Episode 23: The JONK Approach with Marcelo Staricoff | Creating Curious, Creative and Inclusive Classrooms | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Episode 23: The JONK Approach with Marcelo Staricoff | Creating Curious, Creative and Inclusive Classrooms | 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 creating inclusive, inspiring learning environments.In Episode 23, Helen Bodell is joined by Marcelo Staricoff, author of The Joy of Not Knowing, former scientist, primary school headteacher, and Lecturer in Education at the University of Sussex, to explore the JONK approach and how curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking can transform learning.The Joy of Not Knowing (JONK) approach encourages learners to embrace curiosity, ask questions, explore possibilities, and develop confidence in their own thinking. In this episode, Helen and Marcelo discuss how this approach can support all learners, including pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL), by creating classrooms where language, ideas, and experiences are valued.Together, they explore how teachers can build inclusive learning environments where children feel empowered to participate, take risks, and develop their thinking through creativity, collaboration, and enquiry.In this episode, you'll discover:What the JONK approach means and how it supports learning.How curiosity and creativity can help multilingual learners develop confidence.Ways to create inclusive classrooms where every pupil’s ideas are valued.The links between language development, critical thinking, and participation.How teachers can encourage children to become independent thinkers.Practical approaches for fostering creativity and engagement in the classroom.Meet Marcelo StaricoffMarcelo Staricoff is the author of The Joy of Not Knowing (Routledge, 2021), a former scientist and primary school headteacher, and a Lecturer in Education at the University of Sussex, where he is joint course leader of the BA Primary and Early Years Programme.Marcelo has worked internationally with educators, policymakers, and organisations including UNICEF, supporting curriculum development and educational change. He also works with Coram, the children’s charity, advises schools and educational organisations, and regularly speaks at national and international education events.His work focuses on creative, critical, multilingual, multicultural, and philosophical thinking in the classroom. Marcelo is a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Education (APPG), a Trustee of the Laurel Trust, Chair of the Michael Aldrich Foundation, and a Fellow of both the Chartered College of Teaching and the Higher Education Academy.Whether you are an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, school leader, or educator interested in inclusive teaching approaches, this episode offers inspiring ideas for creating classrooms where every learner can explore, question, and thrive.Further readingRead our accompanying blog for further ideas, strategies, and resources:https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/ealExplore 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 explores practical strategies, expert insights, and innovative approaches that help educators create inclusive classrooms where multilingual learners and all pupils can flourish.