The Kate Languages Podcast - S2 Ep5 - Finishing a lesson

Structuring an Outstanding MFL Lesson - Finishing a lesson

This was the fifth and final episode of season two of The Kate Languages Podcast. This season, I discussed the fundamentals of lesson planning, starting with how to kick off your lessons effectively, followed by how to introduce vocab and grammar to your students. I then covered the "passive" skills of listening and reading, followed by the "active" skills of speaking and writing. The final episode was all about how to finish a lesson effectively. If you've read/listened to the first 4 episodes, please don't be tempted to skip this one - I'd argue that it's the most important one of all!

I have since developed many of the ideas discussed in this season further, and have delivered online CPD workshops all about "exploiting one text". You can purchase the recording of my "exploiting one text" workshop here.

The Power of a Well-Structured Ending

During a recent CPD session I conducted, participants highlighted the significance of lesson conclusions as one of their key takeaways. Many teachers admitted to struggling with this aspect, often letting lessons fizzle out or rushing through the final minutes. However, a well-structured ending is vital for several reasons:

Firstly, it reinforces routine and helps with classroom management. Just as a strong start sets the tone for the lesson, a clear and orderly finish helps maintain a sense of structure and teacher control. This doesn't mean being authoritarian, but rather demonstrating that you value every moment of class time.

Secondly, an effective conclusion allows you to assess student learning. By dedicating time to review and consolidate the lesson's content, you can identify any gaps in understanding and plan accordingly for future sessions.

Ideally, aim to allocate at least five minutes at the end of each lesson for packing up and conducting a plenary activity. This not only helps reinforce learning but also ensures the classroom is left tidy – a small but significant detail that fosters pride and responsibility among students.

Engaging Plenary Activities

The best plenary activities are those that can be conducted without exercise books or pens, allowing for a clean and orderly end to the lesson. Here are a few favourites:

1. Corner Game: This versatile activity is perfect for vocabulary practice. Four students stand in the corners of the room. The teacher (or a nominated student) says a word in the target language, and the first student to shout the correct translation moves clockwise to the next corner. If occupied, that student is out. The last student standing wins.
2. Hot Seat: A student sits facing the class with their back to the board. Write a word in the target language on the board, and the class must describe it (in English or the target language) without using the word itself. The student in the hot seat guesses as many words as possible within a set time.
3. Exit Ticket Quiz: Ask each student a question related to the lesson's content before they leave. This can be a translation, a grammar point, or any relevant topic. It's an excellent way to reinforce learning and can even serve as a subtle behaviour management tool.

These activities not only consolidate learning but also end the lesson on an engaging and positive note.

The Importance of Reflection and Improvement

Reflecting on my own teaching practices, including my online French, German and Spanish lessons for language teachers, I've realised that I too sometimes fall into the trap of rushed endings. This episode serves as a reminder for all of us – myself included – to prioritise effective lesson conclusions.

As we wrap up this mini-series, I encourage you to consider how you currently end your lessons and where you might implement some of these strategies. Remember, a strong finish is just as important as a strong start in creating effective, memorable learning experiences.

If you'd like to dive into this topic in more depth, you can now purchase my online course "Structuring an Outstanding MFL Lesson". NB This course is included in the Buy Everything package (but not yearly resources subscriptions).