Using festivals and traditions to
explore the cultures behind the languages was popular, even before
the concept of Intercultural Understanding was
articulated. Whilst resources on the theme would often
feature only a smattering of the new language, they would at
least provide a context for language work. Fortunately, those that
have appeared more recently reflect a more integrated
view.
This term, we look at a selection of new
titles with activities that address both language and cultural
dimensions.
Everyday French – Célébrons les
fêtes (Scholastic)
The Everyday French series aims to enable
teachers to work within the Key Stage 2 Framework while addressing
some familiar beginners' topics. This particular title,
Célébrons les fêtes features regional, national and
multicultural festivals, with examples drawn from both metropolitan
France and francophonie. A grid in the resource book maps this
content to the Framework’s five strands.
The book is accompanied by
a multimedia CD-ROM containing audio, video and
photocopiables to help support a range of stimulating
activities. This CD-ROM is compatible with major
interactive whiteboard software. Three of the six titles in the
series are available now, the remainder are scheduled for June
2010. For more details visit the Scholastic
Shop.
French/German/Spanish festivals and traditions
(Brilliant Publications)
Another new collection of titles on this
theme, with more languages in mind. The teaching ideas in
these books follow the calendar, with background information
and key vocabulary, plus photocopiable sheets for each month. The
resources support activities of all sorts, including extension work
for the more able. Grids similar to those in Everday
French map the material to the objectives for IU,
with the expected progression by year
group. Topics range from the typical,
including cultural icons and role models, to the
challenging of stereotypes. Each book ends with a unit on
organising a language-specific day, another perennial challenge for
teachers. For more details, visit Brilliant
Publications.
Sing Portuguese (London
Borough of Lambeth)
This audio CD resource pack has been produced
as a result of the Lambeth's 'Sing Portuguese' project, designed to
help raise the attainment of Portuguese pupils in the borough
through the use of traditional music and song.
The collection features traditional songs
for a range of age groups, including foundation stage and primary.
Drawn from Portuguese speaking countries around the world, these
present opportunities for developing vocabulary
and intercultural understanding, with children discovering
where Portuguese is spoken and the cultural significance of
the songs to these countries. A teacher's guide supports the
CD with suggested activities and lyrics. For more
information on Sing Portuguese and Lambeth's KS2
Portuguese scheme of work, see the Lambeth
Portuguese publications 2010 flier.
Any ideas for running a French day or
week?
A question that regularly appears on
online forums, emanating from newcomers and the more experienced
alike (the latter always eager to ring the changes). Two case
studies, derived from Scholastic's Child Education PLUS
and Junior Education PLUS magazines have recently come to
my attention among the online resources on their
website:
By their nature, case studies will not be
instantly replicable for all circumstances. However, they do
provide a structured reporting of what was involved, rather than a
(possibly random) collection of ideas that have to be unpicked and
applied.
Louis Greenstock, CILT Senior Information
Officer