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

Episode 4: Practical EAL Strategies and Resources with Jo Thomson | Talking Their Language with Helen BodellWelcome 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 ThomsonJo'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 resourcesJoin Twinkl EAL:https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tAccess FREE EAL CPD webinars and events:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299If 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.