Children integration through language learning in the SOFT project in different countries

The paper presents the results of the SOFT project aiming at improving immigrant and autochthone children’s language competences, integrative needs in multi-ethnic educational contexts. Migratory flows towards European countries determine the need of providing adults and children with positive social, cultural and educational tools for mutual integration. SOFT tested an intervention addressed to preschools and primary schools in five European countries within inclusive classrooms having relevant percentages of immigrant children. The programme included the application of a language teaching model (the Narrative Format) and the implementation of home-school activities involving parents, teachers and children. The effects of this implementation have been investigated by means of different perspectives and methodological tools (interview, questionnaire, observation and test) and have shown changes in children’s language mastery, in adults’ representations and attitudes towards multilingualism and multiculturalism at school and at home. The outcomes offer keys for connecting children, parents, teachers, policy makers and educators.