Solutions Together

Overview

Age group: KS1 (5-7 years) and KS2 (7-11 years)
Duration: 80 minutes
Class size: 10 students
Unit: Facing Our Problems Together (Lesson 8 of 8)
Subject: Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) – French or Spanish (adapt as needed)
Curriculum Link: National Curriculum for England – Languages (2013)

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will:

KS1

• Understand and communicate simple ideas and solutions to problems in the target language.
• Use familiar vocabulary and short phrases related to problems and solutions.
• Work collaboratively to create and present a short, simple project using vocabulary learned across the unit.

KS2

• Rehearse and apply vocabulary and structures studied to discuss problems and their solutions confidently.
• Develop longer spoken and written pieces to express opinions and explain reasoning in the target language.
• Collaborate effectively in groups to design and present a creative project that reflects their understanding of the unit themes.

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National Curriculum Links

KS1

• Pupils should be taught to:
  • Understand and respond to a range of familiar spoken words and phrases (NC MFL 2013, KS1).
  • Say and write simple words and short phrases, including numbers, colours, and some personal information (NC MFL 2013).
  • Engage in collaborative activities, including listening and responding appropriately.

KS2

• Pupils should be taught to:
  • Listen attentively and understand longer and more complex phrases and sentences (NC MFL 2013, KS2).
  • Speak confidently about familiar topics, giving reasons and explanations (NC MFL 2013).
  • Read and write sentences using vocabulary and structures learnt (NC MFL 2013).
  • Develop strategies to initiate and sustain conversations (NC MFL 2013).

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Resources

• Large poster paper or card
• Markers, crayons, coloured pencils
• Access to projector or interactive whiteboard (optional)
• Printed vocabulary sheets from unit (problems, solutions, opinions)
• Laptops/tablets for digital presentations (if available)
• Simple props or craft materials for creative displays

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter (10 minutes)

Objective: Reactivate vocabulary related to problems and solutions.

• Use a quick interactive matching game: show common problems from the unit (e.g. “Je suis triste”/“Estoy triste” – I am sad) and have pupils call out or write the corresponding solutions learned (e.g. “Je parle à un ami”/“Hablo con un amigo” – I talk to a friend).
• Encourage use of the target language and scaffold with prompts if necessary.

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2. Introduction to Final Project (10 minutes)

Objective: Clarify the task and success criteria for the project.

• Explain that pupils will work in pairs or small groups to create a project that answers: What do you do with these problems?
• Options for projects:
  • A short presentation (role-play, dialogue, or speech).
  • A creative poster or booklet.
  • A digital slide show or video (if tech allows).
• Share clear success criteria:
  • Use target language learned during the unit.
  • Show understanding of a problem and a solution.
  • Speak clearly and confidently (KS2).
  • Work as a team and include creative elements.

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3. Group Work: Project Creation (40 minutes)

Objective: Produce a collaborative project showcasing vocabulary and concepts from the unit.

• Pupils split into pairs or groups of three.
• Provide vocabulary sheets and access to resources.
• Encourage brainstorming on which problems they want to focus on and how to express solutions clearly.
• Teachers circulate to support language accuracy, pronunciation, and confidence.
• Different tasks for KS1 and KS2:
  • KS1 focus on simple phrases and drawings on posters.
  • KS2 encourage script writing or slide preparation with fuller sentences or short paragraphs.
• Emphasise creativity: pupils can use drawings, role-plays, or multimedia components.

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4. Presentations & Peer Feedback (15 minutes)

Objective: Develop speaking skills and reflective listening.

• Each group presents their project to the class (2-3 minutes each).
• Encourage audience to listen actively and ask simple questions in the target language (e.g. “Quel problème avez-vous choisi?” / “¿Qué problema habéis elegido?”).
• Use a simple feedback sheet for peers with prompts: “I liked...”, “I learned...”, “Next time you could...”.
• Teacher provides positive reinforcement and corrects key language points gently.

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5. Plenary & Self-Assessment (5 minutes)

Objective: Reflect on learning and progress.

• Conduct a quick round where students say in the target language or English:
  • One problem they learned to talk about.
  • One solution they think is important.
• Use colourful thumbs-up/thumbs-down cards or emoji cards for pupils to self-assess confidence in speaking about problems and solutions.
• Congratulate all for their progress and teamwork throughout the unit.

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Assessment

Formative Assessment

• Teacher observation of participation in group work and presentations.
• Check use of correct vocabulary and sentence structures during presentations.
• Peer feedback forms to assess listening and understanding.

Summative Assessment

• Final creative projects reviewed against success criteria: language accuracy, content understanding, collaboration, and creativity.
• Use of self- and peer-assessment to promote metacognition and ownership of learning.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Provide sentence starters or word banks for pupils needing support.
• Challenge more able learners to extend sentences or add opinions using connectives (e.g. “parce que”, “porque”).
• Allow use of bilingual dictionaries or picture dictionaries as needed.
• Group pupils strategically to promote positive peer modelling and collaboration.

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Extension Ideas (if time allows or for homework)

• KS2 pupils could record a short video role-play of their presentation.
• KS1 pupils could create a simple “problem and solution” book to take home.
• Set up a “solution wall” in the classroom where pupils add phrases or advice learned during the unit.

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Teacher Reflection Notes

• Consider adapting vocabulary difficulty based on class proficiency.
• Encourage creativity while maintaining clear linguistic objectives.
• Use this final lesson to celebrate language learning achievements and boost confidence.
• Reflect on pupils’ engagement and adapt future units to build on speaking and collaborative skills demonstrated.

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This comprehensive, engaging, and curriculum-aligned lesson plan ensures that pupils consolidate their language learning through meaningful collaboration and creative expression, culminating the unit "Facing Our Problems Together" with an empowering, memorable activity.