The teacher may use the following questions and wording or adapt this section to best match the English competence, age and circumstances of the learner. The aim of the initial questions is to relax the learner and to give them an opportunity to share with you some of the things they can say in English.  Many learners will be able to display considerable English acquisition in terms of vocabulary or 'formulaic' items.   Particular sensitivity should be used when requesting personal information. Any part should be discontinued if the learner is unable or unwilling to respond. 

Hello!

How are you?

Come in.

Close the door.

Sit down.

Stand up.

Go to the ………Give me the …….

What’s your name?

How old are you?

Where do you come from?

Which language do you speak at home?

Can you speak English?

Who do you live with?

Have you got any brother or sisters?

Have you been to school?

What do you like doing?

Ask the learner to name common items using these pictures or items available in the classroom.  Remember to WAIT for a response (the EAL learner may respond if you give them just a bit longer).    If the learner appears to be a beginner in English, it is sometimes best to just ask them to name the ones they know.  

Ask the learner to sequence some story cards to make a simple story. Give some initial help if required. Ask the pupil to tell the story and scribe the learner’s words verbatim. A second stage language learner may also be asked to write the story themselves. If the learner is unable to make any attempt to narrate the story, move on to the next section.

Responding to requests for information about a picture

Suggestions are made below but questions should be appropriate to the level of the individual child.

• Picture 1

• Who is this?

• Who is this?

• Picture 2

• What is the man doing?

• What is the boy doing? 

• Picture 3

• Who is riding the donkey?

• Who else can you see?

• Picture 4

• Where is the boy now?

• Where are they going?

• What do you think will happen next?