Language and communication
How can teachers support children who speak a different home language?
Direct answer
Value the home language while making classroom language accessible. Use demonstrations, meaningful visuals and opportunities to practise with supportive peers. Limited familiarity with the language of instruction should not be mistaken for limited thinking ability.
What this means in practice
Find out which languages the child understands and uses, and communicate with caregivers accessibly. A child may understand more than they are ready to say. Check understanding through actions or supported responses rather than relying only on fluent spoken answers.
Practical next steps
- Learn about the child's language experience.
- Model key classroom vocabulary.
- Allow accessible ways to show understanding.
Illustrative example
Show a practical science task before asking for an explanation, and let the learner point, demonstrate or use familiar words first.
What to keep in mind
Seek specialist input if concerns involve communication across the child's languages.
Sources and further reading
The sources inform the explanation. Practical examples are educational illustrations, not individual clinical advice. How these answers are prepared.
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