6 Peer-Recommended Web Resources For Foreign Language Teachers
Rutgers Alternate Route candidates specializing in the foreign languages recently recommended free online resources that provide opportunities for interactive conversational and vocabulary practice and expose students to international cultures. Direct feedback from more than 200 teachers was reviewed when preparing this blog series of NJ Professional Standards for Teachers (NJPTS) aligned teacher resources.
Foreign language teachers across all grade levels can consult these web resources:
Le Portail Linguistique Du Canada
“It is a website made by the Canadian Government to help individuals learn French and to help teachers teach French. It has many links to different useful resources related to learning/teaching French. For example, exercises with correction, grammar, writing tools, and more. I like it because you have access to many quality resources in one place.”
“This website is designed for World Language teachers. You can get free teaching resources, lesson plans, worksheets, PowerPoint presentations, texts, activities, ideas and a lot of more. I really get good ideas from this website.”
TV 5 MONDE
“It is a French TV website that let’s you pick videos in French. The site lets you search by the audience level (beginner, intermediate or advanced) and by theme. Videos come with a plan to help teachers integrate them into their lessons. I like this site because the high quality of videos and the numerous tools that accompany them (lesson plans, transcripts and worksheets).”
“I use this site for current events but also for series that are repeated. For example, I use a ‘méditation’with my upper level classes most every week. The students relax and listen to a 2-3 minute oral meditation on various topics. We do it at the beginning of class each day. It relaxes and centers the students. I usually ask no specific questions about it and by the end of the week they are asking me questions about the content. There is also a series called "les pieds sur terre" in which people tell their work-related stories. There are many other authentic programs.”
Conjuguemos
“Very helpful for extra verb and grammar practice in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, and Korean.”
“Language learning mobile and web app that incorporates visual vocabulary learning and simulated conversation. Great resource for Level 1 students.”
Heather Ngoma has over 25 years of experience collaborating with educators across New Jersey to drive education innovation. She currently serves as the Director of the Rutgers-GSE Alternate Route Program in the Department of Learning and Teaching, a program which helps career changers, recent college graduates, and other aspiring education professionals become licensed teachers in New Jersey. Follow her on Twitter @heatherngoma.
