Talking their language with Helen Bodell

Helen Bodell
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Welcome to Talking Their Language, the podcast that bridges the gap between educators and the diverse students they teach. Hosted by Helen Bodell from Twinkl EAL, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for inclusive multilingual learning, this show is dedicated to exploring innovative teaching strategies, effective communication techniques, and culturally responsive practices that resonate with every learner. Join Helen as she engages with expert guests, shares inspiring stories, and offers practical tips to help educators create meaningful connections with their students. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting out, each episode is packed with insights that will empower you to foster a more inclusive and effective classroom environment. Tune in to Talking Their Language and discover how to make every voice heard in your educational journey! Explore our EAL resources: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1f3rwa

  1. May 14

    Episode Forty-Nine - Beyond Ofsted: Multilingual Learners and Inclusion with Soofia Amin

    Episode Forty-Nine - Beyond Ofsted: Multilingual Learners and Inclusion with Soofia Amin: In this episode of Talking Their Language, Helen Bodell is joined by Soofia Amin for an insightful conversation exploring the relationship between Ofsted and EAL provision in schools. Together, they discuss what effective support for multilingual learners really looks like, how schools can create genuinely inclusive environments, and what inspectors may be looking for when evaluating provision for pupils with English as an Additional Language. Packed with practical insight, professional reflection and a shared passion for equity in education, this episode offers valuable guidance for school leaders, teachers and anyone committed to improving outcomes for EAL learners. If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3 All of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t Book free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

    Episode Forty-Nine - Beyond Ofsted: Multilingual Learners and Inclusion with Soofia Amin

  2. Apr 27

    Episode Forty-Eight - Embracing Multilingualism as an Asset with Natasha Viñales

    Episode Forty-Eight - Embracing Multilingualism as an Asset with Natasha Viñales: In this episode, we sit down with Natasha Vinales, an advocate for multilingual education and equity, to explore the transformative power of multilingualism in today’s globalised world. Drawing insights from her article "Multilingualism is Not Support for Some, It is Pedagogy for All", Natasha challenges the traditional view of multilingualism as a mere "support" for non-native speakers and instead presents it as an educational asset for every learner. Through this conversation, we unpack how multilingualism can enhance cognitive abilities, foster empathy, and create a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment. Natasha makes a compelling case for why schools should view multilingualism as an opportunity, not just a challenge, and how it can enrich classroom practices for all students not just those who speak multiple languages at home. Tune in as we discuss strategies for incorporating multilingualism into mainstream pedagogy, the benefits of bilingual and multilingual students, and the importance of rethinking language education in schools. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or someone passionate about linguistic diversity, this episode will offer valuable insights into how multilingualism can strengthen communities and elevate learning for everyone. If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3 All of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t Book free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299 Read the article - Multilingualism Is Not Support for Some; It Is Pedagogy for All: https://www.tieonline.com/article/7944/multilingualism-is-not-support-for-some-it-is-pedagogy-for-all

    Episode Forty-Eight - Embracing Multilingualism as an Asset with Natasha Viñales

  3. Mar 2

    Episode Forty-Seven - In Conversation with NALDIC: Championing Multilingualism

    Episode Forty-Seven - In Conversation with NALDIC: Championing Multilingualism: In this episode, I’m joined by Christina Richardson, Chair of NALDIC, and Tracey Costley, Vice Chair of NALDIC. NALDIC (National Association for Language Development in the Curriculum) is the UK’s leading subject association for English as an Additional Language (EAL). The organisation supports educators working with multilingual learners across all phases of education, promotes research-informed practice, influences national policy, and advocates for high-quality provision for children and young people who use English as an additional language. In our conversation, we explore the implications of the new Ofsted framework and current curriculum reviews, reflecting on what these changes mean for multilingual learners and those who teach them. We discuss multilingualism in today’s educational landscape, including both the opportunities and challenges facing schools, and consider how NALDIC continues to champion inclusive, evidence-informed approaches. Christina and Tracey also share what NALDIC is doing this year to support multilingual educators and learners - from professional development and research initiatives to strengthened advocacy and community-building across the sector. Finally, we talk about the exciting new partnership between NALDIC and Twinkl EAL. We discuss what this collaboration means in practice: expanding access to high-quality EAL resources, amplifying research-informed classroom strategies, and creating greater support for educators working with multilingual learners across the UK and beyond.

    Episode Forty-Seven - In Conversation with NALDIC: Championing Multilingualism

  4. Mar 2

    Episode Forty-Six - Understanding the Silent Period in Multilingual Classrooms with Adrienn Szlapak

    Episode Forty-Six - Understanding the Silent Period in Multilingual Classrooms with Adrienn Szlapak: In this episode, we speak with Adri about the silent period in EAL - what it is, why it’s a natural and typical part of language acquisition, and why there is still not enough high-quality CPD available to help educators understand and support it effectively. Adri shares practical insights to help schools reframe silence not as a concern, but as a crucial stage in the language-learning journey. Adri is an experienced EAL/ESL specialist and academic manager. Once an EAL learner herself, she draws on her lived experience and deep commitment to plurilingual education in her role as Elementary EAL Leader at St Joseph's Institution International School Malaysia. Passionate about professional learning, Adri regularly attends and presents at international conferences. She serves on the IATEFL YLTSIG committee as Blog Editor, leads the Primary EAL Network for the Association of International Malaysian Schools, and runs her own blog at www.EALDiaries.com. If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3 All of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t Book free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

    Episode Forty-Six - Understanding the Silent Period in Multilingual Classrooms with Adrienn Szlapak

  5. Mar 2

    Episode Forty-Five - SALT Meets EAL: Practical Language Insights with Ella McKenzie

    Episode Forty-Five - SALT Meets EAL: Practical Language Insights with Ella McKenzie: Ella is a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and the Speech and Language Therapy Educational Content Lead at Twinkl, with experience supporting communication across early years, clinic, specialist provision, and mainstream school settings. Ella has worked closely with educators, families, and multidisciplinary teams to create inclusive environments that enable every learner to communicate with confidence. Her areas of interest include early language development, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), and the use of total communication approaches; supporting individuals to understand and express themselves through speech, signs, symbols, and visuals. Ella has led whole-school communication initiatives, delivered staff training, and contributed to SEND strategy and EHCP planning to ensure communication is embedded at every level of school life. In her role at Twinkl, Ella focuses on designing evidence-based, practical resources that make communication support accessible and achievable for all educators. She is passionate about bridging the gap between therapy and classroom practice, empowering educators to build communication-friendly environments to support every learner.  In this episode we discuss SALT and EAL strategies to support language acquisition. You can find all of our SALT Twinkl resources here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/inclusion-teaching-resources/speech-language-and-communication-areas-of-need-primary-send-inclusion-teaching-resources If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3 All of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t Book free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

    Episode Forty-Five - SALT Meets EAL: Practical Language Insights with Ella McKenzie

  6. 09/24/2025

    Episode Forty-Four - Inclusive Reading for Multilingual Classrooms with Twinkl Originals

    Episode Forty-Four – Inclusive Reading for Multilingual Classrooms with the Twinkl Originals Team: In this episode, we sit down with the Twinkl Originals team - a talented group of teachers, illustrators, and designers passionate about creating inclusive children’s books. Together, they share how Twinkl Originals stories are designed to give every child, including multilingual learners, easy access to a huge library of engaging reading experiences. We explore how inclusive storytelling can support EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners, open doors to reading confidence, and celebrate diversity in the classroom. Whether read as eBooks, enjoyed on the Twinkl app, or brought to life in print, Twinkl Originals books are crafted to spark curiosity and make reading accessible for all. Tune in to discover practical insights, creative inspiration, and the power of stories to connect children across languages and cultures. Discover our Originals Landing page: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/twinkl-originals Download our App: Twinkl Originals App Find Twinkl Original Printed Books here: https://shop.twinkl.co.uk/collections/twinkl-originals Discover our eBooks with audio: Twinkl Originals - Picture Books eBooks with Audio Find our Animations here: Twinkl Originals Animated Stories, Originals: First Words, Leap into Chapters

    Episode Forty-Four - Inclusive Reading for Multilingual Classrooms with Twinkl Originals

  7. 08/21/2025

    Episode Forty-Three - Building Language through Phonics with Anna Bejshovcova

    Episode Forty-Three - Building Language through Phonics with Anna Bejshovcova: In Episode 43, Building Language through Phonics, Anna Bejshovcova joins us to explore how phonics can be a powerful tool for developing both reading skills and wider language acquisition in EAL learners. Anna shares practical strategies for integrating phonics into everyday teaching, highlights common challenges, and offers tips on making phonics instruction accessible, engaging, and supportive for multilingual classrooms. This episode is packed with insights for educators looking to strengthen literacy and language outcomes through effective phonics practice. To support your phonics instruction, consider the Twinkl Phonics programme. This DfE-validated, fully comprehensive, systematic synthetic phonics teaching programme is designed for children from nursery up to Year 2. Delivered through the stories and adventures of Kit, Sam, and the Twinkl Phonics family, the scheme builds and develops the skills and understanding children need to become effective and independent readers and writers. Explore the Twinkl Phonics programme here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/twinkl-phonics/level-2-twinkl-phonics

    Episode Forty-Three - Building Language through Phonics with Anna Bejshovcova

  8. 04/15/2025

    Episode Forty-Two - Empowering Educators: Collaboration for Multilingual Learners with Exceptionalities with Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld & Dr. Audrey Cohan

    Episode Forty-Two: Empowering Educators: Collaboration for Multilingual Learners with Exceptionalities with Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld & Dr. Audrey Cohan In this episode, we dive into a rich conversation about language learners and the groundbreaking insights from their latest book, ‘Collaboration for Multilingual Learners With Exceptionalities’. Andrea Honigsfeld, EdD, is professor in the School of Education and Human Services at Molloy University, Rockville Centre, New York, where she teaches graduate courses related to cultural and linguistic diversity and TESOL methodology. She frequently offers professional learning opportunities, primarily focusing on effective content and language integration strategies and collaborative practices for ELD and bilingual/dual language specialists and general-education teachers. She coauthored over 60 articles and chapters and coauthored or coedited over 30 books, 11 of which are national bestsellers. Find out more about Andrea here. Dr. Audrey Cohan is the Senior Dean for Research, Scholarship, and Graduate Studies at Molloy University, Rockville Centre, New York. She has been at Molloy University for thirty years during which time she served as Professor, Chairperson of the Education Department, and Interim Dean for the Division of Natural Sciences. Dr. Cohan has taught in the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. She began her career as a special education teacher in New York City working with students with special needs in both self-contained and resource room settings. In 2015, she earned TESOL certification and began focusing on multilingual learners with exceptionalities. She has co-authored and co-edited 13 books and multiple journal articles! In this episode Dr. Cohan and Dr. Honigsfeld share valuable models, strategies, and real-life stories that empower educators in supporting these students. It was an enlightening discussion, and I am so grateful to both of them for their time, expertise, and passion for this important topic! Key research links and Language Magazine Articles:  Read the Needs are Special article hereRead the Collaboration is key article hereVisit the Companion WebsiteBuy the book hereIf you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3 You can download our FREE EAL Membership Guide here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gldlo All of our Twinkl EAL resources can be found by clicking here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t Book free tickets for our online CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

    Episode Forty-Two - Empowering Educators: Collaboration for Multilingual Learners with Exceptionalities with Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld & Dr. Audrey Cohan
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About

Welcome to Talking Their Language, the podcast that bridges the gap between educators and the diverse students they teach. Hosted by Helen Bodell from Twinkl EAL, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for inclusive multilingual learning, this show is dedicated to exploring innovative teaching strategies, effective communication techniques, and culturally responsive practices that resonate with every learner. Join Helen as she engages with expert guests, shares inspiring stories, and offers practical tips to help educators create meaningful connections with their students. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting out, each episode is packed with insights that will empower you to foster a more inclusive and effective classroom environment. Tune in to Talking Their Language and discover how to make every voice heard in your educational journey! Explore our EAL resources: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1f3rwa

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