We Are Family!

This chapter begins with a short review of the origins of the English language and the multiple foreign language influences that have contributed to the language's many quirks such as its odd rules and perplexing spelling patterns. In response to challenges arising from perceptions of linguistic and cultural distance in diverse classrooms, the chapter considers creative language investigations that explore similarities and differences between languages as well as pedagogies, such as translanguaging, that support a child's developing sense of identity and place in the world. Language issues that can challenge English as additional language (EAL) learners are considered and illustrated through the context of the history lesson at word, sentence and text level and through a series of reader language challenges and reflections. The chapter ends with an example case study of planning with a focus on meeting the needs of pupils with EAL in history.