ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE or DIALECT
The English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) Program at Waitara Public School aims to support learners from language backgrounds other than English (LBOTE) who are learning English as a second or additional language as well as developing skills in English. EAL/D learners enter Australian schools with varying levels of prior education and knowledge of English. Some were born in Australia while others have recently arrived as permanent or temporary migrants or refugees.
Our EAL/D program aims to develop students' English speaking, listening, reading, viewing and writing skills to a level where they can fully participate in schooling. Our aim is to develop students' ability to successfully participate in informal social interactions. In addition to this, developing their ability to actively participate inmore formal and academic contexts, fostering confidence and motivation.
The EAL/D teachers at Waitara Public School work collaboratively with classroom teachers to develop programs, practices and resources which support the English language and literacy learning of EAL/D students across the curriculum. EAL/D teachers are involved in stage literacy groups working with students from Kindergarten to Year 6. EAL/D teachers also withdraw students who are part of the New Arrivals Program (NAP), working in small groups according to their English language learning needs.
Independent interactive websites for students
GET EPIC:
Get Epic is a fabulous collection of children's books for children and parents to enjoy. The Digital Library is filled with stories for young readers and a variety of quality texts can be accessed by just a few clicks! There are videos to view as well as a range of informative books to extend your child's knowledge and understanding of the world around them.
ENGLISH CLUB:
https://www.englishclub.com/esl-games/
English Club is a great resource for games that reinforce spelling, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. A great feature of this site is that it is compatible with mobile/iPad devices. Children can engage in quality activities even when you are on the go!
Vocabulary:
http://gamestolearnenglish.com/fast-hands/
Words with pictures, as well as upper and lower case letters, and numerals and numbers. Click ‘review' to learn then ‘slow' or ‘fast' to practise.
Use this form to monitor progress. Fast Hands (pdf 175 KB)
Vocabulary. Click ‘Match Game' Learn – then Play. Many different categories.
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/languagesonline/english/english.htm
There are many excellent Australian games and activities.
Select ‘topics'. Choose topic. There are many useful games on this site, but it can be a bit difficult to navigate. You can go directly to one topic e.g.
http://www.eslgamesplus.com/days-of-the-week-esl-vocabulary-game/
Phonics (letters and sounds):
http://www.starfall.com/index.htm
Choose ‘ABCs'.
Single sounds for students to listen and read.
Choose ‘Learn to Read' for interactive readers with words ‘sounded out'.
‘Zac the Rat', ‘Peg the Hen' etc.
Use this form to monitor progress. Starfall (pdf 277 KB)
Reading:
Reading Eggs – You can start from the beginning with single sounds. The class teacher will give you your password.