Welcome to the Welcome to the EAL Department!EAL Department!Welcome to the Welcome to the EAL Department!EAL Department!

AIS Elementary Open House AIS Elementary Open House 20112011

What is EAL?

• An English language class designed to meet the specific needs of your child.

GRADES 1-3Student Challenges

• Comprehension• Afraid to ask

questions or make mistakes.

• Feelings of frustration

GRADES 4 & 5Student Challenges

• High level of content and concepts

• High level of English among peers

• More frustration• Shy about asking for

clarification and help• Afraid to take risks

or make mistakes

Students’ Strengths• Motivation• Support from classmates

and teachers.• Exposure to English• Opportunities to practice • Skills in their first

language• They have your help at

home AND…• They have EAL classes!

The AIS EAL Programme

• Small classes of less than 10 students

• 45-minute per day, 3 or 4 days per week

• A variety of in class and pull out support

• Many opportunities for practice

4 BASIC AREAS OF LANGUAGE USE

• Listening Speaking• Reading Writing

In the classroom• Variety of motivating classroom activities which

include:

– PHONICS

– READING and WRITING ACTIVITIESMaking pictures and books

– TALKING, LISTENING, TALKING, LISTENINGSongs and chants

– BUILDING SKILLS & STRATEGIES FOR LEARNING ON THEIR OWN

Games

MISTAKES ARE GOOD!

• We learn best when – we are self-confident– take risks– practice – we can help ourselves

and others – to hear and correct

mistakes.

ASSESSMENT

Formal and informalassessment is on-going

Purpose- to monitor languagedevelopment andstrengthen students’skills.

COMMUNICATION

• EAL Trimester Reports– 2 x per year

• Parent-Teacher Conferences– 2 x per year

• Call or e-mail to set up an appointment

• 03-543-9300– jfewtrell@ais-antwerp.be – pbrenni@ais-antwerp.be

LENGTH OF PROGRAMME

Usually a minimum of 2 years for beginners

• BEFORE EXITING, we consider:– The next school year's curriculum– The student's self-confidence and

motivation– The student’s writing and reading skills

PARENTS’ HELP• Continue to develop first

language skills• Encourage friendships

and play dates with children who speak English

• Provide opportunities to hear English being spoken via movies and television

• Share books in English, possible sources- school library, AIS book fair, amazon.co.uk