Leap Into Language Sessions

Leap into Language

Freshwater offers a range of workshops and storytelling sessions for KS1 & KS2 to bring languages, communication and speaking and listening skills alive.

For KS1 - Let's Communicate

Drama workshop for KS1. An opportunity for pupils in KS1 to prepare for MFL learning in a fun and energetic way. As they journey round the Galaxy of Communication the children will develop their observational, speaking and listening skills and build up their confidence for communicating in unfamiliar ways.

A vital part of learning a new language is discovering the language learner in yourself; finding a new character that speaks and understands that new language. The Let’s Communicate workshop begins that discovery process for the children and provides a great basis for developing their ‘MFL personality’ in KS2.

The fun activities encourage pupils to create and explore new and unusual sounds, words, expressions, gestures, rhythm and language.

For KS2 - Storytelling for MFL & Confident Speaker

Storytelling for MFL

Storytelling for KS2. Large groups of KS2 children can come together for these inspiring, magical storytelling performance presented in your chosen Modern Foreign Language (French, German and Spanish).

Using the total immersion method, these well-known, traditional tales are told in a highly interactive format in French, Spanish or German (please check with the Freshwater office for availability of particular languages in your local area).

The unique activities will develop the children's listening and speaking skills and increase their enthusiasm for language learning. The storyteller leads the children through the entertaining narrative with mime, characterisation and visual aids.

The familiar structure of the stories gives even the shyest child the confidence to use another language. Leap into Language Storytelling sessions are inspiring for absolute beginners and a really positive affirmation of their skills for more experienced learners.

We have two sets of much loved fairy tales on offer to entertain and inspire your KS2 students - please contact us for more information.

Confident Speaker

Drama workshop for KS2. This workshop has been created to help improve your children’s speaking, listening and presentation skills. A toolkit of drama exercises are introduced, enabling the children to find ‘the speaker’ within themselves. After gaining in confidence with the fun activities, even the quietest child is encouraged to have a go at delivering a short speech. We can tailor the workshop to your needs, for example focusing on confident speaking for:

  • poetry
  • class or school
  • public occasions
  • life experiences

We encourage teachers to continue using the techniques with their class. Full follow-up notes are provided.

For everyone in KS1 & KS2 - Leap into Sign Language

Leap into Sign Language

From April 2010, we are excited to be offering Leap into Sign Language to schools and other venues throughout the South East, presented as highly interactive small group workshops or to larger groups using storytelling techniques. Our specialist British Sign Language (BSL) facilitator will combine storytelling, poetry, songs and games with learning some basic BSL signs in this highly visual and expressive language. The fun activities will heighten your students' awareness and improve their communication skills.

What are the benefits of introducing your students to BSL and/or learning some signs?BSL - Sign Language workshop

  • Raising awareness, inclusion and understanding of the deaf community and BSL
  • It is an expressive and beautiful language - great for improving presentation and communication skills
  • Future career opportunities - there is currently a shortage of BSL interpreters in the UK
  • Children might have deaf friends, family members or future work colleagues
  • Supports many education initiatives such as Every Child Matters, citizenship and SEAL initiatives

Follow up notes are provided.

Using drama to leap into language for all key stages

“It was great that only French was used throughout; familiar, traditional tales with lots of repetition, songs and humour ensured all the children could follow the story.”

Vivienne Powell, Great Milton CE Primary, Oxfordshire

“Stunned by the understanding the children showed. It helped kick start their own understanding.”

Marion Devons, Walton Oak School, Walton-on-Thames

“Really boosted their confidence.”

Trina Newton, Uplands Manor Primary School, Smethwick

“A great workshop, very cleverly planned and executed - great introduction to languages.”

Fran Gilling, Burwell Primary School, Cambridgeshire