To English speakers, learning the English language is easy, true? However, it is much more complex than it appears. It involves learning text and discourse, pragmatics, semantics, syntax, lexis, morphology and phonology (Curtin University 2015). Dr Jim Cummins reported that children can acquire Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) relatively quickly, however it can take 5-7 years to achieve Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) utilising more complex components of the language used to “produce and interpret complex texts” (Teach Away Inc., 2012). It is important for educators to understand that although EALD students may seem to pick up the English language quickly, they may have only acquired BICS and as educators the goal would be for CALP to prepare students for the remainder of their education and life …show more content…
The role and contextual influence of religion may vary in children’s lives, making it important for the student and their parents to be involved in educating the teacher and their peers on their beliefs (Teachfind.com, 2006). This will also assist the teacher to incorporate aspects of their values into their learning (Teachfind.com, 2006). Both Blackmore (2010) and Dockett and Perry (2005) believe that families who are actively involved in their child’s education positively influence their child’s academic achievement. This is one way to establish a sense of continuity between the intended curriculum, the enacted curriculum and the lived curriculum (Blaise & Nuttal, 2011) through involving the family in understanding their values to be incorporated into the curriculum. Through involving the student and their families, teachers can gain insight into their student’s values which will assist them when teaching the curriculum, modifying objectives and personalising their