Pre-primary English: Managing The Pre-Primary Classroom

To celebrate 100 years of excellence in English Language Teaching (ELT) at Oxford University Press, host Alessia Cogo is joined by Stephen Fahey, Sarah Ultsch and Sara Pierson OBE for a special conversation on the past, present and future of English language teaching.  Together, they reflect on the milestones that have shaped ELT, assess the current health of the industry, and explore what lies ahead for language learning, assessment and educational technology. From learner outcomes and connected learning experiences to AI, trust and human connection, this episode offers a unique publisher perspective on the future of ELT and the lessons learned from 100 Years of excellence in ELT. If you're interested in the future of language learning, assessment, AI in education and the evolving role of teachers, this conversation is for you.  Chapters (00:00:00) - Welcome & Guest Introductions(00:04:27) - – Key Milestones for ELT at Oxford University Press(00:10:37) - – The Importance Of Learning A Second Language(00:12:27) - – How Healthy Is The ELT Industry?(00:17:50) - – Changing Learner Needs & Expectations(00:21:22) - – The Challenges Facing ELT including AI & Technology(00:27:40) - – What Do Future Learning & Assessment Experiences Look Like?(00:36:28) - – Being A Department Of The University Of Oxford(00:40:26) - – Developing Products For Different Markets & Realities

What does trauma-informed teaching actually look like in practice, and why is it relevant to every classroom? In this special episode of Talking ELT, Hayo Reinders and Orsolya Dunn explore how trauma can shape learners’ experiences, relationships and capacity to learn. Drawing on research and their own classroom experiences, they discuss how trauma-informed practice can help teachers and institutions better support all students. The conversation explores how trauma can affect learning and classroom participation, and why psychological safety, learner agency and belonging matter for all learners. It also examines what trauma-informed practice looks like in language education, and how teachers can build more supportive classrooms. Packed with practical insights and thoughtful reflection, this episode offers valuable guidance for ELT teachers, teacher educators, school leaders and anyone interested in creating more inclusive, human-centred learning experiences. Additional Resources If this conversation has sparked your interest, download Hayo Reinders' Oxford University Press focus paper, Supporting Refugees: A Primer for Language Teachers. The paper explores how trauma-informed approaches can support refugee learners and offers practical advice for teachers, schools, and educational organisations - > https://oxelt.gl/4c5Pbat References: Canagarajah, S., & Hensman, C. A. (2026). Post‐Traumatic Growth in the Global South: Possibilities in Relational Ethics from Communities to Classrooms. TESOL Quarterly. Cook, S.R. and Dewaele, J.M. (2026), “I Own My Life Now”: Implications of Trauma Survivors' Language Acquisition for a Pedagogy of Empowerment in TESOL. TESOL J, 60: S26-S52. https://doi.org/10.1002/tesq.70068 González, J. (2025). Trauma-informed methodologies: advancing educator professional learning through international collaboration. Qualitative Research Journal, 25(4), 416-433. Langer, E. J. (2016). The power of mindful learning. Hachette+ ORM. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:02:38) - From Refugee Education to Trauma-Informed Teaching(00:04:59) - What Does Trauma-Informed Teaching Mean?(00:10:48) - The Impact of Trauma on Learning and Language Acquisition(00:16:14) - Understanding Classroom Behaviour Through a Trauma Lens(00:21:22) - How to Create Psychological Safety in the Classroom(00:26:38) - Advert: Supporting Refugees Focus Paper(00:27:45) - Teacher Leadership and Trauma-Informed Schools(00:34:27) - Learner Agency, Belonging and Inclusive Teaching(00:38:08) - Assessment, Feedback and Trauma-Informed Practice(00:52:45) - Practical Trauma-Informed Teaching Strategies

What does digital pedagogy really mean for English language teaching today? In the opening episode of the Talking ELT Digital Pedagogy series, Geoff Stead and Sophia Mavridi explore the foundations of this increasingly important concept. The conversation moves beyond tools to focus on pedagogy, examining how digital technologies reshape the context of teaching while leaving core learning principles intact. As the discussion unfolds, they explore how communication, learner autonomy, and trust are evolving in digital environments. Challenging common assumptions, they highlight how learners are already using technology in thoughtful ways, and what that means for teachers looking to respond with confidence. Download the Digital Pedagogy position paper here -> https://oxelt.gl/4oYLtVg

What does digital pedagogy mean for teachers, and why can it feel so challenging? In this episode, Geoff Stead and Sophia Mavridi turn their attention to the teacher experience, exploring the pressures and uncertainties that come with teaching in a technology-rich environment. They acknowledge the sense of overload many teachers feel and emphasise that uncertainty is a natural part of change. As the discussion develops, they examine how the teacher’s role is evolving, particularly as students gain more autonomy and access to information. They highlight the importance of reflection, experimentation, and collaboration, reinforcing that strong pedagogy remains at the heart of effective teaching. Download the Digital Pedagogy position paper here -> https://oxelt.gl/4oYLtVg

How do you choose the right digital tools for your classroom? In Episode 2, Sophia Mavridi and Geoff Stead focus on what it really means to take a pedagogy-led approach to technology. They challenge the idea that all digital tools automatically improve learning, instead emphasising the importance of starting from clear teaching goals. The conversation also explores how teachers can select and evaluate tools based on student needs, context, and learning outcomes. By combining practical classroom thinking with insights from large-scale digital learning platforms, the message is clear: effective digital pedagogy is not about using more technology, but about making better-informed decisions about how and why to use it. Download the Digital Pedagogy position paper here -> https://oxelt.gl/4oYLtVg

What does the future of language teaching look like, and how should teachers prepare for it? In the final episode, Geoff Stead and Sophia Mavridi explore emerging trends and the future of language education. They reflect on a rapidly changing landscape shaped by new technologies, including advances in AI, alongside growing caution about how and when technology should be used in classrooms. The conversation introduces the idea of “teaching for the future,” encouraging teachers to focus on adaptability, critical thinking, and human connection in a world where tools are becoming more powerful and accessible. Offering practical reassurance, the episode emphasises starting small, staying reflective, and helping learners develop the awareness and skills they need to use technology thoughtfully and effectively. Download the Digital Pedagogy position paper here -> https://oxelt.gl/4oYLtVg

What should we really aim for when teaching English to very young learners? In this episode, Sarah Hillyard and Faidra Faitaki explore how language learning for very young learners differs fundamentally from teaching older learners, and why a traditional focus on vocabulary and grammar is not enough in pre-primary English language teaching. Instead, they highlight the importance of supporting the whole child, where language develops alongside cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Through practical examples, they show how meaningful input, interaction, stories, and everyday experiences create the foundation for early language learning, offering a more realistic and effective framework for pre-primary English. Download the Pre-primary English: how to do it well position paper here -> https://oxelt.gl/4o0mMrn

What are the biggest challenges of teaching English to very young learners, and how can teachers manage them effectively? In this episode, Sarah Hillyard and Faidra Faitaki focus on the realities of the pre-primary classroom, from behaviour and routines to engagement and lesson structure. They explore how clear routines, modelling, and playful interaction help create a supportive learning environment, and how teachers can balance guided input with opportunities for children to take the lead. By emphasising repetition, flexibility, and observation, they explain how young learners begin to take ownership of language and use it with growing confidence. Download the Pre-primary English: how to do it well position paper here -> https://oxelt.gl/4o0mMrn

Why is play central to learning in the early years and what does it really look like in a pre-primary English classroom? In this episode, Sarah Hillyard and Faidra Faitaki explore how play is not simply a classroom activity, but the natural way children explore the world and develop language. They discuss how language learning becomes meaningful when it is embedded in playful experiences such as storytelling, role play, music, and creative activities. Drawing on classroom examples, they explain how play supports not only language development, but also creativity, confidence, and social interaction, making it essential to effective early years learning. Download the Pre-primary English: how to do it well position paper here -> https://oxelt.gl/4o0mMrn

How does pre-primary English connect beyond the classroom? In this final episode, Sarah Hillyard and Faidra Faitaki look at the wider context of early language learning, exploring how teachers collaborate with colleagues, engage with parents, and align English with the broader curriculum. They discuss the importance of supporting both English and children’s first language, addressing common misconceptions about early bilingualism, and helping parents understand the value of play-based learning. The episode highlights how strong connections across teachers, families, and schools are essential for creating meaningful and successful early language learning experiences. Download the Pre-primary English: how to do it well position paper here -> https://oxelt.gl/4o0mMrn