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

Episode 7: Celebrating International Mother Language Day with Dr Francesca La Morgia | Talking Their Language with Helen BodellWelcome 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 resourcesJoin Twinkl EAL:https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tIf 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.