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This is by no means an exhaustive list of resources. It is simply a list of items that have been found useful support for learners who are struggling to succeed in foreign language learning. Most of them help teachers to add further sensory dimensions to current lesson plans, and/or to support pupils and students in ways which foster their independence as learners. Some of the resources shown here were developed with 'special needs' in mind, and only in English, but they have proved useful with a wide range of learners and some of them are now available in versions to support the learning of other languages too. Visual and tactile materials can often be used to support any language. Many of the resources are 'lo-tech' and therefore, perhaps, more affordable than 'hi-tech' solutions where funds are restricted. Lo-tech resources can be used in settings where there is little hi-technology available. Teachers have found some of them stored away in cupboards unused, or used only by learners attending sessions with support teachers. So ask around; you may be surprised at the resources you find that can be used – or adapted for use – with your learners. Some of them have even been found on e-Bay! [Links were last checked on 2.10.11 unless otherwise indicated] | |||||||||||
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MLG PUBLISHING (aka Miniflashcard Language Games) This company has has long produced thousands of photocopiable line drawings which entice students into structured learning in the disguise of familiar games. Games using the pictures provide the opportunties for repetition and consolidation which many learners need, without the risk of them becoming bored or losing interest. Some sample titles (all photocopiable): Ici On Parle Français, Se Habla Español, Wir Sprechen Deutsch Three volumes in French, Spanish and German that provide multi-sensory support for beginners at Key Stage 2 and 5-14. Each includes extensive support for teachers who are not MFL specialists, and a unique section for learners on 'my special support needs'. Cartoons for Classroom Communication Lots of cartoon-type photocopiable visuals for teaching and encouraging learners to use the target language for real communicative purposes in the classroom. Football Fever Basic and extended language work exploiting a topic dear to the heart of many learners. Verbmaster: French, Vital Verb Kit Fun ways to master essential skills. Sample pages from these and other titles are now available to download from MLG's website: http://www.mlgpublishing.com MLG's dice for active learning and games can be viewed here: NOTE: Many of MLG's publications are now downloadable as pdf files.
CLICKER Clicker software is already used by pupils of all abilities, including struggling writers, learners with dyslexia, children learning English as an additional language and those with physical disabilities. The company is now marketing software for French at Key Stage 2 (Primary): Cricksoft also publishes sets of symbols. If your learners are already using symbols you might consider using ones they are already familar with to support their foreign language learning too. [5.10.11] Subscribe to Crick's software blog: http://www.cricksoft.com/uk/blog [2.11.11] Internet safety. Download free Clicker Learning Grids resources from Crick software, produced in conjunction with Childnet International, to reinforce rules about staying safe online (for ages 6-11)
[26.6.11] PENFRIEND XL DRAKE LANGUAGE MASTER A unique device which can support pupils pictorially, orally, aurally and with text as well. Its products feature mainly phonics and reading schemes for English, so it would be useful for use with EAL/ESOL learners. Many publishers now offer ready-made Language Master cards to support their English and foreign language courses but you can also buy blank cards and make your own.
CHANNEL 4 Channel 4's Hennings Haus and Chez Mimi have proved popular with young beginners in German and Frech. You can access them here: http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/c4modernlanguages/
SOCCERLINGUA An interactive DVD to help children learn English, Spanish, Italian and German using the power of football. Soccerlingua features footage shot at Euro 2004 and a quiz which appears in the form of a football tournament. For more information see http://www.soccerlingua.net
APPLIED LANGUAGE SOLUTIONS A commercial site with a wealth of royalty free fonts with characters that support various languages; maps of the world, Flags, Country guides and more.
http://www.appliedlanguage.com/translation_resources.shtml ENGLISH ON A ROLL Multi-sensory materials for teaching English as a foreign language. Even if you don't buy, there's lots to interest on the site. http://www.englishonaroll.com/
CHILD DRIVEN EDUCATION (or how many computers do you need?)
GAMES SOFTWARE
TXT SPEAK
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