Page 13 - ELG2312 Dec Issue 487

FEATURE

discussions, making them feel at ease to
participate and learn. Furthermore, parents
are encouraged to provide materials in their
languages, such as audiovisual resources
and books, which are incorporated into our
Online Multilingual Library.
Our Parent Volunteers committee is
another valuable avenue, allowing parents to
initiate or participate in a range of activities
within the school, from reading support
to celebrating languages and cultures.
We recently celebrated our first Language
Friendly School and Cultural Day, organised
by parents and supported by teachers.
This event featured activities in over 22
languages, including reading sessions and
cultural activities, all performed by the
students.

8. A certified language friendly
school
OIS is proud to be part of the Language
Friendly Schools community. Language
Friendly Schools are schools that have
developed a language plan involving all
members of the school. It is a plan that
is adapted to the school’s own needs and
aims at creating an inclusive and language
friendly learning environment. It also allows
for many networking opportunities with
schools around the world, Erasmus projects,
and a Language Friendly School Academy
with paid and free courses on how to be
Language Friendly.
The results of our efforts are evident in
the increased confidence, enhanced social
skills, greater ability to take risks, academic
excellence, and progress through English as
an Additional Language (EAL) frameworks,
such as The Bell Foundation EAL Framework,
or others. Dr Jim Cummins’ research reminds
us of our school’s mission: to empower our
students to excel in their home and additional
languages. It underscores the importance of
nurturing strong proficiency in all languages,
not just English. This goal is achieved through
the regular practice of translanguaging both in
the classroom and at home.
using figurative language and ambitious diversity and allows them to feel that their Optimist International School is a public
adjectives, it only needs to be translated languages are not only welcome, but also an international primary school based in The
for us to see their skill. integral part of the learning process. Netherlands. They have been a Language
Students are encouraged to use their Friendly School for over three years now. If you
preferred language for their work and 6. Teacher training are curious to find out more about how you can
research, utilising various translation tools as OIS invests in teacher training programs incorporate multilingualism into your classroom,
needed. Our specialists also support children led by external experts and our Multilingual just get in touch.
in comparing their languages by drawing Learning Specialists, with the aim of
similarities and differences, a technique which deepening our colleagues’ understanding
helps children gain a deeper understanding of multilingualism and how to effectively Valentina is an educator
of how languages work. Additionally, apply these principles in the classroom. We who is very passionate
students ‘buddy up’ with those speaking the promote a culture of shared learning, fostering about understanding her
same language, allowing for free knowledge collaboration and idea exchange through students’ needs and talents,
exchange. This approach ensures a rich platforms like Padlet. and supporting them to fulfil
supportive environment where language is their true potential. She has
a bridge not a barrier to learning. 7. Parental involvement worked in Greece, UK,
Parents play a vital role in our approach. and The Netherlands, within various roles and
5. Multilingual projects We engage them in pre-teaching basic environments, where she has gained valuable
We design projects aligned with the vocabulary and concepts, where children knowledge and experience. Valentina is currently
curriculum that require students to create take home lists of words, phrases, and a group teacher and Multilingual Learning
content in multiple languages. This approach concepts to discuss in their preferred Specialist at Optimist International School.
deepens their appreciation of linguistic language. This preps the children for class
editorial@elgazette.com 13