In January, the Elliot Foundation held a Conference at Ramnoth Junior School in Wisbech on the Topic of ‘Getting Reading Right’. Andy Harvey, from Hounslow Language Service , provided workshops which focused on ‘Developing Reading for EAL Beginners’. He introduced the importance of recognising that both background knowledge and an understanding of the language system are key to getting meaning from texts.
He stressed the need to provide a rich contextual background, building on previous knowledge, using visuals, artifacts, displays and previous vocabulary. Participants were enthused by the range of practical activities and ideas and the very useful HLS Model KS1 scheme of work.