Helpful Last Language Lesson Ideas for Tired Teachers At Christmas
Fun and Low-Prep French, ESL, German and Spanish Language Lesson Ideas for Tired Teachers in the Lead Up To Christmas At this festive time of year, language teachers count down the days until the end of such as long term. To put it plainly, we are tired! In the same vein, ESL, French, German and Spanish students are also on the countdown to the Christmas holidays. However, my students look forward to an exciting last language lesson before the Christmas break. They enjoy cultural activities, fun Christmas themed activities in the target language, as well as craft based ideas. Below are last language activities that I have used in the…
Competitive Word Game To Practise Topic Vocabulary in Language Classrooms
Fast-Paced ‘Chain Game’ Vocabulary Practice Activity for All Language Lessons Have you ever played that word game on a long car journey where you pick a topic and everyone takes a turn to say a word that starts with the last letter of the previous word? It keeps going until there’s a winner who always takes their turn? The topic-based vocabulary game can get quite competitive and it works something like this: Topic: COUNTRIESPerson A: LatviaPerson B: AustriaPerson C: Armeniaetc repeat OR Topic: FOOD ITEMSPerson A: HamburgerPerson B: Red PepperPerson C: Rollmopsetc repeat etc? Whether you have played it or not, it’s a great vocabulary practice idea for language lessons!…
How To Learn Vocabulary & Boost Students’ Confidence in Language Lessons
Help Students To Learn Vocabulary in Language Lessons Without Them Knowing! When I get a new French or German GCSE tutee or a group of GCSE language students, we do a quick diagnostic. I ask the students to select two areas that they feel they need help with and why. This includes: vocabulary in language lessons, speaking, reading, writing, listening, grammar and translation. Although it varies, generally, the two main areas for concern for my language students are: VocabularyFeeling overwhelmed at the level of vocabulary they are required to know. Especially for communication, understanding and exams, as well as lack of exposure and practice. ConfidenceConfidence issues when speaking, listening and…
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…
20+ Valuable Teacher and COVID-19 Friendly Activities For Language Lessons
Teacher, Student and COVID-19 Friendly Low-Prep Activities and Ideas for Language Classrooms This post includes: Current government curriculum expectations General school and government safety guidelines 20+ COVID-19 friendly activities for language classrooms in the era of ‘the new normal’ DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional and can’t guarantee these ideas are 100% COVID-19 friendly, nor that they will stop the spread of COVID-19. However, I have considered the information from schools, the government and used some of my common sense. I hope you find them useful for your educational settings. If there are any ideas you can’t use in your language lessons, feel free to disregard them. If you’re…
Quiz Quiz Trade – Fun Vocabulary Building Activity for Language Lessons
Background into Vocabulary Building British Linguist, David Crystal states: Vocabulary is a matter of word-building, as well as word use. I totally agree with him. You have to learn vocabulary, but physically use it too. That’s why Quiz Quiz Trade is an effective vocabulary building activity for language lessons. Not only does it combine vocabulary building, it promotes understanding, as well as meaningful interaction between people. That’s what language learning is about right, communication and interaction between people? Many language teaching professionals advise not to teach vocabulary in isolation. Whilst, I agree with this theory to some extent, according to the National Reading Panel (2000), one principle of effective vocabulary…
Fun KS3 French & German Summer School Sessions in July & August
This July and August, get your children feeling language confident by enrolling them in our fun & interactive French or German Summer School sessions for KS3 students. ☑ Our language classes are tailored to students traditionally in year 7, year 8 and year 9.☑ Your children are taught in small groups and meet at least 3 times a week to maximise learning.☑ Children will be taught by our friendly, highly qualified and experienced language tutor.☑ The sessions will cover the topics and themes in the National Secondary Level French and/or German Curriculum. Which language will your children learn this summer? French or German?! Read on to find out more details…
7 German News Sites All German Students Should Read
News Websites for German Learners Learning a language is tough. There’s no point in sugar coating it. However, there are lots of tips and tricks that can make learning German easier. Reading the news of German news sites is definitely one of them. Articles are rich in the most current vocabulary. They also give students a valuable insight into the culture of the countries where the language they speak is spoken. Research shows that reading develops a broader vocabulary, increased general knowledge and a better understanding of other cultures. Thus, reading articles on German news websites will help German learners to develop their range of vocabulary and improve their knowledge…
GCSE German Social Networks & Daily Technology Listening Lesson
GCSE German Social Media Listening Lesson Revision and Practice I needed a social networks and technology listening lesson for my GCSE German students whilst on lock-down. However, I couldn’t find any suitable resources. Ideally, I was looking for listening practice materials covering the themes of different social networks. For example, Facebook, Whats App, Instagram and YouTube. Since I couldn’t find any suitable social media audio clips for German intermediate level students, I created my own! This GCSE German Social Media and Technology in Every Day Life listening lesson is perfect for independent work! So, complete this GCSE social networks and technology listening lesson practice as homework, revision, distance learning work…
Family and Relationships GCSE German Listening Lesson Practice
My Family & Relationships German Listening Lesson for Practice and Revision If you are a GCSE German student, an intermediate German level learner or German teacher looking for some authentic German listening practice on the topic of ‘meine Familie’, then you are in the right place. My authentic family & relationships German listening practice lesson comes with a native-speaker read audio clip, as well as activities for students. What is included in this ‘Meine Familie’ Listening Practice Lesson? This lower-intermediate to intermediate level German listening lesson includes a 340-word transcript, verbatim MP3 audio file. You will also find 5 student-focused activities included. These five tasks assess the students’ listening comprehension,…
