Living Languages: An Integrated Approach to Teaching Foreign Languages in Primary Schools

Living Languagesis simply bursting with practical and original ideas aimed at teachers and trainee teachers of foreign languages in primary schools. Written by a team of experienced language teachers, this book + CD will inspire and motivate the foreign language classroom and the teachers who work within it. Living Languages comprises eight chapters and is structured around the integrated classroom, merging language learning with different aspects of the wider curriculum such as: information and communications technology (ICT); music and drama; food and festivities; role models to inspire language learners; sport; media; alternative approaches to teaching languages. Over forty real-life case studies and projects are presented, all of which have been tried and tested in the classroom with many having won recent educational awards (CILT European Award for Languages 2010). Ideas and activities outlined in this unique resource include:- Motivating pupils to learn languages whilst keeping fit; including examples from the work of The Youth Sport Trust; PE and Parachutes; and links with local Football Clubs. Languages and multi-media projects/activitiesinvolving different uses of technology such as: the interactive whiteboard; film-making and languages; e-mentoring schemes between primary and secondary pupils; the use of WIKIS; using electronic quizzes; and the Primary Languages Podcasting project among others. Languages, themes and festivals projectsincluding German Christmas market; Spanish Day of the Dead celebrations; Inside the lunchbox; The French cafe; European day of Languages celebrations among others Continuing Professional Developmentchapter to inspire primary language teachers to continue their individual professional development by taking formal qualifications. The chapter will contain concrete examples of others " experiences in this area and and includes details of support organisations and practical opportunities. Each activity is explored from the teachers " perspective with practical tips, lesson plans and reflections woven throughout the text such as what to budget, how to organise the pre-event period, how to evaluate the activity and whom to contact for further advice in each case. Activities and examples throughout are given in three languages “ Spanish, French and German A CD is included with the book containing additional teaching materials which compliment each chapter and are fully IWB compatible, provide a fully developed and effective teaching resource.