Catherine Brown, Locking Stumps Primary School, Warrington

An affordable, versatile addition to support the teaching and learning of primary languages
 

At Locking Stumps we were keen to get involved in Languages, starting our journey around 3 years ago. We currently provide French as part of our curriculum for all KS2 children, and are exploring the introduction of languages with KS1 and the Foundation Stage. As a new languages co-ordinator I was keen to explore the different resources available to me to support both myself and my colleagues in the delivery of French within our school. Due to a keen interest in ICT, I joined an action research project funded by our local authority to explore how teachers could utilise ICT to support them in the teaching and learning of primary languages. It was through this project I found out about Digital Blues!

Digital Blues are small handheld video cameras which are commonly found in many primary school ICT cupboards. Tough and durable, they are suitable for children of all ages to use to keep a digital record of their languages journey. Initially I used the cameras to record children taking part in a variety of language activities to use in PowerPoint presentations and other teaching resources to support staff and pupils across the school. Children would record each other using target language in different contexts, modeling good practice to other children and staff. We have kept clips of the children’s favourite pieces of work, conversations held with FLAs within the authority, traditional songs and games and much more!

As use of the cameras started to evolve we began to look at their use in the assessment of French. Clips of the children taken at different stages of topics provided invaluable discussion material for the whole class to inform and support assessment. We were able to evaluate the children’s short conversations, setting targets for future lessons regarding correct pronunciation, order of words and much more. Children were happy to discuss their progress and suggest suitable targets for their peers in a relaxed manner.

The cameras have been a big success. The children see the filming process as an exciting addition to the weekly French lesson, and can’t wait to watch themselves back on the big screen (Interactive Whiteboard)! It has also had a positive impact on the children’s ability to work co-operatively in small groups.

In the future I am hoping to hold whole staff training to enable all children to keep a digital record of their French journey through the school, meaning progression of skills can be evidenced from year to year smoothly. Really the possibilities are endless – why not have a go yourself!