Facing Problems Together

Overview

Duration: 80 minutes
Class size: 10 students
Unit: Facing Our Problems Together (Lesson 1 of 8)
Key Stage: KS1 and KS2 (adaptations included below)
Subject: Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) – Introduction and vocabulary development related to problems and solutions

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National Curriculum Links (England)

KS1:

Languages Programme of Study

• Understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources.
• Speak with increasing confidence, fluency, and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say.
• Develop accurate pronunciation and intonation.
• Appreciate stories, songs, poems, and rhymes in the language.
• Broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material.

KS2:

Languages Programme of Study

• Listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding.
• Explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words.
• Develop accurate pronunciation and intonation.
• Engage in conversations, expressing opinions and responding to those of others.
• Understand basic grammar modes for communicating meaning.
• Appreciate stories, songs, poems, and rhymes in the language.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Understand and discuss the concept of a “problem” using English and target language (e.g., French or Spanish).
• Acquire and use key vocabulary related to problems and solutions in the target language.
• Participate confidently in storytelling and group discussions, demonstrating comprehension and communication skills.
• Develop listening and speaking skills through vocabulary games aligned with the theme.

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Resources

• Age-appropriate illustrated storybook: “What Do You Do with a Problem?” (adapted or translated excerpts if necessary, depending on MFL)
• Flashcards with key vocabulary (problem, solution, worry, help, fix, difficult, etc.) in English and target language
• Whiteboard and markers
• Vocabulary game materials (e.g., matching cards, bingo sheets)
• Audio recording of vocabulary and relevant phrases
• Large paper and coloured pens for collaborative mind map
• Timer or stopwatch

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Lesson Structure

1. Welcome and Warm-Up (10 minutes)

• Greet students in the target language, e.g. “Bonjour!” / “¡Hola!”
• Briefly introduce the unit theme: "Facing Our Problems Together".
• Engage students by asking simple questions in English and target language:
  • “Have you ever had a problem? What did you do?”
  • Model simple answers, encouraging students to repeat and share.
• Introduce today’s question: “What do you do with a problem?”

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2. Storytelling: “What Do You Do with a Problem?” (15 minutes)

• Read aloud or narrate the story using clear, expressive language.
• Include target language key problem and solution words intermittently, e.g., “Here is the problem - un problème / un problema”.
• Use illustrations to help comprehension.
• Pause periodically to check for understanding and ask bilingual questions:
  • “What does the character feel?” / “Comment se sent-il?” / “¿Cómo se siente?”
• Encourage students to summarise sections in their own words (English + target language phrases).

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3. Vocabulary Introduction and Game (25 minutes)

• Introduce 6–8 key words related to problems and solutions using flashcards. Include pronunciation practice and visual aids. Example vocabulary:
  • Problem (le problème / el problema)
  • Solution (la solution / la solución)
  • Difficult (difficile / difícil)
  • Help (aider / ayudar)
  • Fix (réparer / arreglar)
  • Worried (inquiet / preocupado)
• Play a “Vocabulary Detectives” game:
  • Spread cards on a table or floor.
  • Call out words in English or the target language, students race to find the matching card.
  • Bonus: Students use the vocabulary in simple sentences or mimed actions.
• For KS2 students, add a “Sentence Builder” challenge: make short sentences in the target language combining words, assisted by teacher prompts.

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4. Group Discussion and Mind Mapping (20 minutes)

• On large paper, create a “Problem and Solution” mind map with the class:
  • Start with the phrase “A problem is…” / « Un problème est… » / “Un problema es…”
  • Encourage students to share their ideas about problems and possible solutions using simple target language phrases and English as scaffolding.
• Divide into pairs or small groups to discuss:
  • Share a problem they might have (e.g., at school, at home).
  • Suggest solutions using the vocabulary learned.
• Each group shares one problem and solution with the whole class; teacher and peers provide supportive feedback using target language keywords.

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5. Plenary and Assessment (10 minutes)

• Recap key vocabulary by showing flashcards again. Have students say the words and short phrases aloud.
• Quick oral quiz: Teacher describes a situation; students respond with appropriate vocabulary or phrases.
• Ask students to complete a simple exit ticket (written or drawing):
  • Write or draw one problem and one solution in either English or target language (adapt to age/ability).
• Provide positive feedback and mention next lesson’s focus: going deeper into solving problems together.

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Differentiation and Adaptations

Group	Adaptation
KS1 (ages 5-7)	Focus heavily on storytelling, repetition, simplifying vocabulary to single words. Use more visuals and miming. Use individual or paired vocabulary games. Simplify group discussion to sharing ideas with one other student.
KS2 (ages 7-11)	Introduce simple sentences in the target language. Add grammar elements like articles or verbs in context. Encourage more extended pair/group discussion. Add writing elements in plenary if able.
SEN/EAL	Use clear visuals and gestures. Pair with supportive peers. Pre-teach key vocabulary before class. Use concrete examples and ensure a calm, encouraging environment.

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Reflection and Teacher Notes

• Monitor students’ ability to respond and understand the target vocabulary and themes during the game and discussion.
• Evaluate which students may benefit from booster or extension activities (e.g., storytelling at home, vocabulary practice apps).
• Use the collaborative mind map as a living document to revisit in future lessons and link to emotional literacy.
• Consider incorporating real-life problem-solving scenarios related to students’ everyday life in upcoming lessons, integrating cultural aspects of the language studied.

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Extension Ideas

• Create a class “Problem and Solution” book in the target language with drawings from students.
• Record students telling their own stories about problems and solutions to practice speaking and listening.
• Use songs or rhymes about solving problems in the target language to reinforce vocabulary and intonation.

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This lesson plan positions students not only to explore language acquisition aligned with the National Curriculum, but also to develop empathy, communication, and collaborative problem-solving skills through an engaging, cross-curricular approach.