Episode 32: Supporting EAL Learners to Succeed in Handwriting with Bethany Harris | Developing Writing Skills for Multilingual Pupils | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Episode 32: Supporting EAL Learners to Succeed in Handwriting with Bethany Harris | Developing Writing Skills for Multilingual Pupils | 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 helping every child develop confidence in the classroom.In Episode 32, Helen Bodell is joined by Bethany Harris, Handwriting and English Intervention Product Owner at Twinkl, to explore how educators can support EAL learners with handwriting and writing development.Together, Helen and Bethany discuss the challenges multilingual learners may experience when developing handwriting skills, and how teachers can provide effective support to help children become confident writers.Handwriting is an important part of literacy development, and for pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL), developing writing skills involves building confidence with vocabulary, sentence formation, spelling, and the physical process of writing.Bethany shares practical ideas and insights from her experience in primary English education, helping teachers understand how targeted support and engaging resources can help EAL learners succeed.In this episode, you'll discover:Why handwriting development is important for EAL learners.How teachers can support multilingual pupils with writing skills.The connection between handwriting, literacy, and language development.Practical strategies for helping children develop writing confidence.How targeted interventions can support pupils’ progress.Ways to create positive and engaging writing experiences.Whether you are an EAL Lead, primary teacher, English Lead, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode offers practical guidance for supporting multilingual learners as they develop essential literacy skills.Meet Bethany HarrisBethany Harris is the Handwriting and English Intervention Product Owner at Twinkl. With a specialisation in Primary English and teaching experience across schools in the UK, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Kuwait, Bethany brings a wealth of international education experience to her role.Before joining Twinkl, Bethany worked as an English Lead for several years. She is passionate about creating high-quality resources that engage children, support teachers, and help make classroom practice more manageable and effective.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/1gx63tFree EAL CPD sessionsBook your free online EAL CPD sessions: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 explores practical strategies, expert insights, and classroom approaches that help educators support multilingual learners and develop inclusive learning environments.