A Whole School Approach to EAL

A Whole-School Approach to EAL
This webinar is specially designed for primary teachers of EAL learners. It outlines EAL-specific support materials that are central to EAL support provision in the Irish context. It highlights numerous steps involved in getting started with welcoming newly arrived EAL learners. Further guidance is offered on the recommended EAL assessment protocols to inform Student Support Files and language planning. Finally, a broad range of responses are signposted in handouts to support the transfer from webinar to practice in participant teachers’ schools.
become familiar with EAL support documents made available to practitioners in Ireland
identify key steps in getting started when welcoming newly-arrived EAL learners
examine EAL assessment protocol to inform planning for language instruction
acquire a bank of appropriate responses for whole-school approaches for EAL learners

Support Materials / Resources
5-minutes Q & A following each webinar
Shared Google Drive with Handouts

Bio: Aoife Merrins-Gallagher
Aoife is a primary school teacher with experience in both mainstream and support positions since 2013. Her recent doctoral research, funded by the DCU-INTO150 PhD scholarship, designed, developed and delivered an English-Irish oral narrative programme for nine linguistically diverse infant classrooms (Tell-a-Tale | Inis Scéal).
Aoife has lectured in DCU and MU, and frequently facilitates webinars through Education Centres. She has authored and delivered DE approved face-to-face and online EAL summer courses since 2021. Aoife is a member of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation, Mother Tongues Ireland and Children’s Research Network. Her experiences as a teacher, lecturer and researcher can demystify the world of EAL for webinar attendees.