Making Texts Talk: Using Annotation in Multilingual Classrooms (Webinar)

Working with texts is an essential part of the curriculum, particularly in more language-dependent subjects such as English Literature and the humanities.   

This webinar for international schools will explore how to adapt teaching of text-based content to support the learning of multilingual pupils by using annotation activities.  

We will share examples of annotation tasks and techniques that will help multilingual learners access texts whilst developing their own language skills. Participants will also be given guidance on how home languages can be used to support text-based tasks. 

Areas of focus will include: 

• What does annotating texts involve and why is it useful? 

• Examples of annotation activities and techniques we can use to enhance learning using texts for both primary and secondary multilingual learners. 

• Practical tips for introducing annotation activities. 

• Exploiting use of home languages when working with texts. 

• Advice on developing independent learning skills. 

Who should register for the webinar:  

• EAL co-ordinators;   

• EAL teachers; 

• Teaching assistants (primary and secondary); 

• Subject teachers (primary and secondary); 

• Classroom teachers. 

Why you should register for this webinar: 

• A greater understanding of why annotating texts is useful and how it can strengthen the learning of multilingual pupils in an international school context. 

• Learn practical strategies of how to adapt text-based tasks for multilingual learners of different ages and proficiency levels. 

• A great opportunity to hear (and share) new ideas for working with texts in your classroom.  

• One-hour intensive session with Q&A.  

• Access to session recording. 

If you have any questions that specifically relate to the webinar topic which you would like answered during the live session, please send them to: webinar@bell-foundation.org.uk. 

If the webinar is full, please complete the wait list form and you will be contacted if a place becomes available. Everyone on the wait list will be sent a copy of the webinar recording.   

Biography:  

 Tom Beakes joined The Bell Foundation in 2020. Tom has worked in language education since 2003 and has taught in China, Japan, Ecuador, and north Africa. His main areas of interest are teaching young learners, international education, and teacher development. He holds an MA in anthropological linguistics and is CELTA and DELTA qualified. He has worked as a teacher trainer in the UK and abroad and is a regular speaker and presenter at EAL events.    

Ticket sales close 27 January 2026 9:00 UK time (UTC+0) 

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Please note: this webinar is for international participants only. Please click here to view our upcoming webinars and online courses for those living and working in the UK. 

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