SMILE Project
SMILE (Supporting Multilingual and Intercultural Learning in the Early Years) is a community‑based project developed in Limerick and Clare to support young multilingual children, their families, and Early Years educators.
A Doras, UL, and LCETB partnership project funded by SOLAS (Adult Literacy for Life 2025)
SMILE (Supporting Multilingual and Intercultural Learning in the Early Years) is a community‑based project developed in Limerick and Clare to support young multilingual children, their families, and Early Years educators. The project responds to the growing linguistic diversity in Ireland and the need for simple, research‑informed tools that help children learn and use more than one language confidently.
The project was co‑created with parents, Early Years educators, and community partners to ensure that all materials are practical, culturally responsive, and easy to use every day.
“Home languages nurture identity, confidence, and belonging.”
Ireland’s Early Years settings are increasingly multilingual. Many families face barriers such as:
- Limited access to books or materials in their home language
- Low literacy in English or in their first language
- Persistent myths about multilingualism
- Educators feeling underprepared to support home languages
Research shows that maintaining a child’s home language supports identity, emotional well‑being, and learning in English. SMILE helps families and educators work together to create environments where every child’s language and culture are valued.
“Multiple languages do not confuse children… Mixing languages is normal.”
The project used a participatory, community‑engaged approach:
Literature Review
Mapped national and international research on multilingual development and intercultural practice.
World Cafe with Parents
Parents discussed their experiences, concerns, and strategies for supporting home languages.
“I feel that my child faces some difficulties… because he doesn’t understand all of what’s being said to him.”
Focus Groups with Early Years Educators
Educators shared practical needs, challenges, and ideas for supporting multilingual children.
“Having just a few basic words initially is very helpful for both staff and children.”
Co-Designed Resources
Parents and educators shaped the final materials to ensure cultural relevance and everyday usability.
Across parents and educators, several key themes emerged:
- Pride in Home Language and Culture
Children thrive when their languages and cultural identities are valued.
- Multilingualism Does Not Cause Confusion
Children naturally learn and use more than one language.
- Language Mixing is Normal
Code‑switching shows creativity and understanding.
- Silent Periods are Part of Learning
Children often listen and observe before speaking a new language.
- Parents are the Best Language Models
Families play a central role in maintaining home languages.
These findings shaped the SMILE resources and training materials.
The project produced a suite of free, accessible, literacy‑friendly materials for families and Early Years educators.
SMILE Book
A research‑informed guide explaining multilingual development, myths and truths, and practical strategies for home and Early Years settings.
Family Leaflets
Short, visual leaflets for parents on:
- Language and culture
- Community connection
- Child‑led language learning
“Letting the child lead helps them stay interested and learn new words naturally.”
Download Family Leaflet (English)
Download Family Leaflet (Arabic)
Download Family Leaflet (French)
Download Family Leaflet (Urdu)
Posters for Educators
Based on Aistear themes, offering simple multilingual and intercultural learning ideas for:
- Well-being
- Identity and belonging
- Communicating
- Exploring and thinking
Myths and Truths Poster
Clear explanations addressing common misconceptions about multilingualism.
Download Myths & Truths Poster
SMILE Video in other languages
Arabic | SMILE Project animation | Doras
For more information about SMILE or to request printed materials, contact:
Dr. Hadjer Hammadi: h.hammadi@doras.org
Dr. Aoife Gallagher: aoife.gallagher@ul.ie
SMILE is a collaboration between:
- Doras
- University of Limerick (UL)
- Limerick & Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB)
- Limerick City Partnership
Funded by SOLAS under the Adult Literacy for Life strategy.
