Throughout my teaching career, there have been several occassions when a child has arrived in my class who speaks little or no English. It’s important that these pupils learn basic vocabulary as soon as possible in  order to feel comfortable in the classroom, grow in confidence and make progress.

Previously, I have scoured the web searching in vain for an EAL starter pack which I could use to help them learn new vocabulary. I also wanted something new EAL starters could work on independently within the classroom situation when needed. Obviously pupils do begin to pick up some new vocabulary naturally, but I’ve found direct teaching and assessing their recognition of vocabulary is important to ensure they are making progress.

I created an EAL Starter pack with vocabulary related to school as I couldn’t find what I was looking for on the internet. I did find various websites and worksheets. However, I found it was time-consuming to search, download and combine different worksheets in an effort to create packs. I also felt this approach was not structured enough. I have since created two more packs with vocabulary related to home and the environment. These packs are now available to purchase as a bundle on my Primary Texts shop at TES. They are also available to purchase separately. See below:

EAL Starter Pack Bundle

A three pack bundle containing over 120 worksheeets suitable for newly arrived EAL pupils. Designed to help familiarise pupils with vocabulary related to school, home and the environment. Available for purchase from the Primary Texts Shop on TES. Visit Shop

The importance of studying poetry is frequently emphasised in the National Curriculum for English programme of study for Key Stage 2. Pupils are expected to read and discuss a wide range of poems.

When studying poetry, it may sometimes be appropriate for pupils to read or listen to a poem and use their imagination to visualise what the poet is aiming to portray.  However, there are occassions when pupils need additional support to aid their understanding.

I have found that providing visual images to help explain and clarify difficult words, phrases, ideas and concepts is a good way of aiding comprehension of more complex poetry. Providing a visual element to poetry helps to stimulate the pupil’s interest too.

I have produced a variety of poetry lessons based on a section of classic poems which include PPTs with poems and supporting visual images. In addition, the lessons  include worksheets, a copy of the poem and suggestions for follow up activities.

You can view these resources at the Primary Texts TES shop. Visit Shop