English as an additional language (EAL) for Early Years

Everyday situations can raise issues relating to cultural difference. An awareness of differences in values, attitudes and beliefs can reduce the possibility of misunderstandings arising. However, it is also important to be aware that families will vary in how strictly they observe the customs of their culture and religion.

• The family may not have prior experience of early years settings either in the UK or elsewhere
• Some children have access to several languages at home, which may or may not include English
• In different cultures the family name may be given first or children may have a religious title in addition to a personal name
• Attitudes to punctuality and attendance may vary greatly from one culture to another
• There may be a dress code that children have to adhere to
• Some children prefer to avoid physical contact, for example in some cultures some children may feel uncomfortable about having their heads touched, as the head is considered sacred
• Some Asian families may not want to have any contact with animals
• Some cultures and religions forbid certain foods eg pork is forbidden within Jewish culture, Muslin families may prefer their children to choose the halal option. Please take care with hidden food ingredients eg gelatin in yoghurts, desserts or sweets.
• Some families observe dietary customs more than others, eg some Christians abstain from eating certain foods at certain times, eg meat during Lent
• Some children are only used to eating with their fingers and may not be accustomed to knives, forks and spoons
• Sometimes children avoid eye contact as a mark of respect for those in authority, this is often the case with Chinese and Thai pupils
• Some children are used to speaking only to offer a correct answer and need encouragement to make a guess or have a discussion
• A smile is a gesture of respect in some cultures, so children may nod and smile to please you - it does not necessarily mean that they understand.
• Sometimes children are overwhelmed by the freedom and range of exciting activities - they may not understand the boundaries of behaviour and co-operation
• Children are likely to become tired quickly - it is exhausting being surrounded by an unfamiliar language