet Dr Eowyn CrisfieldDr Eowyn Crisfield is a specialist in bilingualism, bilingual education, and teacher training. With over 20 years’ experience in applied linguistics, she has worked with schools, educators, and families to support multilingual development.
Her work focuses on helping communities understand the value of multilingualism and creating environments where children can develop confidence in all of their languages.
Explore more Twinkl EAL resourcesJoin Twinkl EAL:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3
Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t
Free EAL CPD sessionsBook your free online EAL CPD sessions:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299
If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with families and educators who want to learn more about supporting multilingual children.
Welcome to Episode 50 of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, and educators who are passionate about supporting multilingual learners and creating inclusive classrooms where every child feels valued and able to succeed.
To celebrate our 50th episode, Helen Bodell explores the powerful role that families, communities, and relationships play in supporting children learning English as an Additional Language (EAL).
In this episode, Helen is joined by Sarah Morris, Deputy Headteacher and Head of Inclusion at her primary school, to discuss how schools can build stronger connections with multilingual families and create truly inclusive communities.
Together, Helen and Sarah explore how a whole-school approach to EAL can help children feel welcomed, recognised, and supported. They discuss the importance of valuing children’s home languages, celebrating cultural identity, and working collaboratively with families to improve both academic and emotional outcomes for multilingual learners.
In this episode, you'll discover:Families and communities are a vital part of every child’s learning journey. When schools recognise and celebrate the languages, cultures, and experiences that children bring with them, they create environments where all learners can flourish.
Whether you are a classroom teacher, EAL Lead, school leader, teaching assistant, or inclusion professional, this episode offers practical ideas and inspiration for strengthening your approach to supporting multilingual learners.
Meet Sarah MorrisSarah Morris is a Deputy Headteacher and Head of Inclusion with a passion for multilingualism, equity, and inclusive education.
In this episode, Sarah shares the approaches her school has taken to support multilingual pupils through a whole-school focus on inclusion, collaboration, and community.
Explore more Twinkl EAL resourcesJoin Twinkl EAL:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3
Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t
Free EAL CPD sessionsBook your free online EAL CPD sessions:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299
Thank you for joining us for 50 episodes of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell. Every episode celebrates the expertise, experiences, and ideas that help educators support multilingual learners and build more inclusive schools.
Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share the series with colleagues who are passionate about language, inclusion, and educational equity.
Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, and educators who are passionate about supporting multilingual learners and creating inclusive schools where every pupil can succeed.
In Episode 49, Helen Bodell is joined by Soofia Amin for a thoughtful conversation exploring EAL provision, inclusion, and what effective support for multilingual learners looks like in schools.
Together, Helen and Soofia discuss the relationship between Ofsted, school improvement, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision, exploring how schools can move beyond preparing for inspection and instead develop sustainable, inclusive approaches that genuinely support pupils who use additional languages.
This episode explores how schools can create environments where multilingual learners feel valued, understood, and supported, while ensuring that language development is embedded across the curriculum.
In this episode, you'll discover:Supporting multilingual learners effectively is about more than meeting requirements. It is about creating classrooms and whole-school systems where language, identity, and belonging are recognised as essential parts of every learner’s educational experience.
Whether you are a headteacher, EAL Lead, classroom teacher, SENDCO, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode provides valuable reflection and practical ideas for strengthening EAL provision.
Meet Soofia AminSoofia Amin is passionate about equity, inclusion, and improving educational experiences for multilingual learners.
Through her work and professional insight, Soofia supports educators in thinking critically about EAL provision, inclusive practice, and how schools can create meaningful opportunities for all learners.
Explore more Twinkl EAL resourcesJoin Twinkl EAL:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3
Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t
Free EAL CPD sessionsBook your free online EAL CPD sessions:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299
If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues. Each episode explores expert perspectives, research, and practical strategies that help educators support multilingual learners and build inclusive schools.
Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, and educators who are passionate about supporting multilingual learners and creating inclusive learning environments where every language is valued.
In Episode 48, Helen Bodell is joined by Natasha Viñales, an advocate for multilingual education and equity, to explore the transformative power of multilingualism in schools and classrooms.
Drawing on Natasha’s article, “Multilingualism Is Not Support for Some; It Is Pedagogy for All”, this episode challenges the idea that multilingual approaches are only needed to support pupils learning English as an additional language.
Instead, Helen and Natasha explore how multilingualism can be recognised as an educational strength that benefits all learners by enriching classroom experiences, developing cultural understanding, and creating more inclusive approaches to teaching and learning.
In this episode, you'll discover:Multilingual learners bring valuable linguistic and cultural knowledge into classrooms. By embracing these strengths, educators can create learning environments where diversity is celebrated and every pupil has the opportunity to thrive.
Whether you are a classroom teacher, EAL Lead, school leader, parent, or advocate for inclusive education, this episode offers inspiration and practical ideas for rethinking the role of languages in education.
Meet Natasha ViñalesNatasha Viñales is an advocate for multilingual education and equity. Her work focuses on recognising multilingualism as a powerful educational resource and supporting schools to develop more inclusive approaches to language learning.
Through her research and advocacy, Natasha encourages educators to move beyond viewing multilingualism as an intervention or support strategy and instead embrace it as a valuable part of effective pedagogy for all learners.
Read Natasha’s article“Multilingualism Is Not Support for Some; It Is Pedagogy for All”
https://www.tieonline.com/article/7944/multilingualism-is-not-support-for-some-it-is-pedagogy-for-all
Explore more Twinkl EAL resourcesJoin Twinkl EAL:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3
Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t
Free EAL CPD sessionsBook your free online EAL CPD sessions:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299
If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues. Each episode explores expert perspectives, research, and practical strategies that help educators support multilingual learners and create more inclusive classrooms.
Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, and educators who are passionate about supporting multilingual learners and creating inclusive educational opportunities for every child and young person.
In Episode 47, Helen Bodell is joined by Christina Richardson, Chair of NALDIC, and Tracey Costley, Vice Chair of NALDIC, for a conversation about the future of English as an Additional Language (EAL), multilingual education, and the importance of championing language diversity in schools.
NALDIC (National Association for Language Development in the Curriculum) is the UK’s leading subject association for EAL. The organisation supports educators working with multilingual learners across all phases of education, promotes research-informed practice, contributes to educational discussions, and advocates for high-quality provision for children and young people who use English as an additional language.
Together, Helen, Christina, and Tracey explore the current landscape of EAL education, including policy developments, curriculum changes, and the opportunities and challenges facing schools supporting multilingual learners.
In this episode, you'll discover:The conversation highlights the importance of recognising multilingualism as a strength and ensuring that learners who use English as an additional language receive the support, opportunities, and recognition they deserve.
Helen, Christina, and Tracey also discuss the exciting partnership between NALDIC and Twinkl EAL, exploring how collaboration can increase access to high-quality resources, share effective classroom strategies, and support educators working with multilingual learners across the UK and beyond.
Meet NALDICNALDIC (National Association for Language Development in the Curriculum) is the UK’s subject association for EAL. It works to support practitioners, promote research and improve educational outcomes for multilingual learners.
Through professional development, research, networking, and advocacy, NALDIC helps educators develop effective approaches for supporting pupils learning English as an additional language.
Explore more Twinkl EAL resourcesJoin Twinkl EAL:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3
Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t
Free EAL CPD sessionsBook your free online EAL CPD sessions:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299
If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues. Each episode explores research, expert perspectives, and practical approaches that help educators support multilingual learners and build inclusive schools.
Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, and educators who are passionate about supporting multilingual learners and creating inclusive classrooms.
In Episode 46, Helen Bodell is joined by Adrienn (Adri) Szlapak to explore one of the most important stages of language acquisition for many multilingual learners: the silent period in EAL.
The silent period is a natural part of learning an additional language, where learners may listen, observe, process, and build understanding before they feel ready to speak. In this episode, Helen and Adri discuss why understanding this stage is essential for educators and how schools can better support learners during this important part of their language-learning journey.
Together, they explore how educators can reframe silence as a positive sign of language development rather than a cause for concern, and how creating supportive environments can help learners develop confidence at their own pace.
In this episode, you'll discover:Understanding the silent period helps educators recognise the learning happening beneath the surface. By valuing listening, observation, and gradual participation, schools can create environments where multilingual learners feel safe, included, and ready to communicate.
Whether you are an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, teaching assistant, international educator, or school leader, this episode provides valuable insights into supporting learners who are developing confidence in a new language.
Meet Adrienn SzlapakAdrienn (Adri) Szlapak is an experienced EAL/ESL specialist and academic manager. Having been an EAL learner herself, Adri brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her work supporting multilingual learners.
She is currently the Elementary EAL Leader at St Joseph’s Institution International School Malaysia, where she is passionate about plurilingual education and professional learning.
Adri regularly attends and presents at international conferences. She also serves on the IATEFL YLTSIG committee as Blog Editor, leads the Primary EAL Network for the Association of International Malaysian Schools, and runs her own blog, EAL Diaries.
Explore more Twinkl EAL resourcesJoin Twinkl EAL:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3
Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t
Free EAL CPD sessionsBook your free online EAL CPD sessions:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299
If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues. Each episode explores expert insights, research, and practical strategies that help educators support multilingual learners and create welcoming, inclusive schools.
Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, SEND professionals, and educators who are passionate about supporting communication, language development, and inclusion for every learner.
In Episode 45, Helen Bodell is joined by Ella McKenzie, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Speech and Language Therapy Educational Content Lead at Twinkl, to explore the connection between Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) approaches and EAL practice.
Together, Helen and Ella discuss practical strategies that educators can use to support language acquisition, communication, and confidence in multilingual classrooms.
This episode explores how schools can create communication-friendly environments where learners are supported through evidence-based approaches, including visuals, signs, symbols, and other total communication strategies.
In this episode, you'll discover:Effective communication is at the heart of learning. By combining expertise from speech and language therapy, EAL practice, and classroom teaching, educators can create environments where all learners can participate, communicate, and thrive.
Whether you are a classroom teacher, EAL Lead, SENDCO, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode provides practical ideas to support language development and inclusive practice.
Meet Ella McKenzieElla McKenzie 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 multidisciplinary teams to create inclusive environments that enable learners to communicate with confidence.
Ella’s areas of interest include:
Ella has led whole-school communication initiatives, delivered staff training, and contributed to SEND strategy and EHCP planning to ensure communication is embedded throughout school life.
In her role at Twinkl, Ella focuses on creating evidence-based, practical resources that help educators support communication and language development.
Explore Twinkl SALT resourcesFind Twinkl Speech and Language Therapy resources:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/inclusion-teaching-resources/speech-language-and-communication-areas-of-need-primary-send-inclusion-teaching-resources
Explore more Twinkl EAL resourcesJoin Twinkl EAL:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3
Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t
Free EAL CPD sessionsBook your free online EAL CPD sessions:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299
If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues. Each episode explores expert insights, research, and practical strategies that help educators support multilingual learners and build inclusive classrooms.
Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, and educators who are passionate about supporting multilingual learners and creating inclusive learning experiences for every child.
In Episode 44, Helen Bodell is joined by members of the Twinkl Originals team to explore the importance of inclusive reading, diverse children’s books, and storytelling in multilingual classrooms.
The Twinkl Originals team brings together talented teachers, illustrators, writers, and designers who create engaging stories designed to help every child see themselves represented in books and develop a love of reading.
Together, they discuss how inclusive stories can support English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners, build reading confidence, and provide opportunities for children to connect with characters, cultures, and experiences from around the world.
From picture books to chapter books, eBooks, audio stories, animations, and printed books, this episode explores how accessible storytelling can help children develop language skills while encouraging curiosity, imagination, and a sense of belonging.
In this episode, you'll discover:For multilingual learners, stories provide more than opportunities to practise reading. They create spaces where children can explore language, identity, culture, and imagination.
Whether you are a primary teacher, EAL Lead, literacy leader, teaching assistant, or school librarian, this episode offers inspiration for creating rich reading experiences that welcome every learner.
Meet the Twinkl Originals TeamThe Twinkl Originals team is made up of passionate educators, illustrators, writers, and designers who create original children’s stories that inspire imagination and make reading accessible for all.
Their work focuses on creating engaging books that support children’s learning journeys while celebrating different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives.
Explore Twinkl OriginalsDiscover the Twinkl Originals collection:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/twinkl-originals
Download the Twinkl app and explore digital reading experiences.
Find Twinkl Originals printed books:
https://shop.twinkl.co.uk/collections/twinkl-originals
Explore Twinkl Originals eBooks with audio, animated stories, First Words resources, and chapter books.
Explore more Twinkl EAL resourcesJoin Twinkl EAL:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3
Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t
Free EAL CPD sessionsBook your free online EAL CPD sessions:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299
If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues. Each episode explores expert insights, research, and practical strategies that help educators support multilingual learners and build inclusive classrooms.
From the publisher's feed
Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the…
Hosted by Helen Bodell from Twinkl EAL, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for inclusive, language-rich classrooms, this podcast explores the ideas, research, and practical strategies that help teachers support children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Each episode features conversations with leading voices in EAL education, multilingualism, language development, inclusion, and teaching practice. Together, Helen and her guests explore how schools can create environments where every learner feels valued, understood, and empowered to succeed.
From supporting children who are new to English, developing effective EAL provision, and celebrating home languages, to building stronger connections with families and communities, Talking Their Language provides practical advice and inspiration for educators at every stage of their journey.
Whether you are a classroom teacher, EAL Lead, school leader, teaching assistant, trainee teacher, or someone passionate about inclusive education, each episode offers evidence-informed ideas, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you build stronger relationships with your learners.
Join Helen as she explores the power of language, identity, and belonging — and discover how we can ensure every child’s voice is heard.
Explore our EAL resources:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1f3rwa

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