Cross-curricular teaching in another language

Abstract

In this series of articles on teaching MFL, we have been looking at various ways to give our pupils a love for languages and lead them to successful language learning. We introduced a set of five stepping stones that have worked for some teachers – in the UK and beyond. These were: starting language learning early; embedding MFL in daily classroom routines and across school life; integrating MFL into the curriculum; teaching part of the curriculum in a foreign language; and implementing more intense approaches to language learning. In previous issues, we looked at ways of using foreign languages in our classroom during the week – taking the register; asking and answering questions about the date, weather, timetable; giving instructions for simple tasks; praising children, and so on. We then moved another step forward, establishing links between our curriculum and the new language – integrating French, Spanish, Italian in our weekly planning, for example, doing mental maths starters, sorting foods into healthy and unhealthy groups, or exploring the solar system in the new language. So what’s next? Your children are keen and motivated. Experiencing the new language everyday has helped them memorise words and structures, giving them the confidence to respond and to use language for a real purpose. They are ready for something new. What about taking on the challenge of doing a whole lesson (an art or science lesson, for example) in a foreign language? You might consider moving on to ‘CLIL’.