at St Matthew's C. E. Primary School

At St Matthew’s School:-  We value the additional skills of bilingual children.  We recognise that learning is more effective when children are encouraged to learn in English and in their home language.  We help children that have recently arrived in this country to learn English by providing extra support.  We support children in continuing to develop their skills in both languages.  We encourage children to continue to learn about their own cultural heritage as well as that of Britain.  We teach children to respect the cultures and traditions of different communities.

If so, here are a few ways in which you can support your child’s learning.

Some general strategies for children of all ages include:  Provide plenty of opportunities for your child to talk to you, explaining their ideas and feelings.  Praise them when you notice they have learnt something new.  Make sure your child hears stories, rhymes and songs in English and their home language.  Tell your child traditional children’s stories in your home language. (Sometimes grandparents are able to help with this.)

 Share nursery rhymes and songs in English and your home language, encouraging your child to join in.  Read picture story books to your child in your home language or in English. Encourage your child to talk about the pictures.  Encourage your child to play games in which they use their imagination e.g. dressing up games, make-believe and role-play.  Talk to your child about what you see when you are out together.  Try to offer simple explanations when your child asks questions.

 Read to your child regularly in your home language or in English. Encourage your child to talk about the story and to ask questions.  Look at your child’s school reading book with them and listen to them read regularly. Encourage them to explain part of the story in your home language.  Play oral word games such as “I spy”.  Encourage your child to remember something e.g. five items on your shopping list.  Play board games with your child.

 Make sure your child brings their school reading book home every day and spends at least 10 to 15 minutes reading.  Listen to your child reading regularly until they become proficient. Discuss the story with them either in English or your home language.  Encourage your child to find out the meaning of new words.  Encourage your child to do word puzzles and play word games.  Ask your child to write something useful for you e.g. shopping lists, recipes, addresses, etc.  Help your child to write letters or s to family members or friends far away.  Encourage your child to read some of their own writing to you and give them plenty of praise.

There are many useful websites on the internet which will help your child to learn English e.g. the British Council website: You may also be able to use the internet to translate English words into your home language and vice versa. I hope you find our suggestions useful. If you have any questions, please let me know. Mrs. Mukherjee (E.A.L. Co-ordinator)