Creating Welcoming Learning Environments: Using Creative Arts Methods in Language Classrooms

In a world where migration is a daily reality, the ways in which affirming educational experiences can be provided for all children remain high on the agendas of schools, colleges and teachers. This book provides practical ideas for how children, young people and parents can feel welcomed and affirmed in their multilingual identities and all learners can feel intrigued and excited by the linguistic diversity of the world’s people. The book will be an invaluable resource for educational practitioners, researchers, trainee teachers, teacher educators and all who are passionate about bringing together creative arts approaches with language learning and teaching. By blending academic theory with tried-and-tested classroom practice the authors will inspire readers to adapt the featured activities for their own contexts and learners.

Jane Andrews is Associate Professor of Education at the University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. Her research focuses on multilingualism and learning and parental involvement in learning. She is a trained secondary school teacher specialising in EAL.

Maryam Almohammad is a Teaching Fellow in Language Education in the Institute for Language Education, the Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, UK. Maryam has experience in creative collaboration and art-based methodology and has worked with academics,  artists, and teachers to enhance multilingual and intercultural environments for children and young people in schools. She also has an interest in working with teachers and students in conflict zones.