Interview help - PLEASE

[jollylas]

Hi there , I have an interview at a 1 form entry primary school next week and will be teaching a 30 minute observed lesson. The job is for a yr 3 post but the lesson will be teaching the current year 2's. I would really like to encorporate French into my lesson as that is one of the 'desirable' wishes. I really want to have the'wow' factor but am worried about what level to pitch the lesson at (they have had no French taught, so it's all new to them) I thought of linking it in with the Katie Morag stories and perhaps using the door numbers on the houses on the island and say them in french (obviously only numbers up to 10) - or perhaps something about their bodies (head, shoulders knees and toes etc..) I really don't know how much they will absorbe? Anyone got any dynamic / fun ideas they could share for a fab one off / introductory lesson. I'm used to teaching French to yr 1 and 3 but weekly and where I know the childrens ability. Many thanks

[Barbara]

Hi

Using French as part of your lesson sounds like a good idea as you will be demonstrating an ability and a willingness to teach it once employed. However, you need to think carefully about your objectives as a 30 minute lesson is very short for both literacy and mfl, don't you think? If the bulk of your lesson is to be in English (this is what I've understood from what you've said) then you have to be realistic about how much French you could introduce - I would say no more than 5 items, in this case numbers 1-5.

If you decide to go for a wholly French lesson then the Body would be a good idea. You could start off with an English/French version of the song (just following your lead by touching the correct body part if you use a French version). Then after introducing the vocabulary, go on to play lots of games to reinforce it - Show me (with cards) , Touchez (on themselves), Jacques a dit (these are all passive skills) Then for the active skills, move on to Repeat if it's correct, Hot/cold, Secret signal, Heads down. There are far too many activities here for just one lesson but they all work really well with both KS1 and 2 children.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Barbara

[jollylas]

Many thanks - have decided on body parts and just a French lesson! Think it will be more engaging. Have uploaded a copy of my outline planning for the lesson. Would be V grateful for any comments. Many thanks

[Lorraine]

Hi Jollylas

Just had a quick glance at your lesson plan, which looks quite good though I think you'll be hard pushed to cover all you've planned in 30 mins with a class you've never met before?

Some quick thoughts. I would probably start with the song straight away, getting the children involved from the start and then introduce the French vocab.

Also you say 'praise the children for French answers' but later on ask if anyone knows any French?

I also wonder about 8 items of vocab? I think Barbara's advice of max of 5 is good, though you could include all 8 in passive receptivity exercises so you can do the song.

Best of luck and enjoy your time with the children. Lorraine

[jollylas]

Great - thanks for the advice - I am going to 'trial' it this afternoon with my class to see how the time goes. Like the idea of starting with a song but v nervous about getting them to join in without knowing any of the vocab.(Have visions of me standing singing for 1/2 hr on my own!!) Will keep you posted!

[Lorraine]

Jollylas,
if you start with the song I wouldn't be expecting them to join in with the vocab just the actions which they'd be familiar with anyway one presumes i.e. receptive listen and respond THEN progress to active listen & speak.

[Barbara]

I would go along with Lorraine about starting off with the song even though the children don't know the vocab. It makes for a fun, lively and stress-free (for the kids at least!) start to the lesson.

If you sing it about 3 times, maybe getting slightly faster each time, with the children doing the 'touching', there will probably be 2 or 3 children who DO start to join in with some words despite not having been taught them.

Barbara

[jollylas]

GOT THE JOB!!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR ADVICE AND HELP.

[Lorraine]

Congratulations jollylas.
Now the hard work starts!
Lorraine

[Barbara]

Fantastique et courage!