Take 10 en Francais - integrating French into daily physical activity in the primary school

[Jo Rhys-Jones]

Take 10 en Français is a fantastic little resource from Devon Education Services. It’s a handy pocket-sized book full of games and activites that can be used as PE warm-ups or more sedately in the classroom as Brain-gym exercises.

Aimed at the non-specialist MFL teacher, it is very user-friendly: 29 Activities in French set out alongside the original English version texts of 21 Action Rhymes with instructions. Each activity is explained simply and a fold out page provides all the target language you need and optional extensions, even a pronunciation cd guide is provided along with the key French phrases suggested. Equally – for non-PE specialists like myself, there is a fantastic DVD with videos of children from Devon schools performing the rhymes and routines so you can simply copy and join in. Once you get the hang of it all you need is the music track CD which is also provided. For those who are more confident with the language there are 'Language Tips' and even 'Cultural Tips' - points for discussion in English.

My class absolutely love it. And while the French in the songs used is only meant to be the background, my kids have picked up most of the words already without ever having been ‘taught’ them – just as many do in assembly with English songs.

To find out more email [e-mail] or check out the website www.deseducation.org

[Lisa Stevens]

Really exciting and very simple idea! Birmingham LA has bought some copies for teachers in our area - I'm bagsying mine now before everyone discovers how good it is! I can see my colleagues being willing to give something like Take Ten en français a go - except we'll do it in Spanish ;o)

[Simone Haughey]

I have a sample copy and it's great! I am using the songs, actions and rhymes.

[Jo Rhys-Jones]

Great news - Take Ten will be coming out in Spanish soon!

[Lisa Stevens]

Yippppppppeeeeee!

[V era Anderson]

it's been out in Spanish and now in German. See devonldp.org/eshop

[V era Anderson]

want some intercultural French games, video and activities - Take Mali is available from www.devonldp.org/eshop . Filmed on location in Mali it's a beautiful resource. Check out the photos.