Planning
The Speekee scheme of work is flexible and adaptable - the plans and resources can be used in many different ways. The following sample structure may be useful, however, in assisting with short, medium and long term planning.
Long Term Planning
The Speekee scheme of work provides plans and resources for two years of work e.g. Years 1 and 2 or Years 3 and 4, if you allocate the recommended total of one hour per week for MFL. Note that this does not need to be a single hour-long period - the activities are structured so that you can incorporate shorter periods of time throughout the week.
Of course, since the activities are very cross-curricular in nature, you will find that much of your MFL work can be covered without dedicating time solely to it, using a more integrated approach.
And if it would be valuable for you to cover the course in a year, this can be done by selecting appropriate activities from the scheme of work.
If you are currently using another scheme of work, Speekee can be easily used as a supplementary resource because every activity has clear learning outcomes and links to the MFL framework.
Medium Term Planning
Each of the ten units supplies enough work for approximately half a term. Obviously, term lengths vary, as does the rate at which different classes can assimilate the learning, but here is an example of how the units can be split across twelve half terms:
| Year | Half term | Unit | Hours work (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | 1 | Unit 1 - El parque | 9 |
| 2 | Unit 2 - El café | 6 | |
| 3 | Unit 3 - La casa | 6 | |
| 4 | Unit 4 - El zoo | 5 | |
| 5 | Unit 5 - La clase | 6 | |
| 6 | Unit 6 - El mercado | 6 | |
| Second year | 1 | Unit 7 - La estación | 9 |
| 2 | Unit 8 - La playa | 8 | |
| 3 | Unit 9 - El jardín | 7 | |
| 4 | Unit 10 - La fiesta | 10 | |
| 5 | |||
| 6 | Review and consolidation |
Note that the first activity in each unit includes watching the corresponding DVD episode in full. This provides an introduction to all the language covered in the unit. Subsequent activities in the unit break down and reinforce this language using a wide range of methods.
Understanding the units
There are 10 separate units, each with a different theme (for example The Park, The Café, The Zoo) and activities. The language content builds carefully over the course of these units, providing a balance of new and previously covered language. This enables learners to review and consolidate what they’ve already learnt and provides a context for new language.
Each of the 10 units starts with important information that will support the planning, recording and monitoring of teaching and learning. This is set out under separate headings, as follows:
About this Unit
This gives a summary of the unit's language content and key learning objectives.
Expectations
This sets out what the children will have achieved by the end of a unit. Their achievements are broken down into three sections: what most children will have learned; what children who have progressed less will have learned; what children who have progressed more will have learned.
New language
This is a checklist of all the language new to the particular unit. The table of new language includes a pronunciation guide (both written and aural), and links to the specific activities within the unit for each language element.
Everyday language
These are the Spanish words and phrases, selected from each unit, which you and the children may find useful for everyday classroom use.
Presented on flashcards so the children can begin to recognise written Spanish, the words and phrases are introduced gradually. Aim to introduce the flashcards when you teach the language contained on them through a particular activity.
By the end of all ten units you will have fifty of these flashcards, if you choose to download them all.
Use your Spanish Corner as a focal point in the classroom, and put up the Everyday Language Flashcards as decoration around it.
Praise words
In each episode you will hear Speekee using different praise words. There are five in all (which are introduced over the first five episodes and repeated over the following five episodes), and essentially they all mean the same: great.
In addition, the phrase muy bien (very good) is repeated several times in every episode.
Use these praise words regularly with the children, at any time in the school day as well as in the Spanish lessons, and encourage the children to use them too.
Short Term Planning
Each unit comprises lesson plans and associated resources for approximately 20 activities. Divide these up according to the time available and children's understanding and speed of learning. Many of the activities include extension work, allowing you to provide differentiated tasks for individual children.
Understanding Each Activity
Every activity plan includes the following sections:
Resources
A list of resources you need to complete the activity. These are identified as follows:
- Speekee Pack: DVDs or CD you need from the pack
- Download: Worksheets, flashcards and other resources that you can download and print from the website
- Whiteboard: Images, sounds, and interactive games relevant to the activity, which you can access via the website
- Make / find: Everyday items to find or make
Language
A list of the principal language used in the activity. This includes a written pronunciation guide, and on the website, a sound clip for every word or phrase. This enables you to listen to correct Spanish pronunciation as often as you need.
Language learning outcomes
A list of language learning outcomes for the activity.
Cross curricular opportunities
A list of National Curriculum links for KS1 and KS2, indicating where there are opportunities for the activity to relate to and cover other areas of the curriculum.
MFL framework focus
A list of elements of the MFL framework for KS2 that are covered by the activity.
What to do
Detailed instructions on facilitating the lesson or activity.