First up - @chrisfullerisms was full of ideas to put the onus back onto the pupil to find the words - dual-language texts, running dictation to name a few, but what really struck me was a passing comment to make sure that you really work on the constructions used in the task, and help the pupils get as much out of it as possible, and I thought - yep! That's why that lesson I did last week didn't work. This really struck a chord with me. We spend a long time sometimes making resources, but it's a crime not to use them from every angle so that the pupils really get the most out of them.
I want to spend most of this post reporting on some of the ways to use FLAME - a project being run by ALL to encourage cross-curricular learning in the foreign language. The potential here for cultural awareness is huge, and Suzi Bewell (@suzibewell) highlighted some fantastic examples, many from her PGCE students at York. Here is a linklink to the key websites discussed below from Suzi's blog
Science and MFL - using MFL to re-visit concepts already learnt in science, e.g. the weather. I do a mini-project with my Y9 pupils on "The eco-house of the future", however although the boys had fun doing it last year, I was left feeling dissatisfied last year, as I felt I'd missed an opportunity to get the boys to think more deeply about the science. This year, I'm going to get the physics dept to judge the ideas.
Drama and MFL - one school had linked up with the theatre in York, and had run a PET project with funding. I don't know how the funding is in current climate, but using drama specialists is no doubt a powerful tool, thinking again about confidence with speaking. Suzi also reminded us that we don't have to reinvent the wheel - there are lots of scripts for fairytales (e.g. Aschenputtel) on the TES, for example.
Languages are, I'm glad to say, inextricably linked to food, and the culture of the country. What better than a Great MFL Bake Off using recipes from TL countries? Routes into Languages NE have put this together. YUM!
History and MFL I was also struck by the work done with QR codes to help museums put together a tour for partner schools who visit from abroad. What a fabulous idea! I already have my own rather battered version I get out for the partner school visit, but this is a way to really get the pupils involved in it.
Finally - insights into the lives of others around the world. Why not make more of Fairtrade Fortnight and team up with the Geography dept? What about the photobook by Peter Menzel "Around the world in 80 diets"? The images are great talking points. There's also toys from around the world,
You can also talk about the rights to an education. There is the documentary Sur le chemin à l'école oh and so it goes on.. Find the links! They are out there!
Viel Spaß!
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