Language Learning and Intercultural Understanding in the Primary School: A Practical and Integrated Approach

Language Learning and Intercultural Understanding in the Primary School shows how to deliver a progressive and holistic embedded language curriculum. It provides guidance on inclusive approaches for students with English as an additional language, including native speakers in the target language as well as language awareness activities that maximise links with learning in English.

Practical and accessible, it contains classroom examples, plans, resources and pedagogical approaches all underpinned by theory, research and practice. Each chapter examines specific themes relating to language, culture, identity and wellbeing, providing rich discussions and a range of perspectives. Case studies ‘bring to life’ the examples provided, and reflection points offer the reader the opportunity to pause and consider an idea, resource, or challenging concept before moving on.

Presenting a lived narrative of shared voices, the authors invite readers to learn about their own cultural and linguistic identities and how these relate to their practice. This is a must-read for teachers, language specialists and school leaders who wish for a clear rationale for the role of language, culture, identity and wellbeing within and beyond the curriculum.

Wendy Cobb is a passionate advocate of holistic language teaching, developed through her experiences of leading a primary-languages teacher-training programme, cross-phase languages initiatives, international partnerships and a research and knowledge exchange project focusing on emotional health in schools.

Virginia Bower has a very strong interest in literacy and language, particularly in relation to pupils learning English as an additional language. She has published books on early literacy, poetry and supporting pupils with EAL, and in 2020 her publication with Routledge, Debates in Primary Education, brought together a range of current and key issues relating to teaching and learning in the primary school.