Teaching Modern Languages in the Primary School

Perhaps the only way to improve language learning in Britain is to start earlier, as many other European countries do. This book is addressed to policy makers and teachers who are considering the possiblity of getting involved in the teaching of modern foreign languages in the primary school.

It has been argued for some time that to improve language learning in Britain we need to start earlier, as many other European countries do. This book is addressed to policy makers and teachers who are considering the possibility of getting involved in the teaching of MFL in the primary school.

Part One: Policy and Rationale Chapter 1. Modern foreign languages in the primary school: a fresh start Patricia Driscoll Chapter 2. Teacher expertise in the primary modern foreign languages classroom Patricia Driscoll Chapter 3. Policy issues for primary modern languages Lesley Low Part Two: Classroom Issues Chapter 4. The four language skills: the whole works! Alison Hurrell Chapter 5. Teaching in the target language Peter Satchwell Chapter 6. Classroom connections John Muir Chapter 7. Games and songs for teaching modern languages to young children Glynis Rumley Chapter 8. Resources for the teaching of modern foreign languages in the primary school Shelagh Rixon Chapter 9. Intercultural competence and foreign languages in the primary school Michael Byram and Peter Doye Chapter 10. Inter-school collaboration across Europe Michael Evans Part Three: Future Development Chapter 11. Modern foreign languages in the primary school in England: some implications for initial teacher training Keith Sharpe Chapter 12. Developing primary MFL: a teacher led, community-focused approach David Frost Chapter 13. A research agenda for modern languages in the primary school Richard Johnstone Appendix