Languages without limits – inclusion

The content of this page is reproduced / adapted from the Languages without Limits website created by Hilary McColl – the SCDE Languages Group is very grateful for her kind permission to reproduce the materials and resources here.

Language learning and teaching is for learners of all abilities

Introduction

All children are citizens of a plurilingual world. Our classrooms are increasingly diverse and include children (and teachers) who come with different language and cultural ‘backpacks’. Providing all children and young learners with an opportunity to explore different languages and cultures will help develop their intercultural understanding as well as help children and young learners become aware of their own language(s) and support literacy development in the language of schooling.

In this article Hilary McColl discusses the benefits of providing opportunities for all learners including those with additional support needs. Learners with additional support needs can benefit from exposure to additional languages and the associated cultural practices, showing that language learning and teaching does not have any limits.