Teaching Online – A Reflection
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21 Amazing Free Websites for Remote Learning in Language Lessons
An amazing list of free websites for modern language lessons which are perfect for remote language lessons and distance learning. I have used them in my French and German GCSE lessons, as well as with my ESL groups. I have found they have really helped with my planning, lessons and feedback giving too. Enjoy! Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments below. 1. Remove.bg – removes the background on images 2. Spiral.ac – best used in live lessons for discussion work. Students don’t need a log in. You just share the link. 3. Teachermade.com – upload any worksheet you already have and it makes it digital for students…
How To Increase Engagement In Language Lessons with Remote Learning
Helping Language Teachers Save Time With Easy To Implement Remote Teaching Ideas, Tips, Tricks and Websites A WORK IN PROGRESS come back soon to get all the great ideas! I recently started teaching from school again in my new role as a German and French language teacher, after a two year break of private language tutoring. During this period of time I had, in my opinion, quite successfully been using technology to teach my private French and German students. I have been an advocate of Flippity for ages and have used Skype, Zoom and MS Teams for the last few years. I hope that these ideas on ‘how to improve remote…
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…
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…
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…
Low-Prep Speaking and Vocabulary Practice Activity for Language Lessons – Taboo
Easy To Play Vocabulary and Speaking Practice Game for the Language Classroom As usual, I am always on the hunt for useful speaking and vocabulary activities for vocabulary and speaking practice! Especially low-prep speaking tasks to help my language learners to develop confidence in speaking. Luckily, I remembered this one recently and have used it with some of my KS3 German students for general speaking practice, as well as for food & drink practice. Taboo is a very low-prep, easy to play vocabulary practice speaking game. The activity is an oldie, but definitely a goodie! This speaking game with a vocabulary focus definitely works better face to face, especially with…
A Novel Way To Present The Coronavirus To Children
Reading – An Important Past-Time When I was a child, I used to love reading. Unfortunately, nowadays, I can’t bring myself to read more than one page of anything that isn’t a teaching related language book. I generally fall asleep after whilst reading the first page. Most probably, because I can’t focus after a long day. Despite this, I think reading is a wonderful past-time. It promotes language, improves vocabulary and develops imagination. Reading is definitely a skill that that should be instilled in children from a young age. Do you read to your children, family members’ children, or friends’ children? I know times are very strange at the moment…
7 Must-Use, Last-Minute Revision Tips for Language Exams
Relax, I’ve got ages until my exams…! Sound familiar? Why Do I Need Last-Minute Revision Tips for Language Exams? See meme! My Last Minute Revision Story As a student taking my French and German GCSE and French and German A-Level exams between 2003-2005, I used to put revision off until the very last minute. More often than not, until the week before my exams. This is when I, rightly so, started panicking. Obviously, as a teacher, I don’t advocate leaving revision until the last minute, as it really should be an ongoing process. However, I know many students who end up in the same situation as I did. Therefore, I’d…
Werden, Wurden or Würden – The Difference
Werden, Wurden or Würden?The Difference Explained As a teacher, I’ve never really been phased by the difference between these three verb forms: werden, wurden and würden. However, sometimes my students are confused and don’t always feel confident in the slight subtleties in pronunciation, conjugation and use. After a bit of thought and research, I’ve created a schema with the aim of helping, as well as a table with each conjugated verb form alongside all subject pronouns. Below, you will also find a .WAV file with how they should sound too, read by a native speaker. How To Pronounce: Werden, Wurden and Würden? Werden, Wurden or Würden Schema – What’s The…
