Learning mats

For about a week now, I have been using language mats, which are laminated A3 sheets containing structures for regularly used phrases in the classroom in French/German.  The aim is to get pupils talking even more in the target language.  The pupils really like them and they are rewarded for using them appropriately, but they also get penalty points if they speak in English without first asking permission in the target language.  They can probably be used in all sorts of subjects for key words or literacy and for rooms with little wall space or for teachers who move around, this is an ideal way of displaying the information you want them to have!  Here are some pics of mine.  If you develop your own, post a comment and let me know what for!

Padlet

This is nice if you want to do a quick ideas wall.  It's an online pinboard where you can 'pin' an idea or thought instantly.  Here's the link:  http://padlet.com/

You can have a go at pinning ideas onto the 'quick ideas' page on this blog.

Have fun!

Animoto again!

I have been busy on Animoto and made several videos; all of which took about 5 mins each!  Here is one I used for my French classes to introduce the new question of 'Où habites-tu?'



Try our slideshow creator at Animoto.

It's great, because it's so short, but if you sign up as an educator, you can get a promo code which will allow you 6 months (or more I think) of pro Animoto, so you can make longer videoclips.  Try it out.

teaching resources

Hello again!
Here is a useful resource for ideas and websites to create quizzes and games etc.

4Teachers

That's it - short and sweet!

Tag Galaxy

This is bonkers!  Not sure what to use it for yet, but it's fascinating!  Simply type in the name of a topic area or 'tag' in the box, and it collects images into the middle.  Then you can click on one of the planets and all the images are pulled down onto it (like with gravity!).  I typed in sports and it was brilliant.  Like I said: not sure what it can be used for yet, but someone will like it I'm sure!

Tag Galaxy