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.
Activity-based worksheet for A-Level Media Studies.
Contains useful terminology and research tasks.
Written by Jon Meier.
This is an extract from a 28 page workbook for background study, available here.
Copy and paste the following link:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/a-level-media-studies-background-study-booklet-key-concepts-11324599
A 28 page workbook for students in their first year of A-Level Media Studies.
Contains:
-useful keyword terminology and definitions.
-activities based around textual analysis and the key media concepts.
-a list of short video texts, mainly adverts, which are ideal for studying film and media codes.
-theory cards for revision.
-lots of homework and self-study tasks.
A workbook rather than a textbook. Photocopiable, so only a one-off purchase cost is involved.
Suitable for background, parallel study, it could also provide a year’s worth of home study tasks or ‘flipped classroom’ activities
Media Studies revision words for A-Level, Year 13
144 words and concepts with definitions. 16 pages.
The pages can be folded over, borders trimmed and then laminated.
They can then be cut into revision cards. Definition on one side, keyword on the other.
The cards are designed to be used in class with pupils reading definitions or key words to each other. Also good for study circles and for use with learning buddies.
An ideal resource for taboo or card games - see below for a card game idea which always works well.
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Revision Card game instructions - ideally players sit in a table of 4, as for a card game. A pile of about 30 cards is formed, with the keyword facing downwards. Player A holds the pack and reads, to player B on his/her left, the definition on the top card, making sure the others don’t see the answer. Player A reads the definition to player B, who is the player to his/her left. If player B knows the answer, s(he) says it and wins the card. Player B then takes the pile and reads the top one to Player C on his/her left. If they get the keyword right they win the card. And so on.
If a player does not know the keyword or gets it wrong, the question passes on to the next person (clockwise) until someone says the correct answer. If no-one gets it, the player asking the question reads the correct answer and places the card at the bottom of the pile.
When all the cards in the pile have been played, players add up how many cards they have won.
A ‘Sky’ news-style Powerpoint slide which lets you add a few lesson objectives, keywords or instructions.
There’s a scrolling banner at the bottom which could be used for a question or other attention grabber.
The background will also animate when the arrow on the top right is clicked.
Can be used in any lesson, any subject, any level.
Media Studies revision words for A-Level, Year 12
387 words and concepts with definitions. A 43-page booklet.
The pages can be folded over, borders trimmed and then laminated.
They can then be cut into revision cards. Definition on one side, keyword on the other.
The cards are designed to be used in class with pupils reading definitions or key words to each other. Also good for study circles and for use with learning buddies.
An ideal resource for taboo or card games - see below for a card game idea which always works well.
The free sample extract of 72 cards is available here. Copy and paste this link:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/media-studies-key-words-free-72-word-random-sample-a-level-year-12-11264588
Another set of cards for Year 13 is here:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/media-studies-keyword-revision-cards-for-a-level-year-13-11267388
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Revision Card game instructions - ideally players sit in a table of 4, as for a card game. A pile of about 30 cards is formed, with the keyword facing downwards. Player A holds the pack and reads, to player B on his/her left, the definition on the top card, making sure the others don’t see the answer. Player A reads the definition to player B, who is the player to his/her left. If player B knows the answer, s(he) says it and wins the card. Player B then takes the pile and reads the top one to Player C on his/her left. If they get the keyword right they win the card. And so on.
If a player does not know the keyword or gets it wrong, the question passes on to the next person (clockwise) until someone says the correct answer. If no-one gets it, the player asking the question reads the correct answer and places the card at the bottom of the pile.
When all the cards in the pile have been played, players add up how many cards they have won.
Media Studies revision words for A-Level, Year 12.
This is a free sample selection of 72 words. (8 pages)
The pages can be folded over, borders trimmed and then laminated.
They can then be cut into revision cards. Keyword on one side, definition on the other.
They are designed to be used in class with pupils reading definitions or key words to each other. Also good for study circles and for use with learning buddies.
An ideal resource for ‘taboo’ or card games - see below for a card game idea which always works well.
The full set of cards (387 key words) is also available for £3. Copy and paste the following link:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/media-studies-revision-keywords-for-a-level-year-12-11264600
Another set of cards, suitable for y13, is in production.
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Revision Card game instructions - ideally players sit in a table of 4, as for a card game. A pile of about 30 cards is formed, with the keyword facing downwards. Player A holds the pack and reads, to player B on his/her left, the definition on the top card, making sure the others don’t see the answer. Player A reads the definition to player B, who is the player to his/her left. If player B knows the answer, s(he) says it and wins the card. Player B then takes the pile and reads the top one to Player C on his/her left. If they get the keyword right they win the card. And so on.
If a player does not know the keyword or gets it wrong, the question passes on to the next person (anticlockwise) until someone says the correct answer. If no-one gets it, the player asking the question reads the correct answer and places the card at the bottom of the pile.
When all the cards in the pile have been played, players add up how many cards they have won.
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.
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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 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.
Here are a few ideas for exploiting longer glossary lists in MFL.
These are often found for example in exam board specified content or other PDF/Word documents.
The content needs to be divided into manageable chunks.
It can then be converted into games, post-its, flashcards, Quizlet etc.
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