100+ Fun Ideas for Practising Modern Foreign Languages in the Primary Classroom

This book contains 137 fun activities for developing oracy and literacy skills using simple props such as flashcards, puppets and bean bags.

The tried and tested activities in this book can be used with almost any language. Sue Cave, the author, has chosen these particular ideas due to the enthusiastic responses she has received from young learners and the positive impact the games and activities have had on the learning of another language.

The inherent rationale behind each activity is that it is enjoyable, interactive and allows for as many children as possible at one time to communicate. With activities ranging from 'Clap if true' and 'Draw a monster' to 'Find Mr X' and 'Puppet mind reading', you will never be stuck for ideas.

100+ Fun Ideas for Practising Modern Foreign Languages in the Primary Classroom isn't exactly the catchiest title; stick to the shorter 100+ Fun Ideas and you will get a better flavour of the content you can use in your foreign language lessons. It isn't exactly rocket science either is what a teacher said to me about it the other day; and she was right! But she was missing the point really, 100+ Ideas is a tried and tested collection of ideas for oracy and literacy to use in teaching any language that will save hours of preparation and internet searching. Stuck for ideas for particular lessons? Need some inspiration? Want a different language game? There are literally more than 100 suggestions to dip into (137 to be precise!) The best analogy I can make is that this resource is like a recipe book: Sue Cave has put together, in a simple format, some original ideas from her own primary languages teaching and some that she has gleaned from other sources over the years. Non-specialists are sure to find something to use. Each idea works out around 10p, which is very good value. For instance, did you know that you can varnish ice- cream cones, baguettes and croissants to use as more permanent props? I d never thought of it my book has paid for itself for just that one tip alone! --Jan Lewandowski, Independent PML Consultant

This is a very useful and exhaustive catalogue of simple and complex activities for practising languages in the primary classroom. The ideas and suggestions can be linked to other curriculum areas and are as such generic, i.e. could apply to any foreign language taught. They provide intellectual stimulation and are a source of motivation as well as making learning fun. There is a range of techniques obviously well tried and tested in the class over the years. I have found that the sections clearly indicate the type of activity for ease of reference. It would be very practical for a busy teacher to go to a specific section for ideas. When needed, there is some useful cross referencing to the Framework, although these are not comprehensive. As a practising teacher I could easily select the activities that suit my style of teaching best and the instructions are generally clear. I also like the fact that each activity is on separate page. This book is an excellent tool for the harassed teacher running out of ideas and is not too complicated to execute. It has also clear implications for transition issues to KS3 as most of the activities detailed are applicable in the secondary classroom. It can also be used to train PGCE student in developing classroom management and active learning. --Samia Earle, National Coordinator for MFL Specialism, Specialist Schools and Academies Trust

This is a very useful and exhaustive catalogue of simple and complex activities for practising languages in the primary classroom. The ideas and suggestions can be linked to other curriculum areas and are as such generic, i.e. could apply to any foreign language taught. They provide intellectual stimulation and are a source of motivation as well as making learning fun. There is a range of techniques obviously well tried and tested in the class over the years. I have found that the sections clearly indicate the type of activity for ease of reference. It would be very practical for a busy teacher to go to a specific section for ideas. When needed, there is some useful cross referencing to the Framework, although these are not comprehensive. As a practising teacher I could easily select the activities that suit my style of teaching best and the instructions are generally clear. I also like the fact that each activity is on separate page. This book is an excellent tool for the harassed teacher running out of ideas and is not too complicated to execute. It has also clear implications for transition issues to KS3 as most of the activities detailed are applicable in the secondary classroom. It can also be used to train PGCE student in developing classroom management and active learning. --Samia Earle, National Coordinator for MFL Specialism, Specialist Schools and Academies Trust