MFL (Modern Foreign Languages)

At Lime Tree, we teach the children to:

• Listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding

• Explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words

• Engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help

• Speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures

• Develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases

• Present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences

• Read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing

• Appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in the language

• Broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material, including through using a dictionary

• Write phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, to express ideas clearly

• Describe people, places, things and actions orally and in writing

• Understand basic grammar appropriate to the language being studied, including (where relevant): feminine, masculine and neuter forms and the conjugation of high-frequency verbs; key features and patterns of the language; how to apply these, for instance, to build sentences; and how these differ from or are similar to English

We use a variety of techniques to encourage the children to have an active engagement in the Modern foreign Language. These include: games, role-play and action songs. We use mime and actions to accompany new vocabulary as this serves to demonstrate the language without the need for translation. We emphasise listening, responding and speaking skills with the addition of simple reading and writing skills. We use multi-sensory and kinaesthetic approach to teaching e.g. we try to introduce a physical element into some of the games, rhymes and songs. We make lessons as enjoyable as possible so that the children develop a positive attitude to the learning of Modern Foreign Languages. We build the children’s confidence through the praise for any contribution they make, however tentative.

Online Resources

Click here to see some of the many excellent resources online that you can access from home to support and enrich your child's learning.