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.
Answer section to the German Lifesaver Linked Translation Activity Booklet.
[Here is the link to the main activity booklet:]
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/german-linked-translation-lifesaver-booklet-12466732
This answer section is available separately so that teachers can decide whether to issue them to pupils for self-checking.
It is recommended that pupils are not given automatic access to this resource in order to ensure the effectiveness of online and home learning. The best strategy is to issue answers on a page by page/section by section basis once pupils have had time to work out the sentences for themselves.
Answer section to the French Lifesaver Linked Translation Activity Booklet.
[Here is the link to the main activity booklet:]
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/french-linked-translation-lifesavers-12466726
This answer section is available separately so that teachers can decide whether to issue them to pupils for self-checking.
It is recommended that pupils are not given automatic access to this resource in order to ensure the effectiveness of online and home learning. The best strategy is for teachers to issue answers on a page by page/section by section basis once pupils have had time to work out the sentences for themselves.
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 booklet of linked translation exercises.
French to English; English to French
60 pages, 20 topics, 3 levels for each topic.
Ideal preparation for GCSE but also for general translation practice.
Suitable for French 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.
This resource is also available for German.
Here’s the link to the German booklet.
TES: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/german-linked-translation-lifesaver-booklet-12466732
A list of higher level language for GCSE German.
Emphasis is on grade-boosting phrases and constructions.
Ideal revision for those targeting higher grades in the Writing, Reading and Listening components.
5 pages with plenty of examples.
Followed by a ‘learning check’ section - 30 examples from the main section to translate into English.
The next section has the answers in English with space to translate them back into German.
In ‘Word’ so it’s customizable.
A list of key language for GCSE German.
Emphasis is on grammar rather than vocabulary.
Ideal for revision for all four skills papers, especially writing and reading.
4 pages with plenty of examples.
Followed by a ‘learning check’ section - 30 examples from the main section to translate into English.
The next section has the answers in English with space to translate them back into German.
In ‘Word’ so it’s customizable.
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 booklet of differentiated activities in French, based around the 6 minute short film
'Quais de Seine by Gurinder Chadha.
This charming short film made in 2006 by the female director of ‘Bend it Like Beckham’, ‘Quais de Seine’ is a 6 minute section of a longer film called ‘Paris Je t’aime’, a series of chapters set in various districts (arrondissements) of Paris. It is a simple, self-contained story full of ideas about race, sexism, prejudice, integration and friendship. The film is ideal for Years 10 to 13.
Available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLL4ogfxvss
The film is ideal for luring your Year 10 and 11 pupils towards French A-Level.
The booklet consists of
7 basic level activities (GCSE level)
10 more advanced activities (A-Level)
Plus an answer section for cover teachers.
There is a useful ALE (A Level Essentials) section with killer essay language which can be used in work about racism and intolerance.
______________________________________________________________
The resource is another UFTELL tool: Using Film to Enthuse Language learners.
Using Film to Enhance Language-Learning
_______________________________________________________________________
This activity booklet could easily provide 2 weeks of lesson material.
Remember: You don't need to buy the film - it's on Youtube and it's only 6 minutes long.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLL4ogfxvss
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 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 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 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.
_________________________________
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 set of activities about the compelling 8 minute French film 'French Roast'. (Joubert 2008)
The film can be seen on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbFhATUfuow
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 12-17 year olds.
The material could be covered over 2 or 3 lessons plus a homework.
Pupils could also use the booklet for independent study or project work.
The booklet consists of 4 pages of activities which progress from basic observational vocabulary questions to more complex tasks about its message and techniques. There is also a film review scaffold which pupils can adapt.
Answers are also provided. Do not copy these for the pupils!
Another UFTEL resource (using Film to Explore Language). A must for anyone who loves film and France.
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 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 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 quiz worksheet on 25 famous brands with literal French translations.
e.g. Paixverte - Greenpeace
Features partial logo clues (easy version) or definitions (harder).
Suitable for all levels.
An end of term activity or a refreshing break from the exam grind.
The resource contains 3 versions of the questions, answer sheets, vocabulary follow-up and extension .
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 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.