The Kate Languages Podcast - S1 Ep10 - Creating Resources

In this episode of the podcast, I talked about creating MFL teaching resources - something I have been doing for many years now!

Here is a summary of the episode. Click above to listen in full.

Getting Started: Setting Up an Online Presence

When I realised I wasn't going back to the classroom, I initially focused on private tuition. I knew I needed an online presence, so I set up a website. I was lucky that my stepmum has a web design business, so she helped me set up a WordPress site. I found it easy to maintain and add blog posts and products once it was up and running.

I also set up social media accounts - Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram - all under the name 'Kate Languages'. This has been invaluable, especially as it's remained consistent even after I got married and changed my surname.

From Free Resources to E-commerce

My journey into creating resources started when I noticed people in Facebook groups asking for materials for the new GCSE specification. I created a bank of writing questions for French AQA, put them on my website for free, and they became really popular.

After getting feedback, I added model answers and started selling them. I was shocked that people were actually buying them! I then translated them into Spanish and German, which was particularly appreciated by German teachers.

Initially, I was manually emailing resources to buyers, but as sales increased, I realised I needed to automate the process. We set up the e-commerce part of my website using WooCommerce on WordPress, which has worked brilliantly.

My Resource Creation Process

When creating resources, I always start from the end. I ask myself: What am I doing? Who is it for? Why am I doing it? Then I work backwards.

For GCSE resources, I use sample exam papers and specifications, going through all the topics and themes. I rely heavily on vocab lists to ensure I am using language students are expected to know at GCSE level.

One of my top tips is to always start with the answers. I write the questions and answers simultaneously, using black for questions and blue for answers. This ensures everything matches up and makes sense.

I do everything straight onto the computer, except for initial planning of some resources, which I scribble in a notebook. I always check my resources multiple times, often printing them off to proofread.

For progression, I start with simple, receptive tasks (like matching words) and move on to more complex, productive tasks (like writing and speaking). This approach works for both resource creation and lesson planning.

Choices That Make My Resources Popular

I create my resources in Word, using Calibri font, because it's universally accessible. This allows teachers to easily modify the resources for their needs. I've heard of people creating entire schemes of work around my resources, which is mind-blowing!

I always include answers with my resources. It seems obvious, but I've noticed some sellers charge extra for answers, which I find bizarre.

Lastly, I price my resources affordably. I sold over 2,000 copies of one resource at £4.95, and people have told me they'd happily pay double because of the time it saves them. That's the key - if you want to make popular resources that sell, they need to save people time.

One of my favourite reviews on TES was from someone who said buying my resource meant they could spend the weekend with their family instead of creating materials. That's exactly why I do what I do.

Final Thoughts and Recap

To recap:
1. Start from the end - know what you're creating and why.
2. Write the answers first.
3. Plan for progression - simple to complex, receptive to productive.
4. Choose your format carefully - I use Word for accessibility.
5. Always check your resources thoroughly.
6. Provide a free sample for longer resources.

I hope this has given you some insight into my resource creation process. As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts! You can reach me at Kate Languages on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, or email [email protected]