The Kate Languages Podcast - S2 Ep1 - Starting lessons effectively

Structuring an Outstanding MFL Lesson - Starting Lessons Effectively

This was the first episode of season two of The Kate Languages Podcast! This season, I discussed the fundamentals of lesson planning, starting with how to kick off your lessons effectively. Whether you're a trainee teacher, newly qualified, or just looking for a refresher, these tips will help you set the right tone for your language classes.

The Importance of a Strong Start

Every school has its own policy on how students enter the classroom. Some get students to line up in the corridor, others let them wander in as they please, and sometimes you might be the one moving between rooms. Regardless of the setup, the most crucial element is having an activity ready to go as soon as students arrive.

The first activity of the lesson needs to be quick and easy to set up, straightforward, and not too time-consuming. Even if you have a well-established routine, there will always be little disruptions at the start of a lesson - questions from students, latecomers, technical issues. That's why it's vital to have something for every student to do right from the get-go.

These initial activities go by different names - starters, do-now activities, or retrieval practice. Whatever you call them, their purpose is twofold: to get students settled and focused, and to kick-start the learning process.

Choosing the Right Starter Activity

Your starter activity should be simple enough that it doesn't require a lengthy explanation. Ideally, it should be something students can begin without needing your full attention, allowing you time to set up, deal with any issues, and prepare for the main part of the lesson.

There are two main types of starter activities: retrieval practice and lesson preparation.

Retrieval practice involves revisiting previous learning. It could be content from the last lesson, a few weeks ago, or even further back. A popular approach is to use a grid with questions of varying difficulty, assigning more points to older material.

Lesson preparation activities, on the other hand, set students up for the current lesson. This is particularly useful at the beginning of a new topic or school year. It might involve introducing key vocabulary or concepts that will be central to the lesson.

Some effective starter activities include crosswords, translations, vocabulary matching exercises, and mini-quizzes on previous content. Crosswords can be an engaging way to review vocabulary. You can use English or target language clues, depending on your focus. Translations work well on an interactive whiteboard and can be easily differentiated by increasing difficulty. The key is to choose activities that are clear, straightforward, and don't require much setup or explanation.

Practical Tips for Implementation

When planning your starter activities, it's important to have the activity ready before students enter. If you're in your own classroom, you can have it displayed on the board. If you're moving between rooms, consider having paper-based activities ready. Establishing a routine is crucial - if students know they'll always have a starter activity, they'll be more likely to settle quickly and get to work.

Keep your starter activities simple. They should be self-explanatory or require minimal instructions. You can plan for differentiation by gradually increasing the difficulty of questions or by having extension activities ready for quick finishers. Flexibility is key - your starter should be adaptable to different classroom setups and allow for those inevitable start-of-lesson disruptions.

While the primary goal of a starter activity is to settle students, make sure it contributes to their language learning in some way. As a new teacher, you might find that your lesson starts take longer to settle than those of more experienced colleagues. That's perfectly normal! Your starter activities are there to help you establish yourself in the classroom and create a smooth transition into the main part of your lesson.

Conclusion

Remember, starting your lesson effectively sets the tone for the entire class. With a well-planned starter activity, you can ensure that your students are engaged, focused, and ready to learn from the moment they step into your classroom. A strong start to your lesson creates a positive learning environment and sets the stage for successful language acquisition.

So, as you plan your next lesson, consider how you can implement these strategies to create a smooth and effective start. Your future self - and your students - will thank you for it.

If you'd like to dive into this topic in more depth, you can now purchase my online course "Structuring an Outstanding MFL Lesson". NB This course is included in the Buy Everything package (but not yearly resources subscriptions).