Speekee in Primary Schools
Click here for the Spanish Scheme of Work, which includes 200 lesson plans and many resources available for download and for use on the whiteboard.
Speekee is an ideal resource for teachers and schools. Here are just some of the reasons why schools are choosing Speekee over other language learning programmes:
Designed for non-linguists
Speekee was designed for adults with little or no experience of Spanish who are helping children to learn a new language. Its detailed and carefully worked out, flexible structure gives a framework that will enable teachers to gain in confidence and skill – even if they are beginners in the field of MFL teaching.
Many teachers also find the subtitles a valuable tool for their own learning, and when using Speekee with older children who are learning to read and write the language as well as speaking it.
Authentic accents
Speekee uses native Spanish speakers – real children, not cartoon characters. When developing the resource, our research clearly showed that children are highly engaged by watching and listening to other children; it’s natural and innate for children to copy and imitate their peers - a fact that has been used to great effect in Speekee as children imitate scenes from the DVDs in a variety of role-play follow-up activities.
Supports DCSF and QCA requirements
Speekee supports and contributes to the DCSF framework for languages, and the QCA schemes of work. Teachers working to these voluntary schemes will find it easy to see how the Speekee resources will enable them to cover the QCA learning outcomes.
Great music
Speekee uses music extensively and very intelligently. Children learn quickly and effectively through the medium of song and music. The Speekee songs are exceptional in their ability to stick in children’s minds and become easily memorised, therefore accelerating the learning process and making it very enjoyable and fun for children.
There are a number of reasons why the songs are so effective supporting learning, including:
- They are gently paced. Even very young children can join in them without being left behind - as so often happens in musical resources of this kind.
- They use a vocal range that children of primary school age can easily manage and the tunes flow gently within this range.
- They use repetition and have actions to match – so children are using their Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic (VAK) senses when joining in with the songs on the DVD. This has a major impact on their ability to learn – and fast.
You can sample some of the music from the programme here.
Cultural reference
Every Speekee episode features a cultural section. These reflective sections – there are 10 in total – are invaluable in providing materials for teachers to use in order to fulfil the aims of the Intercultural Understanding strand of the KS 2 framework.
We are also committed to providing further cultural resources online. See resources.
Innovative teaching and learning strategies
The resources were carefully designed to bring together and make full use of a range of innovative and highly successful approaches to teaching and learning. These include:
- Techniques drawn from the theory of accelerated learning, and multiple intelligences, including a balance of activities that address different children’s preferred learning styles.
- Creative and engaging use of puppets that provide opportunities for children to practise their language skills.
- Effective use of drama and role-play opportunities to consolidate learning.
- Clear structure of episodes, including reflection and review opportunities.
These strategies and techniques are guaranteed to motivate, engage and enthuse children. Children learn quickly and have a lot of fun when learning Spanish with Speekee.
How to start your free trial
The price for a site-wide licence is £275. You can buy online, by going to the shop, or you can pay by cheque.
As with the home edition, you can try Speekee for 30 days risk-free. Simply order now, and if you don't think that this is the best Spanish resource for children you have seen then simply return the pack within 30 days for a full refund. Contact us by emailing info@speekee.co.uk if you wish to discuss further, or make other arrangements for payment (e.g. purchase order) or inspection.
Click here for the Spanish Scheme of Work, which includes 200 lesson plans and many resources available for download and for use on the whiteboard.
