EAL: teaching a class with mixed first languages

As an NQT, I was thrown in at the deep-end when it came to teaching children with English as an additional language (EAL). On my very first day in the job, a new girl from Lithuania with absolutely no English arrived in my classroom; though daunted, it spurred me on to find out what I could do to ensure my classroom was the perfect location for her and her classmates who were also learning English as a second or other language (ESOL).

This article contains my top dos and don’ts to ensure you create a positive environment for children with mixed first languages.