Running A Wonderful COVID-Friendly European Day Of Languages 2020
Why Celebrate The European Day of Languages 2020? The European Day of Languages 2020 on 26th September is an excellent opportunity to promote languages within schools. Not only with Brexit around the corner but also with more pressure on languages in schools and colleges after such a long break during the pandemic. Celebrating the European Day of Languages 2020 is an excellent opportunity for MFL Teachers to show that languages do exist and they are worth celebrating. Previous European Day of Languages Events A few years ago, I was in charge of organising the itinerary and events for this fabulous celebration of languages. I spent ages preparing. because my events…
Excellent French Series & Films For Learners To Binge Watch
I enjoy ‘binge watching’ language series. That includes: French series, TV shows and films and I am always on the look out for new ones to watch. My favourite genres of French film and French series / TV shows include: thriller, horror, certain comedies, as well as romance. Need some French series or films to watch? Keep reading! Although more recommendations for excellent French series & films for students and myself are always welcome! Over the years, I have watched quite a number of French shows on TV, YouTube, Netflix and Prime, as well as on DVD. I recently recommended a couple of French series on my social channels and wanted…
8 Effective & Simple Retrieval Practice Ideas For Your Language Lessons
The Powerful Tool of Retrieval Practice in Language Lessons I am pretty sure that I always use retrieval practice to some extent in my language lessons. Many of you do too, but most probably without knowing what might be called? What is Retrieval Practice? Retrieval practice is a very powerful learning strategy. Rather than continuing to cram students’ brains full of information, retrieval practice is actually the practice of getting knowledge out of a student’s brain. The process or retrieval has been proven to improve language retention. As language teachers, we promote retrieval practice in our lessons to assess learning. Consider: vocab testing, questioning, mini-quizzes, low-stakes testing, ‘brain dumps’, plenaries…
6 Language Settler Activities for The New Normal
Settler and Settling Activities for Language Lessons COVID-19 Style I saw this settler idea on @MorganMFL’s Instagram, as well as on slides and Twitter posts from @Mariade53969789 and @campello_mfl. Thank you all for the settling activities inspiration, all of which is going to help me cope better with running around like a headless chicken this academic year! A bit of background first and the latest language settler activities at the bottom of the post. What Are Settlers and Settling Activities? According to TeachingEnglish: Settlers are activities which are designed to calm students down and settle them into a routine. Basic classroom management and routines are essential to establish as a pre-requisite for…