About ELLA

A culture of language and understanding

Home About ELLA

What is ELLA?

ELLA is an exciting digital language learning program for children in the early years of schooling. A key part of the Australian Government's commitment to supporting language study, ELLA inspires children by driving a genuine interest in a new language and culture.

Children learn one of 13 languages using play-based apps called The Polyglots. (A polyglot is someone who is multilingual.) They use the apps on tablet devices at preschool. The apps were designed with help from language, early childhood and technology experts.

The ELLA apps have been specifically designed to be social and collaborative as part of a play-based preschool and school program. The apps are not available for private home use, however, to encourage engagement with language learning at home, a selection of resources for families is available on the Support for families page.

ELLA helps teachers integrate language and cultural learning from its apps into Australian classrooms by offering training, resources and guidance.

Meet the Polyglots

The apps have a cast of colourful characters – the Polyglots – who introduce children to a new language through digital play. Experiences match young children’s interests, like cooking, art, building, role-play and music. This means that the apps are as engaging as they are educational.

‘It has been one of the best learning experiences of my 25-year teaching career. I am in awe daily of how quickly the children learn and have loved this learning.’

Educator at a preschool using ELLA

Benefits of ELLA

A new language

ELLA is a proven method of language discovery for children. It can also keep them interested in learning a language at school.

Cognitive and social skills

ELLA develops children’s social, thinking and digital skills. It supports their literacy, and can even improve memory and concentration.

Cultural competency

Children learn to respect diversity as they learn about new cultures. ELLA encourages families to share home languages too.

Confident educators

Teachers don't need to have any formal language learning training, as they learn alongside the children. Teachers who have used ELLA report that they are more confident about incorporating languages and technology into their program.

Don't just take our word for it

Evaluation of ELLA 2016 trial

An evaluation of the 2016 ELLA program through a survey of participants and parents
Evaluation of the ELLA apps

Research undertaken by Swinburne University of Technology to assess the educational quality of the ELLA apps

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ELLA in action

Watch a demonstration of the 'Make a cake' learning experience from App 3: The Polyglots at the Birthday Party.

‘‘I took him to a Lebanese restaurant, and he ordered his drink in Arabic (like the character does in the app, I think), and he used Thank you and Bye. And the waiter said his pronunciation was very good. Amazing.’’

Family from a preschool using the ELLA program

Framework

The ELLA apps are based on educational underpinnings from the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Australian Curriculum: Languages (Foundation–Year 2).

Management

Education Services Australia is engaged by the Australian Government Department of Education to develop and manage the ELLA program.