Translation Race

by Gemma Wales
Teacher of MFL

Translation is a vital skill in language learning and teh teacher is challenged to find new ways to make it exciting and engaging for students. I've found that competition can really improve motivation and student engagement.

First, I split the class into two teams. Within each team, each student is numbered 1-15, so that we have two of each number. I call out a number and a word (in English or in the target language.) The same number on both teams must stand up and shout the translation - the quickest wins a point for their team. For example, Nummer 2 - Obst! Number 2 on each side must stand up and shout "Fruit!" the quickest to gain the point for their team.

To practise spelling, this can also be done with the classroom whiteboard. The teacher shouts out a number and an English word and the pupil must race to the board and write the word down as quick as they can. They only get it the point if it is spelt correctly (especially those umlauts, accents and capital letters!)