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Guidance on implementation of the KS2 Framework for languages

Promoting active learning

As far as possible new structures and vocabulary should be introduced to the children in a context that makes sense to them. Primary language learning is all about inviting children to join in with the new language and enjoy finding out about its culture. The more the new language and culture are brought to life the more children will respond positively to the invitation. The classroom environment can offer colourful and tangible form to the invitation to participate and respond. Again this can benefit from an early start.

Spotlight: Emergent writing in the play corner Children in Year 2 have the opportunity to act out café scenes in the play corner. Simple menus are displayed and play food and drink are available. Children play using language that they recall from earlier lessons. They experiment with sounds and words and make up dialogues. Some children want to write down the orders like real waiters. Some choose to do this by pretending to write on their hand, others write the words carefully in a notepad using the menu as a model; others begin to write down the words they hear independently, using their developing knowledge of sound and spelling links. L3.1 Recognise some familiar words in written form; L3.3 Experiment with the writing of simple words

Storytelling is very much part of the primary curriculum. It is a rich context for introducing new language.

Spotlight: Performing stories Children listen to the story 'Le bonhomme de neige'. Children perform actions every time they hear a weather expression in the story. Children use props to act out the story, putting on and taking off scarves and hats as the story unfolds. They rehearse the story to perform in assembly. O3.1 Listen and respond to simple stories, finger rhymes and songs

Through the variety and stimulus of the primary classroom, language can be presented, explored and assimilated by the children. Active methods using physical response are particularly appropriate even for children in Years 5 and 6.

Spotlight: Pass the bag Children in Year 5 are asked to sit in a circle. The teacher puts a number of flashcards of different foods into a bag. The children pass the bag to Spanish music. When the music stops, the child with the bag takes out a flashcard and says whether they like or dislike the food shown. O5.2 Understand and express simple opinions

Physical response can also support the development of language patterns and structure. For the primary learner grammar can be developed through very active approaches.

Spotlight: Making grammar fun Children in a mixed age class Years 4 and 5 are learning how to make a negative sentence in French. The teacher reads out a number of sentences and the children are asked to clap every time they heard a verb. Each table receives an envelope containing word cards. They are asked to put them into sentence order, making sure that the negative words are in the right place. The class plays human word sentences using 'ne' and 'pas' and linking the sentences together to make a short text. L5.2 Make simple sentences and short texts; KAL O5.2 Understand and use negative statements.