Parents

Bilingual families come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing they all share is the desire to do the best for their children. This area of the SCILT website is aimed at both parents and practitioners. By working as partners, we are able to ensure better academic success and improved social and emotional development.

EAL and Bilingualism

Bilingualism Matters have produced a range of leaflets informed by current research which advise and guide both parents and practitioners.

 

Speaking two languages can help a child: 

  • maintain links with their family culture and heritage
  • develop stronger academic skills in reading, writing and language learning  
  • enhance cognitive skills such as attention span, problem solving, communication skills and task switching

Practitioners will want to be able to support pupils’ linguistic and cultural heritage whilst also ensuring that their English language skills are developing.

EAL

We recommend that practitioners contact their own Local Authority EAL services in the first instance. However, support, advice and guidance can be found at the following sites:

Bilingualism

Bilingualism Matters, an official Centre at the University of Edinburgh, provides a wealth of information and resources for teachers and parents. Bilingualism Matters is also at the forefront of the latest research on the benefits of bilingualism and language learning - here you can find out about previous research or even volunteer to participate in current studies. 

SCILT, in collaboration with Bilingualism Matters and Glasgow City Council’s EAL Service, ran a series of workshops throughout Scotland to showcase the benefits of bilingualism and practical strategies teachers can use to promote bilingualism in their classrooms. Ideas were offered on how to engage bilingual learners more and support literacy skills across both languages. The presentations from the 'Bilingualism DOES Matter!' workshops are available below:

There is also an array of information about the benefits, challenges and practicalities of supporting bilingual children for parents and teachers at the following sites:

Community groups

The following are links to community groups that allow families who share the same languages and cultures to meet regularly. These groups are not affiliated to or endorsed by SCILT, the Scottish Government nor any Local Authority.

If you would like us to include a link to a group that is not listed above, please contact us.

University of Strathclyde Education Scotland British Council Scotland The Scottish Government
SCILT - Scotlands National centre for Languages