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Supporting your English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) child

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Parents play a very important role in supporting student learning. Studies consistently show that students perform better in school if their parents are involved in their education. You need not be proficient in English to help and support your child in school.

Helping my child to learn English

As parents, you are strongly encouraged to support your child to learn English by:

  • reading to your child on a regular basis in the home language and/or English
  • encouraging your child to develop and maintain active use of your home language
  • becoming familiar with the Australian Curriculum External link and what your child is expected to learn at school
  • involving your child in talking about their school experiences
  • speaking with your child's teacher or appropriate staff member whenever you have question or concerns about the learning program or your child's progress
  • attending parent-teacher interviews.

When visiting your child's school, you can make an appointment to speak to teachers by contacting your school's front office. If English is not your first language and you feel more comfortable speaking in your own language, you can ask a family member or friend to accompany you to school and help you communicate with school staff. Alternatively, you can ask the school for an interpreter through the Translating and Interpreting Service External link. This service is provided free of charge.

For further information on supporting your EAL/D child, in a variety of languages, is available at:

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Last updated 02 October 2018