This webinar is specially designed for primary teachers who
are supporting EAL learners. It outlines the five stages of English language
acquisition and equips participants with identifying and supporting EAL
learning at each stage. Many evidence-informed strategies are unpacked for the
benefit of EAL learners at varying stages of their English language learning
journey. Whole-school strategies are also shared to ensure that participant
teachers can engage collectively with webinar implementation post-engagement.
The webinar will conclude with an opportunity for questions and answers.
- List the five stages of English language acquisition
- Recall the characteristics of the five stages of English language acquisition
- Identify strategies that are appropriate to EAL support according to each stage of English language acquisition
- Acquire a broad range of whole-school strategies for EAL support
Support Materials / Resources
- 5-minutes Q & A following each webinar
- Shared Google Drive with Handouts
Dr. Aoife Merrins-Gallagher
Aoife is a primary school teacher with experience in both mainstream and support positions since 2013. Her recent doctoral research, funded by the DCU-INTO150 PhD scholarship, designed, developed and delivered an English-Irish oral narrative programme for nine linguistically diverse infant classrooms (Tell-a-Tale | Inis Scéal). Aoife has lectured in DCU and MU, and frequently facilitates webinars through Education Centres. She has authored and delivered DE approved face-to-face and online EAL summer courses since 2021. Aoife is a member of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation, Mother Tongues Ireland, and Children’s Research Network. Her experiences as a teacher, lecturer and researcher can demystify the world of EAL for webinar attendees.