Talking their language with Helen Bodell

About Talking their language with Helen Bodell

Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell | Supporting Multilingual Learners Through Inclusive Education Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast dedicated to supporting educators who work with multilingual learners and children with English as an Additional Language (EAL). Hosted by Helen Bodell from Twinkl EAL, an experienced educator and passionate advocate for inclusive, language-rich classrooms, this podcast explores the ideas, research, and practical strategies that help teachers support children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Each episode features conversations with leading voices in EAL education, multilingualism, language development, inclusion, and teaching practice. Together, Helen and her guests explore how schools can create environments where every learner feels valued, understood, and empowered to succeed. From supporting children who are new to English, developing effective EAL provision, and celebrating home languages, to building stronger connections with families and communities, Talking Their Language provides practical advice and inspiration for educators at every stage of their journey. Whether you are a classroom teacher, EAL Lead, school leader, teaching assistant, trainee teacher, or someone passionate about inclusive education, each episode offers evidence-informed ideas, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you build stronger relationships with your learners. Join Helen as she explores the power of language, identity, and belonging — and discover how we can ensure every child’s voice is heard. Explore our EAL resources: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1f3rwa (https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1f3rwa)

Publisher

Helen Bodell

Category

education · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Nov 2021

Latest episode

26 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

53 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Jul 2026

   Episode 55: Assessment for EAL Learners: Exploring The Bell Foundation’s Framework and Tracker with Katherine Solomon

   Episode 55: Assessment for EAL Learners: Exploring the Bell Foundation Framework and Tracker with Katherine Solomon | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for educators, families, and school communities who are passionate about multilingualism, inclusion, and supporting children who use more than one language. In Episode 55, Helen Bodell is joined by Katherine Solomon from The Bell Foundation to explore assessment for EAL learners and the Bell Foundation EAL Assessment Framework and Tracker. Assessment can be a powerful tool for understanding and supporting multilingual learners, but assessing children who are learning English as an additional language can also present unique challenges. In this episode, Helen and Katherine explore how educators can use assessment to better understand pupils’ language development, identify their strengths and needs, and plan appropriate support. Together, they discuss the Bell Foundation’s framework and tracker, exploring how these tools can help schools take a more structured and informed approach to assessing EAL learners and monitoring their progress over time. In this episode, you'll discover: Why assessment is important for supporting learners with English as an additional language. The challenges educators may face when assessing EAL learners. An introduction to the Bell Foundation EAL Assessment Framework and Tracker. How the framework can help educators understand pupils’ language development. How assessment information can inform teaching, learning, and targeted support. The importance of recognising multilingual learners’ strengths alongside their areas for development. Practical ways schools can use assessment to monitor progress and support inclusion. Effective assessment of EAL learners is about much more than measuring English proficiency. When used thoughtfully, assessment can help educators understand where a learner is in their language development, recognise the progress they are making, and ensure that appropriate support is in place. Whether you teach EAL learners, work in an international or multilingual school, lead inclusion, or are looking for practical approaches to assessing language development, this episode offers valuable insights into how assessment can support both teachers and learners. Meet Katherine Solomon In this episode, Helen is joined by Katherine Solomon, Director of Programmes and Partnerships at The Bell Foundation. Katherine has extensive experience in EAL, teacher education and academic management in the UK and overseas, and holds an MA in Applied Linguistics and ELT. Her professional interests include EAL assessment and working with schools to develop effective and sustainable provision for learners who use EAL. Explore more Twinkl EAL resources Join Twinkl EAL: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3 (https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3) Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t (https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t) Free EAL CPD sessions Book your free online EAL CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299 (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299) If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with educators who are passionate about multilingualism, inclusion, and supporting EAL learners to thrive.

2. 

   26 Jul 2026

   Episode 53: The Role of Families and Communities in International Schools with Maria Dsouza | Supporting Multilingual Learners Through Connection and Collaboration | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

   Episode 53: The Role of Families and Communities in International Schools with Maria Dsouza | Supporting Multilingual Learners Through Connection and Collaboration | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for educators, families, and school communities who are passionate about multilingualism, inclusion, and supporting children who use more than one language. In Episode 53, Helen Bodell is joined by Maria Dsouza to explore the important role that families and communities play in international schools and multilingual learning environments. International schools bring together children and families from a wide range of linguistic, cultural, and educational backgrounds. In this episode, Helen and Maria discuss how schools can build meaningful partnerships with families, create a strong sense of belonging, and ensure that multilingual learners and their communities feel valued and included. Together, they explore how effective communication, cultural understanding, and collaboration between home and school can support children’s academic progress, wellbeing, and identity. In this episode, you'll discover: Why family engagement is essential in international and multilingual schools. How schools can create stronger partnerships with diverse communities. The connection between language, culture, identity, and belonging. Practical ways educators can welcome and support multilingual families. How international schools can celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity. Why communities are a powerful resource in supporting multilingual learners. Families bring a wealth of knowledge, languages, experiences, and cultural perspectives into schools. When educators recognise these strengths and work collaboratively with families, they create learning environments where every child can thrive. Whether you work in an international school, support multilingual learners, lead inclusion, or are interested in global education, this episode offers valuable reflection and practical ideas for strengthening family-school connections. Meet Maria Dsouza In this episode, Maria Dsouza shares her insights and experiences around the importance of family engagement, community connections, and creating inclusive spaces for multilingual learners within international school settings. Explore more Twinkl EAL resources Join Twinkl EAL: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3 (https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3) Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t (https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t) Free EAL CPD sessions Book your free online EAL CPD sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299 (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299) If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with educators and families who are passionate about multilingualism, inclusion, and creating welcoming learning communities.

3. 

   26 Jul 2026

   Episode Fifty-Two - Celebrating Languages, Supporting Families: A Conversation with Sarah Guinon

   Episode Fifty-Two - Celebrating Languages, Supporting Families: A Conversation with Sarah Guinon: How can we better support multilingual families and create communities where every language is valued and celebrated? In this episode, Helen is joined by Sarah Guinon to explore the importance of supporting multilingual families and building inclusive communities. They discuss the experiences of multilingual families, the role of language in identity and belonging, and practical ways educators and communities can create more welcoming and supportive environments for children and their families. A thoughtful conversation packed with ideas and inspiration for anyone passionate about multilingualism, inclusion and celebrating the languages children bring with them. If you would like to sign up to Twinkl EAL please follow this link: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3 (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 (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 (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 15 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

17

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Talking their language with Helen Bodell

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.