EAL Update

EAL students across Years 1–6 at BSB Sanlitun are exploring a range of exciting topics designed to develop their English language skills and build confidence in communication. Through engaging activities, interactive games and meaningful discussions, students will continue to strengthen their speaking, listening, reading and writing. Each year group explores a different theme, giving students opportunities to learn new vocabulary, express their ideas and use English in a variety of contexts.

Year 1 is exploring the topic ‘My Town’. The students are learning the names of familiar places in a town, such as the park, school, cinema and hospital. Through fun speaking, listening, reading and writing activities, they practise describing places, asking and answering questions, and using simple sentences to explain where places are and what we can do there and who might work there.

Year 2 is going on a language adventure to the zoo! The students are exploring different animals and their habitats. They will develop their vocabulary by describing animals, comparing their features and discussing their favourite zoo animals. We will also learn why it is important to be kind to animals, treat them with care and respect, and understand that all animals need; food, water, shelter and a safe environment.

Year 3 is exploring the topic of picnics. They will practise discussing what to bring, expressing preferences and explaining their choices. They will also practise using “some” and “any” correctly when talking about food and drinks, for example, “We have some sandwiches” and “We don’t have any apple juice.” Year 3 will develop their understanding of these grammar rules while practising asking and answering questions, expressing preferences and describing what they need for the perfect picnic.

Year 4 is exploring museums and discovering how they help us learn about the past. They will discuss how museums preserve history and help us understand how people lived in different times. This topic will encourage students to think like historians while developing their English language skills and curiosity about the world around them. The students created timelines about themselves.

Years 5 and 6 are exploring the topic of natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions. The students are developing subject-specific vocabulary while discussing the causes and effects of these events and how communities can prepare for them. The students will practise explaining processes, discussing consequences and expressing ideas using more complex sentences and appropriate linking words

It has been wonderful to see students developing their language skills and growing in confidence as they share their ideas and learn together. We encourage families to continue supporting their children's learning at home by discussing our weekly topics, practising new vocabulary and encouraging conversations in English whenever possible. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another week of exciting learning in EAL!

By Elizabeth Ignoffo

EAL Teacher