TIE HoyInternational school language support: how to start following lessons
Separate listening, classroom vocabulary and subject knowledge. Choose one way to ask for help.
What should I do if I cannot follow a lesson?
Start with one task you could not follow.
Check whether the obstacle was the meaning of a spoken instruction, an unfamiliar word or a subject idea.
What should I ask the teacher?
Show the task and the part you understand; ask for help with the exact gap.
Bell’s EAL guidance connects language support with subject learning.
What to do
Take one unclear task to your teacher.
Bring
- The task you were given
- What you understand and where you get stuck
Steps
- Keep the actual task or a short note of the instruction.
- Mark the unclear word, instruction or subject idea.
- Explain what you can already do, in your stronger language if useful.
- Ask “I understand this part. Could you explain this step?” Then try it again.
Basis
UK EAL teaching guidance informs this task; support arrangements come from your own school.
More questions
Can a friend help?
Yes, but check unclear task requirements with the teacher.
More to read
English speaking confidence→maths in English→independent learning at international school→https://www.bell-foundation.org.uk/news/teaching-multilingual-pupils-reflections-on-the-myths/