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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, language-rich classrooms.
In Episode 22, Helen Bodell is joined by Anna Czebiolko, Head of EAL at Harrogate Ladies’ College in North Yorkshire, to discuss leading EAL provision and supporting multilingual learners within the subject classroom, with a particular focus on teaching geography.
Anna shares her journey from working as a language support assistant to becoming an experienced EAL leader, offering valuable insights into developing effective EAL provision, supporting colleagues, and helping pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) access the curriculum.
Together, Helen and Anna explore how subject teachers can support language development alongside curriculum learning, and how strategies used in geography classrooms can help multilingual learners build vocabulary, confidence, and understanding.
In this episode, you'll discover:Anna Czebiolko began her EAL career as a language support assistant before training to become a teacher. Since starting to work with EAL learners in 2009, she has supported children across every year group, from nursery through to sixth form.
Anna is currently Head of EAL at Harrogate Ladies’ College in North Yorkshire. Previously, she coordinated EAL provision for seven years in a large secondary academy in Leeds.
Passionate about innovative approaches to supporting multilingual learners, Anna regularly shares her expertise with teachers and practitioners. She is an active workshop and seminar presenter and has presented at several EAL conferences, including events organised by NALDIC.
Whether you are an EAL Lead, geography teacher, classroom teacher, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode offers practical ideas for developing inclusive curriculum approaches that support multilingual learners.
Further readingRead our accompanying blog for further ideas, strategies, and resources:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/eal
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
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 practical strategies, expert experiences, and research-informed approaches that help educators support multilingual learners across all areas of school life.
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 celebrating the power of language diversity.
In Episode 21, Helen Bodell is joined by Jacob Huckle, EAL teacher and Head of Multilingual Learning at a British international school in Suzhou, China, to explore the concept of translanguaging and how schools can use pupils’ full linguistic repertoires as a resource for learning.
Translanguaging is an approach that recognises multilingual learners’ languages as valuable tools for communication, understanding, identity, and academic success. In this episode, Helen and Jacob discuss how educators can move beyond seeing additional languages as barriers and instead embrace multilingualism as a strength within the classroom.
Jacob shares his experience of designing policies and systems that celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity, helping schools create environments where all learners can draw on their languages and experiences to support learning.
In this episode, you'll discover:Jacob Huckle is an EAL teacher and Head of Multilingual Learning at a British international school in Suzhou, China. He works on developing policies and systems that use the linguistic and cultural diversity of the school community as a resource to enrich learning for all students.
Alongside his teaching role, Jacob is a part-time doctoral student researching multilingualism and intercultural understanding in international education. His work explores how schools can better support diverse communities through inclusive approaches to language learning.
Whether you are an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, international educator, school leader, or someone interested in multilingual education, this episode provides valuable insight into how translanguaging can transform the way we think about language in schools.
Further readingRead our accompanying blog for further ideas, strategies, and resources:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/eal
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
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, practical strategies, and inspiring conversations that help educators support multilingual learners and create inclusive classrooms where every language is valued.
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, language-rich classrooms.
In Episode 20, Helen Bodell is joined by Cate Hamilton, doctoral researcher at the University of Oxford, to explore the fascinating connection between songs, music, and language acquisition.
Together, Helen and Cate discuss how songs can support children learning languages, including pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL), and explore why music can be such a powerful tool for developing communication, confidence, memory, and a love of languages.
Drawing on her research into the effectiveness of using songs to teach foreign languages to primary-aged children, Cate shares insights into how singing can support language learning and how educators can use music to create engaging multilingual learning experiences.
In this episode, you'll discover:Cate Hamilton is a doctoral student at the University of Oxford, researching the effectiveness of using songs for teaching foreign languages to primary school-aged children.
Before joining the Oxford Department of Education, where she completed her Master's in Applied Linguistics in 2021, Cate taught English and foreign languages in secondary schools and early years settings for 15 years.
Cate’s interest in songs and language learning developed through Babel Babies, a multilingual approach to exploring languages and linguistics through singing songs in ten languages.
She also hosts The Language Revolution podcast, exploring how language awareness can inform and transform language teaching, with guests including leading voices in education and linguistics. Cate is also Chair of the annual conference for NALDIC, the national subject association for EAL.
Whether you are an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, early years practitioner, teaching assistant, or language specialist, this episode offers inspiring ideas about how music and multilingual approaches can help children develop language skills and confidence.
Further readingRead our accompanying blog for further ideas, strategies, and resources:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/eal
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
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, classroom practice, and inspiring stories that help educators support multilingual learners and celebrate the power of language.
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 through inclusive and evidence-informed practice.
This episode is part of our Why It Works series, where we explore the research behind effective approaches for supporting pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL).
In Episode 19, Helen Bodell is joined by Dr Robert Sharples, Lecturer in Language and Education at the University of Bristol and author of Teaching EAL: Evidence-Based Strategies for the Classroom and School, alongside Jo Thomson, Twinkl's EAL Content Writer and experienced primary teacher.
Together, they explore the important topic of EAL assessment and answer educators’ questions about how schools can effectively assess, monitor, and support the progress of multilingual learners.
Assessing pupils learning English as an Additional Language requires careful consideration of both language development and subject knowledge. In this episode, Helen, Robert, and Jo discuss how teachers can use assessment effectively to understand learners’ needs, plan appropriate support, and recognise the progress multilingual pupils make.
In this episode, you'll discover:Whether you are an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode provides guidance and practical ideas to help you better understand, assess, and support multilingual learners.
Further readingWhy It Works – EAL Assessment
Read our accompanying blog for further guidance, strategies, and resources on assessing EAL learners:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/eal
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
If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues. The Why It Works series explores practical, evidence-informed strategies that help educators understand how to support multilingual learners and create language-rich, inclusive classrooms.
Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, trainee teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, and educators who are passionate about supporting multilingual learners and creating inclusive classrooms.
In Episode 18, Helen Bodell is joined by Aroosa Azam, an Early Career Teacher (ECT) working in a diverse and multicultural secondary school in Harrow, to discuss the importance of preparing trainee teachers and new teachers to support pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL).
Aroosa teaches Sociology, Citizenship, and Law and completed her PGCE in Citizenship, gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from UCL Institute of Education after moving into teaching from a career in Law.
Having grown up surrounded by multilingual family experiences, Aroosa shares her perspective on the importance of understanding the learning journey of EAL pupils and why developing confidence in supporting multilingual learners should be a greater focus during the early years of teacher education.
In this episode, Helen and Aroosa discuss the experiences of an Early Career Teacher working in a diverse school community, the importance of EAL training within initial teacher education, and how new teachers can develop inclusive classroom practices that support language development alongside subject learning.
In this episode, you'll discover:Whether you are a trainee teacher, Early Career Teacher, classroom teacher, mentor, or school leader, this episode offers valuable insight into developing confidence and knowledge when supporting multilingual learners.
Meet Aroosa AzamAroosa Azam is an Early Career Teacher in her first year of teaching at a diverse and multicultural school in Harrow. She teaches Sociology, Citizenship, and Law and completed her PGCE in Citizenship at UCL Institute of Education.
Before entering education, Aroosa worked in Law and brings a unique perspective to teaching, combining her professional background with a passion for inclusion, multilingualism, and supporting learners from diverse communities.
Connect with AroosaFollow Aroosa on Twitter/X:
@Miss_Azam
Explore more Twinkl EAL resourcesJoin Twinkl EAL:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3
Download your FREE EAL Membership Guide:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldlo
Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t
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 the experiences, research, and practical strategies that help educators support multilingual learners and create inclusive classrooms where every pupil can succeed.
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 welcoming, inclusive classrooms.
In Episode 17, Helen Bodell is joined by Mark Hill MBE, founder of Buddy Box, to discuss how schools can support refugee children and newly arrived pupils as they begin their educational journey in the UK.
Mark is an Armed Forces veteran and entrepreneur from Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire. Through Buddy Box, he has developed a practical communication tool designed to help children who are new to English build confidence, connect with classmates, and feel more comfortable in their new school environment.
Buddy Box was created to support Ukrainian and Afghan refugee children attending schools across the UK. It acts as an icebreaker, helping pupils communicate with peers and teachers through fun, accessible activities that introduce essential vocabulary and everyday language.
In this episode, Helen and Mark explore the importance of belonging, communication, and confidence for multilingual learners, particularly children arriving in schools with little or no English. They discuss how simple, child-friendly resources can help schools create a supportive environment where new arrivals feel welcomed and included.
In this episode, you'll discover:Buddy Box is an educational resource designed to help children communicate when they are new to English. It introduces key vocabulary and language through engaging activities covering topics such as:
The resource has been recognised by NALDIC (the National Association for Language Development in the Curriculum), the professional association for those working with and supporting children learning English as an Additional Language.
Whether you are an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode offers practical inspiration for welcoming refugee learners, supporting new arrivals, and creating classrooms where every child can communicate and thrive.
Connect with Mark HillFind Mark Hill on LinkedIn.
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
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 practical strategies, expert insights, and real-world experiences that help educators support multilingual learners and create inclusive schools where every child belongs.
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 developing inclusive approaches to language education.
In Episode 16, we focus on making a solid start as an EAL Lead Practitioner or EAL Coordinator. Whether you have recently taken on responsibility for EAL, are preparing to become an EAL Lead, or are looking for ways to strengthen your school's provision, this episode offers practical guidance, solutions, and resources to support you in your role.
Helen Bodell is joined by Dr Robert Sharples, Lecturer in Language and Education at the University of Bristol and author of Teaching EAL: Evidence-Based Strategies for the Classroom and School, alongside Jo Thomson, Twinkl's EAL Content Writer and experienced primary teacher.
Together, they explore the key priorities for educators leading English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision, from understanding the needs of multilingual learners to building effective systems, supporting colleagues, and creating a whole-school approach to language development.
Starting out as an EAL Lead can feel like a challenging role, but with the right knowledge, strategies, and resources, educators can make a significant impact on the experiences and outcomes of multilingual learners.
In this episode, you'll discover:Whether you are new to EAL leadership or looking to develop your existing practice, this episode provides practical ideas and expert guidance to help you make a positive difference for multilingual learners.
Meet the expertsDr Robert Sharples
Dr Robert Sharples is a Lecturer in Language and Education at the University of Bristol, author of Teaching EAL: Evidence-Based Strategies for the Classroom and School, and a leading voice in EAL research and practice.
Jo Thomson
Jo Thomson is Twinkl's EAL Content Writer and an experienced primary teacher with a background in leading EAL provision and supporting schools to develop inclusive approaches for multilingual 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
If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues. Through expert conversations and practical guidance, the podcast supports educators in developing effective EAL practice and creating inclusive classrooms where every multilingual learner can succeed.
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 through inclusive and evidence-informed practice.
This episode is part of our Why It Works series, where we explore the research behind effective classroom approaches and explain why they make a difference for pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL).
In Episode 15, Helen Bodell is joined by Dr Robert Sharples, Lecturer in Language and Education at the University of Bristol and author of Teaching EAL: Evidence-Based Strategies for the Classroom and School, alongside Jo Thomson, Twinkl's EAL Content Writer and experienced primary teacher.
Together, they explore the importance of transition for EAL learners and answer common questions from educators about how schools can support multilingual pupils as they move between classes, year groups, schools, and stages of education.
Transitions can be particularly significant for pupils learning English as an Additional Language. In this episode, Helen, Robert, and Jo discuss how effective planning, communication, and support can help new arrivals and multilingual learners feel confident, included, and ready to succeed.
In this episode, you'll discover:Whether you are an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode provides practical guidance to help you support multilingual learners during periods of change and ensure every pupil feels prepared for their next step.
Further readingWhy It Works – Transition
Read our accompanying blog for further guidance, strategies, and resources to support EAL learners through transition:
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/eal
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
If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues. The Why It Works series explores practical, evidence-informed strategies that help educators understand how to support multilingual learners and create classrooms where every pupil can thrive.
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 communities.
In Episode 14, Helen Bodell is joined by Catherine Gladwell, Founder and Chief Executive of Refugee Education UK, to discuss how schools can support young refugees and help them access education, develop confidence, and build brighter futures.
Refugee Education UK is a national charity supporting young refugees across the UK through education. Catherine shares her expertise on the barriers refugee learners can face, the importance of educational opportunities, and the practical ways schools can create welcoming environments where refugee and asylum-seeking pupils can thrive.
In this important conversation, Helen and Catherine explore the experiences of young refugees entering the UK education system, the role of schools in supporting belonging and inclusion, and how educators can provide effective support for learners who may be developing English as an Additional Language (EAL) while adapting to a new environment.
In this episode, you'll discover:Catherine Gladwell is the Founder and Chief Executive of Refugee Education UK, a non-profit organisation supporting young refugees across the UK to access education and build brighter futures.
Catherine has grown Refugee Education UK from a small volunteer project into a national charity, leading its strategy and development. She has worked in 16 countries, including Afghanistan, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, and Jordan.
She has published research and policy papers, regularly speaks at conferences and events, and contributes to discussions about refugee education and inclusion. Catherine holds a degree from Oxford University, a Master's degree in Education and International Development from the Institute of Education, and is an honorary fellow at Winchester University.
Whether you are an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, teaching assistant, school leader, or education professional, this episode provides valuable insight into supporting refugee learners and creating education systems where every young person has the opportunity to succeed.
Find out moreRefugee Education UK:
https://www.reuk.org/
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
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 the experiences, research, and practical strategies that help educators support multilingual learners and create inclusive schools where every child and young person can flourish.
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 approaches to language education.
In Episode 13, Helen Bodell is joined by Dr Eowyn Crisfield, a specialist in bilingualism, bilingual education, and teacher training, to discuss the development of Jersey’s First Language Policy and the importance of valuing pupils’ home languages in education.
In this fascinating conversation, Helen and Eowyn explore why recognising and supporting children’s first languages is essential for multilingual learners, how schools can create more inclusive language policies, and the benefits of embracing bilingualism as an educational strength.
Dr Crisfield shares insights from her recent work with the Jersey Education Department, where she contributed to the development of a policy designed to support the role of first languages in schools. Together, they discuss how educators can move beyond seeing home languages as barriers and instead recognise them as valuable tools that support identity, belonging, and learning.
In this episode, you'll discover:Dr Eowyn Crisfield is a Canadian-educated specialist in bilingualism, bilingual education, and teacher training. She has more than 20 years of experience in Applied Linguistics, with expertise spanning research, teaching, curriculum development, teacher education, and supporting bilingual families.
Eowyn holds a B.Ed. in Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language and a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics, specialising in language learning, language teaching, and bilingual education. She is currently a Senior Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University in English Language and TESOL, with a focus on the PG Cert Teaching Multilingual Learners.
She is also an active member of research organisations and serves on the executive committee of NALDIC, the UK's EAL subject association.
Whether you are an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, school leader, or education professional, this episode offers valuable insights into bilingual education, language policy, and the ways schools can celebrate and support multilingual learners.
Further readingJersey First Language Policy
You can read the policy discussed in this episode here:
https://www.gov.je/SiteCollectionDocuments/Education/P%20Language%20Policy%2020211108.pdf
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
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 the research, experiences, and practical strategies that help educators support multilingual learners and create schools where every language is valued.
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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