Primary Teacher UK has run a number of blog posts related to primary modern foreign languages (PMFL) in the last few months. One such article Some pointers on teaching a foreign language at primary school offers sound advice to primary colleagues on practical ways of introducing a modern foreign language into their teaching repertoire. The author Chris Byrnes, a language teacher and self-proclaimed 'avid' language learner clearly feels passionate about the subject as he has set up his own website PrimaryschoolMFL which will be online soon.
In light of the government's decision to make foreign language learning an entitlement at primary level by 2010, posts of this nature must surely be welcomed by staff, particularly those who would not regard themselves as natural linguists. For colleagues who are interested in getting a head start in primary languages, the Nacell website is an excellent source of information. You could also consider joining the ELL forum or a Regional Support Group and attend CPD sessions on different aspects of PMFL. Click here to find out where your nearest RSG is.
The government's target of introducing PMFL in the next three to four years is challenging yet achieveable with the right kind of support. It is crucial that we establish a coherent and sustainable model and not make the same mistakes of the 1970's. That way, we we can reap the benefits of early language learning such as motivation and lack of self-consciousnesss into KS3 and beyond. Watch this space.
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