Using the KS2 Framework - Literacy

The Key Stage 2 Framework for Languages sets out the rationale for language learning in primary schools and defines the skills, knowledge and understanding that children should develop as they begin their language learning apprenticeship.

The Framework is based on sound principles of primary pedagogy. It sets out learning objectives across five strands, Oracy, Literacy, Intercultural Understanding, Knowledge about Language and Language Learning Strategies. It is inclusive and for all children. It recognises that language is central to the development of individual identity and that education in language and culture plays a vital part in shaping the future of our world community.

Reading a poem

This is an activity from the very first lesson of the year and the class teacher is revising what the children have already learned before introducing new work.

The teacher is using an interactive whiteboard to practise reading a poem in French containing pairs of words, some of which are opposites. Children play a guessing game. Some of the words in the poem are hidden and children must say which words are missing and come out to the board to see if they are right. Once someone has said the correct word, they are allowed to come out to the front to tap the blank on the whiteboard, making the blanks disappear and the correct words appear.

The teacher clarifies the meaning of the title of the poem by asking children to say what it means in English. She then asks for the missing words one by one. When all of the words are revealed, the class reads the poem from the whiteboard while performing actions to show the meaning of the words and reinforce the language.