A passionate MFL and Media teacher for over 30 years, I am also a co-author of Expo 1 & 2 and am still involved in commercial textbook writing. I was an Advanced Skills Teacher for Modern Languages, running successful workshops for teachers.
You will find here a range of resources for French and German teaching, mainly for 11-16 year olds.
Plus some A-Level Media Studies and general learning resources.
Based on over 30 years' classroom experience in the non-selective secondary state sector.
A passionate MFL and Media teacher for over 30 years, I am also a co-author of Expo 1 & 2 and am still involved in commercial textbook writing. I was an Advanced Skills Teacher for Modern Languages, running successful workshops for teachers.
You will find here a range of resources for French and German teaching, mainly for 11-16 year olds.
Plus some A-Level Media Studies and general learning resources.
Based on over 30 years' classroom experience in the non-selective secondary state sector.
An English ‘call my bluff’ quiz.
Good for an end of term activity. Could be done as a form or inter-form competition.
25 questions: 5 easy, 5 medium, 5 hard and 10 very hard.
Suitable for 7-16 year olds.
There’s a blank answer grid for pupils.
Plus the Teachers’ answers.
The answers are also on the final Powerpoint slide.
Slide 28 also contains a link to a Kahoot version of the same quiz.
French ‘False Friends’ Quiz is also available.
A sample 3-page unit from my German Language Lesson Lifesaver booklet of linked translations.
Ideal for MFL teachers and departments who need to set cover work.
Answers are included on the last page.
The range of levels goes from German near-beginners to advanced learners (GCSE +).
Each topic has 3 differentiated levels: Entry, Continuation, Extension.
One A4 worksheet per level.
Each worksheet is divided as follows:
➢ Section A: 10 sentences to translate from German into English.
➢ Section B: 5 sentences to translate from English into German. These sentences are linked to the German examples in section A. Students can work out the German by careful scrutiny and manipulation of the sentences in the first section.
➢ Section C: vocabulary grid linked to the sentences. Grouped by gender, verb and other grammatical forms. The vocabulary grid can be included with the sheet or folded over and not copied for students. This provides a further element of differentiation.
➢ Section D lists the grammar areas covered.
➢ Answers are in a separate section at the back so that cover teachers can go over work.
The resource does NOT contain grammar explanations, just links to grammar points.
The worksheets can be a springboard for further grammar work.
Vocabulary is based on word frequency and not on prescribed content of exam boards or publishers.
The focus is on general translation skills practice, and is not specifically aimed at GCSE. It is an absorbing way to keep pupils busy and engaged.
The full booklet has 60 pages of worksheets - 20 topics (3 levels per topic). Ideal if you or other colleagues are absent. Or just extra translation-based topic reinforcement.
NWACWA - Never Worry About Cover Work Again!
For the full booklet, copy and paste the following link:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/german-language-lesson-lifesaver-booklet-linked-translations-11260420
A 2 side worksheet of questions, mainly in French about the film ‘Une Vie de Chat’.
The questions are divided into 4 sections, covering the whole of the 60 minute film.
Answers are provided.
This beautifully drawn animation is suitable for learners who have been studying French for a year or two.
Warning: The film is aimed at children but it does refer to a little girl who has been traumatised by the death of her father. Sensitivity is required. As ever, make sure you know your pupils.
Pupils could do follow-up work after each section, based on the new vocabulary covered, perhaps making up a word quiz or an online game. Extension: Write 10 sentences using the target words.
An UFTEL resource (Using Film to Explore Language). Part of a series of my French film activity worksheets and booklets.
A 2 page worksheet based around the compelling 8 minute French film ‘French Roast’. (Joubert 2008)
The film can be seen on Youtube
Although it only contains about 4 words of dialogue, the film provides plenty of scope to explore vocabulary and discuss aspects of French culture. It is also a good introduction to debates about prejudice.
Suitable for 12-16 year olds.
Activities become progressively harder and more open-ended on page 2.
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The full premium version of this resource (4 pages + answers) is also available. Copy and paste this link:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-french-roast-film-activity-booklet-11260061
Another UFTEL Resource by Jon Meier who is always Using Film to Explore Language and Using Film to Engage Learners.
A booklet of 8 differentiated activities based on the Youtube trailer for ‘Intouchables’. (French audio with English subtitles).
Available on Youtube, the trailer is short (1m 51secs), visually interesting and fast-paced.
The booklet consists of 3 pages of activities in French (8 exercises)
an answer section.
8 differentiated exercises, suitable for year 10 upwards (14-18 year olds)
The clip and these resources are a good introduction to the Advanced level French film topic. It can be used in A-Level taster lessons and as a stimulus for post-GCSE bridging work.
‘Intouchables’ (Nakache, Toledano 2011) is a touching, humorous and thought-provoking exploration of friendship and social divisions. It raises questions about society’s attitudes to race and disability. The booklet introduces learners to some of the language required to tackle these themes.
One of Jon Meier’s many UFTELL resources.
UFTELL = using film to enhance language-learning.
UFTELL = using film to enthuse language learners.
A sample 3-page unit from my French Language Lesson Lifesaver booklet of linked translations.
Ideal for MFL teachers and departments who need to set cover work.
Suitable for Years 9 -12 (14 -17 year olds)
Each topic has 3 differentiated levels: Entry, Continuation, Extension.
One A4 worksheet per level.
Each worksheet is divided as follows:
➢ Section A: 10 sentences to translate from French into English.
➢ Section B: 5 sentences to translate from English into French. These sentences are linked to the French examples in section A. Students can work out the French by careful scrutiny and manipulation of the sentences in the first section.
➢ Section C: vocabulary grid linked to the sentences. Grouped by gender, verb and other grammatical forms. The vocabulary grid can be included with the sheet or folded over and not copied for students. This provides a further element of differentiation.
➢ Section D lists the grammar areas covered.
➢ Answers are in a separate section at the back so that cover teachers can go over work.
The resource does NOT contain grammar explanations, just links to grammar points. The worksheets can be a springboard for further grammar work.
Vocabulary is based on word frequency and not on prescribed content of exam boards or publishers.
The focus is on general translation skills practice, and is not specifically aimed at GCSE. It is mainly an absorbing way to keep pupils busy and engaged.
The full booklet has 60 pages of worksheets - 20 topics (3 levels per topic). Ideal if you or other colleagues are absent. Or just extra translation-based topic reinforcement.
NWACWA: Never Worry About Cover Work Again!
For the full booklet, copy and paste the following link:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/french-language-lesson-lifesaver-booklet-linked-translations-11258051
A sample 3-page unit from my German Language Lesson Lifesaver booklet of linked translations.
Ideal for MFL teachers and departments who need to set cover work.
Answers are included on the last page.
The range of levels goes from German near-beginners to advanced learners (GCSE +).
Each topic has 3 differentiated levels: Entry, Continuation, Extension.
One A4 worksheet per level.
Each worksheet is divided as follows:
➢ Section A: 10 sentences to translate from German into English.
➢ Section B: 5 sentences to translate from English into German. These sentences are linked to the German examples in section A. Students can work out the German by careful scrutiny and manipulation of the sentences in the first section.
➢ Section C: vocabulary grid linked to the sentences. Grouped by gender, verb and other grammatical forms. The vocabulary grid can be included with the sheet or folded over and not copied for students. This provides a further element of differentiation.
➢ Section D lists the grammar areas covered.
➢ Answers are in a separate section at the back so that cover teachers can go over work.
The resource does NOT contain grammar explanations, just links to grammar points.
The worksheets can be a springboard for further grammar work.
Vocabulary is based on word frequency and not on prescribed content of exam boards or publishers.
The focus is on general translation skills practice, and is not specifically aimed at GCSE. It is an absorbing way to keep pupils busy and engaged.
The full booklet has 60 pages of worksheets - 20 topics (3 levels per topic). Ideal if you or other colleagues are absent. Or just extra translation-based topic reinforcement.
NWACWA - Never Worry About Cover Work Again!
For the full booklet, copy and paste the following link:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/german-language-lesson-lifesaver-booklet-linked-translations-11260420
A French activity booklet based around the successful film, Bienvenue Chez les Ch’Tis (Boon, 2008)
The resource consists of
• 13 pages of activities plus 4 glossary pages covering the words used in the exercises and 1 final page containing ideas for exploiting glossaries.
• A separate answer booklet.
The ideal target age is 14+. The slang spoken by the Northerners may be a little too bizarre to inflict on beginners but is a delight for more advanced linguists.
Activities are graded by ability.
The resource could be used with more disaffected pupils, perhaps those who have decided not to continue with French for GCSE.
The booklet could be given to pupils as a three week study/project module.
It can also be used for older pupils and adults who want to keep their French ticking over.
The resource includes an observational quiz based on a 7 minute sequence towards the start of the film. The observation quiz section can be done orally or in writing. The focus is in English to give all pupils an opportunity to show their often exceptional powers of observation. These sections work well as a class game – one side of the room against the other or boys v girls. They are a good way to keep less motivated pupils engaged. Vocabulary from the quiz is followed-up in subsequent activities. The quiz is actually a discrete opportunity to contextualize vocabulary.
The activities also offer opportunities to discuss prejudice and intolerance. There is one film review-writing activity. The main focus is however on developing vocabulary.
This is another of my French UFTEL (Using Film to Explore Language) resources. I hope it shows the benefits of Using Film to Engage Linguists. Amusez-vous bien. Jon Meier.
A booklet of linked translation exercises.
German to English; English to German
60 pages, 20 topics, 3 levels for each topic.
Ideal preparation for GCSE but also for general translation practice.
Suitable for German learners aged 11-16.
Written to help hard-pressed teachers faced with having to set work quickly for cover lessons or for supply staff.
This resource is ideal for independent, online work.
Originally a paid-for resource, it’s now available free of charge during the pandemic.
A French version of this resource is also available
TES
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/french-linked-translation-lifesavers-12466726
A French ‘call my bluff’ quiz on False Friends
Good for an end of term activity. Could be done as a form or inter-form competition.
25 questions: 5 easy, 5 medium, 5 hard and 10 very hard.
Suitable for 11-17 year olds.
There’s a blank answer grid for pupils.
Plus the Teachers’ answers.
The answers are also on the final Powerpoint slide.
Slide 28 also contains a link to a Kahoot version of the same quiz.
A sample 3-page unit from my French Language Lesson Lifesaver booklet of linked translations.
Ideal for MFL teachers and departments who need to set cover work.
Suitable for Years 9 -12 (14 -17 year olds)
Each topic has 3 differentiated levels: Entry, Continuation, Extension.
One A4 worksheet per level.
Each worksheet is divided as follows:
➢ Section A: 10 sentences to translate from French into English.
➢ Section B: 5 sentences to translate from English into French. These sentences are linked to the French examples in section A. Students can work out the French by careful scrutiny and manipulation of the sentences in the first section.
➢ Section C: vocabulary grid linked to the sentences. Grouped by gender, verb and other grammatical forms. The vocabulary grid can be included with the sheet or folded over and not copied for students. This provides a further element of differentiation.
➢ Section D lists the grammar areas covered.
➢ Answers are in a separate section at the back so that cover teachers can go over work.
The resource does NOT contain grammar explanations, just links to grammar points. The worksheets can be a springboard for further grammar work.
Vocabulary is based on word frequency and not on prescribed content of exam boards or publishers.
The focus is on general translation skills practice, and is not specifically aimed at GCSE. It is mainly a purposeful way to keep pupils busy and engaged.
The full booklet has 60 pages of worksheets - 20 topics (3 levels per topic). Ideal if you or other colleagues are absent. Or just extra translation-based topic reinforcement.
NWACWA- Never Worry About Cover Work Again!
For the full booklet, copy and paste the following link:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/french-language-lesson-lifesaver-booklet-linked-translations-11258051
A quiz worksheet containing 25 famous logo clues with literal French translations
e.g. Paixverte - Greenpeace
A quiz worksheet for all levels.
A good end of term activity or a refreshing break from the exam grind.
This version is free and comes with answers.
A ‘premium’ version is also available with vocabulary follow-up, extension tasks and variations on the clues.
A German ‘Call My Bluff’ style quiz on general words.
25 questions: 5 easy, 5 medium, 5 hard and 10 harder.
Good for an end of term activity.
The words are, in general, not too obscure and not ridiculously long.
Suitable for 12-17 year olds.
Resource includes:
the main Powerpoint
a blank answer grid for pupils.
Plus the Teachers’ answers.
The answers are also on the final Powerpoint slide. Some literal meanings are also explained here too.
Slide 28 also contains a link to a Kahoot version of the same quiz.This could be done as a recap or reward activity after the going through the Powerpoint quiz and the answers.
60 film title questions with an answer sheet. Plus a follow-up vocabulary sheet quiz.
Work out the English title from the French film title.
A fun end of term activity. Suitable for years 7-11.
Vocabulary review provides a good learning objective.
Card game to practice 20 adjectives.
Instructions are on the cards.
Just click to reveal each card.
It’s a Powerpoint template so you can edit the cards to add words of your choice. Just slide the ‘back’ of the card out of the way.
Think about the category points. Rarer, harder and sophisticated words are worth more.
This resource idea can be customized and adapted for use at any level - beginners to advanced.
4 pages of activities based around famous brands, logos and their literal German translations.
The resource includes answers to all the activities.
Differentiated activities suitable for near-beginners up to more advanced learners.
A fun filler activity. A nice end of term or start of term resource. A distraction from the assessment grind.
A starter activity or full lesson based on Evian Baby Me Commercial 2013.
The starter activity is the first task. The resource contains a number of follow-up activities.
The clip is available on Youtube
Suitable for ages 12+
Included also: An answer sheet, an extension idea and vocabulary sheet.
There’s enough material here for a lesson starter or it can be extended to a full lesson.
A great piece of film-making. Pupils are also directed to watch the ‘Making of’ clip.
Video clips are ideal for ‘Pause pounce predict and bounce questioning’
UFTEL Resources - Using Film To Explore Language - help to contextualize vocabulary, celebrate the art of good film-making and channel pupils’ visual and observational skills.
A 28-page booklet based around the film ‘Mr Bean’s Holiday’ (Bendelack, 2007)
Although the film is English, it provides lots of opportunities to discuss aspects of French life and explore French vocabulary in context.
The activities are graded by difficulty , and are suitable for 11 -15 year olds.
The resource could be given to pupils as a three week study/project module.
The pupils’ booklet includes a 7 page alphabetical vocabulary glossary.
The resource also comes with a separate answer booklet.
Look out for other UFTEL (Using Film to Explore Language) booklets written by Jon Meier.
Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis
Taxi 1
Un Chat à Paris
La Maison du Bonheur
A 14-page booklet based around the film ‘La Maison du Bonheur’ (Boon, 2006)
The activities are graded by difficulty , and are suitable for a range of pupils from 14 upwards.
The film’s themes also appeal to older learners - (debt, the dream of house ownership, marital love, work-pressures, suspect estate-agents and unreliable workmen)
There is also an observational quiz section which could be done as a class competition.
The resource could be given to pupils as a three week study/project module.
The booklet (14 pages) includes a two-page glossary and an answer section.
The observation quiz sections can be done orally or in writing. The focus is in English to give all pupils an opportunity to show their often exceptional powers of observation. These sections work well as a class game – one side of the room against the other or boys v girls. They are a good way to keep less motivated pupils engaged. Vocabulary from the quiz is followed-up in subsequent activities. The quiz is a discrete opportunity to contextualize vocabulary.
Look out for other UFTEL (Using Film to Explore Language) booklets written by Jon Meier.
Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis
Taxi 1
Un Chat à Paris
Mr Bean’s Holiday
A 25 question observational quiz on the trailer for ‘La Maison du Bonheur’ (Boon 2006)
The trailer can be seen on Youtube La Maison du Bonheur + Trailer + English subs
Ideal for a one -off lesson at the start or end of term.
Suitable for 12-16 year olds. Ideally after one or two years of French.
The observation quiz can be done orally or in writing. The focus is in English to give all pupils an opportunity to show their often exceptional powers of observation. But some questions could be also asked in French. These quizes work well as a class game – one side of the room against the other or boys v girls. They are a good way to keep less motivated pupils engaged. Vocabulary from the quiz is followed-up in subsequent activities. The quiz is an opportunity to contextualize vocabulary.
The resource contains answer sheets, plus follow-up vocabulary work with extension ideas.