Episode 11: Why It Works – Scaffolding | Effective Support Strategies for EAL Learners with Dr Robert Sharples and Jo Thomson | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

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 learners of English as an Additional Language (EAL).

In Episode 11, 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 scaffolding in education and how effective support can help multilingual learners access the curriculum, develop language skills, and become increasingly independent learners.

Scaffolding is a key strategy for supporting pupils learning English as an Additional Language. In this episode, Helen, Robert, and Jo discuss what effective scaffolding looks like in practice, how teachers can provide the right level of support, and how carefully planned strategies can help learners build confidence and achieve success.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What scaffolding means and why it is important for learning.
• How scaffolding supports pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL).
• Practical classroom strategies to make lessons more accessible.
• How teachers can balance support with developing learner independence.
• Examples of effective scaffolding techniques across the curriculum.
• How evidence-informed approaches can improve outcomes for multilingual learners.

Whether you're an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode provides practical guidance on using scaffolding to support language development and ensure all learners can participate fully in classroom learning.

Further reading

Why It Works – Scaffolding

Read our accompanying blog for further guidance, strategies, and resources on scaffolding for EAL learners:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/eal

Explore more Twinkl EAL resources

Join 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.

Episode 10: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Education with Shuaib Khan | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, and educators who are passionate about creating inclusive classrooms where every learner is valued and supported.

In Episode 10, Helen Bodell is joined by Shuaib Khan, educator, podcaster, and content writer, for a conversation about equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in education.

Together, they explore why creating inclusive learning environments matters, how schools can celebrate the diversity of their communities, and the important role educators play in ensuring that all pupils including multilingual learners and children learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) feel represented, respected, and able to succeed.

Helen and Shuaib discuss practical approaches to embedding equality and diversity into everyday school life, from recognising pupils' identities and experiences to creating classrooms where different cultures, languages, and perspectives are valued.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why equality, diversity, and inclusion are essential in education.
• How schools can create a stronger sense of belonging for all learners.
• The importance of representation in classrooms and curriculum choices.
• Ways educators can celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity.
• How inclusive practice supports multilingual learners and pupils learning EAL.
• Practical ideas for building more welcoming and equitable school communities.

Whether you are a classroom teacher, EAL Lead, teaching assistant, school leader, or education professional, this episode offers thoughtful discussion and practical inspiration for developing more inclusive approaches in schools.

Connect with Shuaib Khan

Follow Shuaib Khan on Twitter/X:

@ShuaibKhan26

Explore more Twinkl EAL resources

Join 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 ideas, experiences, and strategies that help educators support multilingual learners and create inclusive environments where every child can thrive.

Episode 9: Why It Works – Being an EAL Lead | Guidance for EAL Coordinators with Dr Robert Sharples and Jo Thomson | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

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 learning.

This episode is part of our Why It Works series, where we explore the evidence behind effective approaches for supporting pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL).

In Episode 9, 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 role of the EAL Lead and what effective EAL leadership looks like in schools. Whether you are aspiring to become an EAL Lead, have recently taken on the role, or are an experienced EAL Coordinator looking for further guidance, this episode provides practical advice, research-informed strategies, and useful ideas to support your work.

Helen, Robert, and Jo discuss how EAL Leads can develop whole-school approaches, support colleagues, advocate for multilingual learners, and ensure that pupils learning English as an Additional Language receive effective and inclusive support.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What the role of an EAL Lead involves.
• How to develop effective EAL provision across a school.
• Strategies for supporting teachers to work confidently with multilingual learners.
• How to identify priorities and create an EAL action plan.
• The importance of evidence-informed practice in EAL leadership.
• Advice and guidance for aspiring and current EAL Coordinators.

Being an EAL Lead involves more than supporting individual pupils it is about developing a whole-school culture where language development is valued and every learner has the opportunity to succeed.

Whether you are an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, school leader, or educator looking to strengthen your knowledge of multilingual education, this episode offers practical ideas and professional guidance to help you make a positive impact.

Further reading

Why It Works – Being an EAL Lead

Read our accompanying blog for further guidance, strategies, and resources for EAL leaders:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/eal

Explore more Twinkl EAL resources

Join 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 the evidence behind effective teaching approaches, helping educators understand the strategies that support multilingual learners and why they make a difference in classrooms.

Episode 8: Diversity in Children’s Literature with the EAL Glasgow Team | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

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 8, Helen Bodell is joined by members of the Glasgow City Council EAL Service team: Soma Dey, Stephen Dolan, and Aleksandra Hempler to explore the importance of diversity and representation in children's literature.

Together, they discuss why the books children read matter, how representation supports identity and belonging, and how schools can use diverse texts to create more inclusive learning environments for all learners, including pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL).

The conversation explores how teachers can ensure that classrooms reflect the experiences, cultures, languages, and backgrounds of the children they teach. Soma, Stephen, and Aleksandra share their experience of developing resources and professional learning opportunities that help educators embed equality, diversity, and inclusion into everyday classroom practice.

Meet the guests

Soma Dey

Soma Dey is an English as an Additional Language Leader of Learning for Glasgow City Council and a primary teacher with 13 years of experience. Having worked as an EAL teacher for several years, Soma is passionate about supporting multilingual learners and working collaboratively with schools to promote equality and inclusion across Scottish education. Her recent work has focused on improving representation in classroom texts and literature.

Stephen Dolan

Stephen Dolan is a secondary teacher in Glasgow and part of the EAL Leader of Learning team. He supports practitioners through CLPL (Career-Long Professional Learning), developing resources and sharing effective EAL pedagogy. Stevie has recently worked with colleagues on professional learning focused on using diverse texts in the classroom.

Aleksandra Hempler

Aleksandra Hempler is an EAL Leader of Learning for Glasgow City Council with nearly a decade of experience in EAL education. As a linguist and former EAL learner, Aleksandra is passionate about bilingualism, diversity, and research-informed approaches to language acquisition. Her interests include equalities, digital leadership, STEM, and effective EAL provision.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why representation in children's books is important for multilingual learners.
• How diverse literature can support identity, belonging, and inclusion.
• Practical ways teachers can introduce more diverse texts in the classroom.
• The connection between literature, equality, and language development.
• How schools can use books to celebrate different cultures, experiences, and perspectives.
• Strategies for embedding diversity and inclusion into EAL provision.

Whether you're an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode provides valuable insights into using literature as a tool to support language development, celebrate diversity, and ensure every learner feels seen and represented.

Explore more Twinkl EAL resources

Join 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 brings together educators and experts in multilingual education to explore practical strategies, research, and inspiring ideas that help schools support every learner.

Episode 7: Celebrating International Mother Language Day with Dr Francesca La Morgia | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

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 linguistic and cultural diversity.

In Episode 7, Helen Bodell is joined by Dr Francesca La Morgia, linguist, cultural producer, and Founder and Director of Mother Tongues and the Mother Tongues Festival in Ireland. Together, they explore the significance of International Mother Language Day and discuss how schools can celebrate children's home languages and multilingual identities throughout the year not just on one special day.

With extensive experience in bilingual language development, bilingual education, and teacher professional development across Europe, Dr La Morgia shares practical ideas for creating inclusive classrooms where every language is recognised as a valuable asset. Drawing on her research and international experience, she explains why valuing pupils' first languages supports language acquisition, identity, wellbeing, and academic success.

Helen and Francesca also discuss how teachers can promote multilingualism in everyday classroom practice, strengthen partnerships with families, and foster a genuine sense of belonging for children learning English as an Additional Language (EAL).

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why International Mother Language Day is important for schools and communities.
• How to celebrate multilingualism throughout the school year.
• The benefits of valuing pupils' home languages and cultural identities.
• Practical ways to promote bilingualism and multilingual learning in the classroom.
• How language, identity, and belonging are closely connected.
• Strategies for creating inclusive learning environments where multilingual learners can thrive.

Dr La Morgia holds an MPhil in Applied Linguistics from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD in bilingual language acquisition from Dublin City University. She has lectured at the University of Reading, Trinity College Dublin, and Maynooth University, and has delivered professional development for teachers across Ireland, the UK, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and beyond. Her work has supported organisations including the European Commission, international schools, universities, and education providers, helping educators embrace multilingualism as a strength.

Whether you're an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, school leader, teaching assistant, or anyone interested in multilingual education, this episode offers inspiring ideas and practical strategies for celebrating every child's language and culture.

Explore more Twinkl EAL resources

Join 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 features conversations with leading voices in multilingual education, offering practical strategies, research, and inspiration to help schools create inclusive environments where every language is celebrated and every multilingual learner can flourish.

Episode 6: Why It Works – Oracy | Supporting Multilingual Learners with Dr Robert Sharples and Jo Thomson | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, and educators passionate about supporting multilingual learners through inclusive and evidence-informed practice.

This episode is the first in our Why It Works series, where we explore the research behind effective teaching approaches and explain why they make a real difference for learners of English as an Additional Language (EAL).

In Episode 6, 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 vital role of oracy in education and why developing speaking and listening skills is essential for all learners—particularly multilingual pupils learning English as an Additional Language. Drawing on research and classroom experience, they discuss how purposeful talk supports language acquisition, vocabulary development, confidence, and academic success across the curriculum.

Whether you're looking to strengthen classroom discussion, improve opportunities for purposeful talk, or better support multilingual learners, this episode offers practical strategies that can be applied across both primary and secondary classrooms.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why oracy is essential for language development and learning.
• How speaking and listening support multilingual learners and pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL).
• Practical strategies for building purposeful classroom talk.
• The connection between oracy, vocabulary development, and academic achievement.
• Evidence-informed approaches that help create language-rich and inclusive classrooms.

Whether you're an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode provides practical ideas and research-informed insights to help every learner develop the confidence to communicate, participate, and succeed.

Further reading

Why It Works – Oracy

Continue your learning with our accompanying blog exploring the research and classroom practice behind effective oracy:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/eal

Explore more Twinkl EAL resources

Join 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 the evidence behind effective teaching strategies, helping educators understand not only what works to support multilingual learners, but why it works in classrooms.

Episode 5: How Teaching Assistants Can Support EAL Learners with Hannah Harris | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, teaching assistants, school leaders, and EAL specialists who are passionate about supporting multilingual learners and creating inclusive classrooms.

In Episode 5, Helen Bodell is joined by Hannah Harris from the Twinkl TA Digest team to explore the vital role that Teaching Assistants (TAs) play in supporting pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL).

Teaching Assistants are often the first point of support for multilingual learners, whether in the classroom, during small-group interventions, or when welcoming pupils who are new to English. In this episode, Helen and Hannah discuss practical strategies that help TAs build learners' confidence, develop language skills, and encourage participation across the curriculum.

Together, they share ideas for creating language-rich learning environments, delivering effective intervention sessions, and working alongside teachers to ensure multilingual learners receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The important role of Teaching Assistants in supporting EAL learners.
• Practical classroom strategies to develop language and communication skills.
• How to deliver effective intervention sessions for multilingual learners.
• Ways to build confidence and encourage pupil participation.
• Tips for collaborating with teachers to provide consistent support across the school day.

Whether you're a Teaching Assistant, classroom teacher, EAL Lead, or school leader, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you better support multilingual learners at every stage of their language journey.

Further reading

Top Ten Tips for Teaching Assistants Supporting EAL Learners

Discover practical advice and classroom-ready ideas in our accompanying blog:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/eal

Explore more Twinkl EAL resources

Join Twinkl EAL:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3

Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t

Access FREE EAL CPD webinars and events:

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 brings together educators and experts to share practical strategies, research, and real classroom experiences that help schools create inclusive environments where multilingual learners can flourish.

Episode 4: Practical EAL Strategies and Resources with Jo Thomson | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, and educators dedicated to supporting multilingual learners through inclusive and evidence-informed practice.

In Episode 4, Helen Bodell is joined by Jo Thomson, Twinkl's specialist English as an Additional Language (EAL) Content Writer. Jo is an experienced primary teacher who has specialised in EAL for over eight years, creating practical classroom resources that help schools support multilingual learners with confidence.

Before joining Twinkl, Jo led EAL in a large inner-city primary school where more than 65 languages were spoken. During her time there, she developed a whole-school approach to EAL by supporting newly arrived pupils, delivering staff training, running free English classes for parents and carers, creating induction programmes for international and in-year arrivals, and speaking at local education conferences.

In this episode, Helen and Jo discuss practical strategies for welcoming multilingual learners into school, supporting pupils who are new to English, working effectively with families, and leading EAL across a whole-school setting. Jo also shares some of her favourite Twinkl EAL resources and explains how teachers can use them to create inclusive, language-rich classrooms.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Practical strategies for supporting pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL).
• How to successfully welcome international and in-year new arrivals.
• Tips for creating an effective induction process for multilingual learners.
• Ways to build strong partnerships with parents and families.
• Advice for teachers leading EAL across a primary school.
• Classroom resources that support language acquisition and inclusion.

Whether you're an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode is full of practical advice, tried-and-tested strategies, and classroom-ready ideas to help multilingual learners feel welcomed, included, and ready to succeed.

Resources recommended by Jo Thomson

Jo's favourite Twinkl EAL resources include:

• Top 20 Strategies to Support EAL Children – practical classroom strategies for supporting multilingual learners.
• New Starters: New to English CPD – professional development for welcoming pupils who are new to English.
• Leading EAL (Part One & Part Two) – guidance for current and aspiring EAL Leads.
• Welcoming Refugees and Asylum Seekers – practical advice for creating safe and inclusive school environments.
• English New Starter Welcome Activity Booklet – activities to help newly arrived pupils settle into school.
• All About Me Booklets – resources that help teachers get to know multilingual learners while supporting communication.
• Talking Games and Activities Pack – engaging speaking and language development activities for EAL learners.
• International New Arrivals Book Collections – recommended books to support newly arrived pupils and celebrate multilingual identities.

Explore more Twinkl EAL resources

Join Twinkl EAL:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3

Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t

Access FREE EAL CPD webinars and events:

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 features conversations with leading voices in multilingual education, sharing practical strategies, expert insights, and evidence-informed approaches to help teachers support every learner of English as an Additional Language.

Episode 3: Evidence-Based EAL Strategies with Dr Robert Sharples | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, and educators committed to supporting multilingual learners through evidence-informed practice.

In Episode 3, 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. As a founding editor of the EAL Journal and Convenor of the EAL Research Network, Dr Sharples is a leading voice in English as an Additional Language (EAL) education and research.

In this insightful conversation, Helen and Robert explore how schools can use evidence-based approaches to improve outcomes for multilingual learners. They discuss the role of Ofsted in EAL provision, the importance of developing language across the curriculum, and practical strategies that teachers can use to support language acquisition in every classroom.

The episode also examines how schools can close the vocabulary gap, what effective EAL leadership looks like, and how educators can create inclusive learning environments where multilingual learners are recognised, supported, and able to thrive.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The five evidence-based principles for developing language across the curriculum.
• Practical strategies to support English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners.
• How schools can help close the vocabulary gap.
• What Ofsted looks for when considering language development and inclusion.
• Advice for current and aspiring EAL Leads.
• Evidence-informed approaches to language acquisition that benefit all learners.

Whether you're an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, school leader, or education professional, this episode is packed with practical advice, research-informed guidance, and strategies that can be implemented across primary and secondary settings.

Connect with Dr Robert Sharples

If you'd like to get in touch with Dr Robert Sharples, you can contact him at:

[email protected]

Explore more Twinkl EAL resources

Join Twinkl EAL:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3

Browse all Twinkl EAL resources:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t

Access FREE EAL CPD webinars and events:

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. Every episode brings together leading experts in multilingual education to share practical strategies, the latest research, and inspiring conversations that help educators support multilingual learners with confidence.

Episode 2: Supporting Multilingual Learners in Secondary Schools with Jonathan Bifield | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, and educators passionate about supporting multilingual learners and creating inclusive classrooms.

In Episode 2, Helen Bodell is joined by Jonathan Bifield, an experienced EAL Coordinator at a large secondary school in Leicester. With more than 20 years of experience in English language teaching, EAL provision, SEND, and teacher education, Jonathan shares practical advice and evidence-informed strategies for supporting pupils who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL).

Jonathan's career has taken him from teaching English in Thailand to working in UK secondary schools and universities. He has served as an IELTS examiner, EAL and SEND Coordinator, and university tutor on pre-sessional English courses, as well as delivering teacher training for educators from China. Jonathan also writes for the NALDIC EAL Journal and shares valuable resources and insights through his website, EAL Daylight.

In this conversation, Helen and Jonathan discuss the realities of leading EAL provision in secondary education, supporting newly arrived pupils, and ensuring multilingual learners can thrive both academically and socially. They also explore the relationship between EAL and SEND, effective classroom strategies, and the importance of whole-school approaches to inclusion.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What the role of an EAL Coordinator looks like in a secondary school.
• Practical strategies for supporting multilingual learners across the curriculum.
• How EAL and SEND provision can work together to meet pupils' needs.
• Tips for helping newly arrived pupils settle into school successfully.
• Lessons from over two decades of experience in English language education.

Whether you're an EAL Coordinator, classroom teacher, teaching assistant, school leader, or anyone interested in multilingual education, this episode is packed with practical ideas and professional insights to help you better support learners of English as an Additional Language.

Explore more EAL resources

Join Twinkl EAL:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3

Access FREE EAL CPD webinars and events:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues. Each episode brings together leading voices in multilingual education to share practical strategies, research, and inspiration for supporting multilingual learners and helping every child flourish.