Episode 29: Why It Works – Pre-Teaching Vocabulary | Building Language Confidence for EAL Learners with Dr Robert Sharples and Jo Thomson | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Episode 29: Why It Works – Pre-Teaching Vocabulary | Building Language Confidence for EAL Learners with Dr Robert Sharples and 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 who are passionate about supporting multilingual learners through effective, evidence-informed practice.This episode is part of our Why It Works series, where we explore the research behind approaches that support pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL).In Episode 29, Helen Bodell is joined by Dr Robert Sharples, Lecturer in Language and Education at the University of Bristol and author of Teaching EAL: Evidence-Based Strategies for the Classroom and School, alongside Jo Thomson, Twinkl's EAL Content Writer and experienced primary teacher.Together, they explore the importance of pre-teaching, with a particular focus on pre-teaching vocabulary and how this strategy can help multilingual learners access lessons, build confidence, and make progress.Helen, Robert, and Jo discuss the research behind vocabulary development, share practical classroom strategies, and explore how teachers can work with families to support language learning beyond the classroom.In this episode, you'll discover:Why pre-teaching vocabulary supports EAL learners.How introducing key words before a lesson can improve understanding and participation.Practical strategies for selecting and teaching vocabulary.Ways to make vocabulary learning meaningful and memorable.How pre-teaching can support access to the wider curriculum.Ideas for involving families in supporting children’s language development.Pre-teaching vocabulary gives multilingual learners the opportunity to encounter new language before they meet it in a lesson, helping them develop confidence, participate more fully, and focus on learning new concepts.Whether you are an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode provides practical guidance and evidence-informed ideas to help you support vocabulary development for multilingual learners.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. The Why It Works series explores the evidence behind effective teaching approaches, helping educators understand not only what works for multilingual learners, but why it works.