Y GROMLECH
ADNODDAU I YSGOLION SIR BENFRO
ADNODDAU I YSGOLION SIR BENFRO
Mrs Sarah Arthur, Ysgol Tafarnsbeit
Many patterns and phrases from progression step 1 of the Continwwm can be introduced and practiced in routine daily activities. This will support learners to develop their understanding and responses progressively. Practitioners can use Welsh language songs, drills, and activities to support development. All staff within the classroom should also be good language models to develop the learners understanding of Welsh.
Children take responsibility for leading the daily routine ‘amser cofrestru’ in their role as ‘Helpwr Heddiw’. They take great pride in this responsibility and, due to the daily repetition of vocabulary and phrases, their understanding and confidence in speaking Welsh develop quickly.
Caneuon Bob Dydd resource is a collection of simple Welsh routine songs that can be used in PS1 to develop Welsh.
Below you will find a range of activities that fit into the MARS EARS teaching approach for language acquisition that forms part of the statements of what matters. By using this approach, learners will acquire language before applying it to topic work or other areas of the curriculum. MARS EARS is an acronym for a pedagogical cycle created by Gianfranco Conti which arose out of his Ph.D. research into Second Language Acquisition. It stands for the stages seen below, each designed to build up students’ abilities to carry out key communicative functions, as listed by Finocchiaro and Brumfit (1983). Activities will be based on sentence builders which put using sentence patterns at the heart of the teaching. Humans chunk everything into patterns. The larger the chunk, the lighter the load on working memory as we process language.
When first introducing the focus language pattern, you will need to spend more time using the drillio method. As you progress, this will need to be done with more pace, so that the beginning of each session starts with a drillio session that is short and sharp, reinforcing the focus language pattern and responses.
DRILLING
Songs should be used to introduce and reinforce language patterns, providing a fun and engaging way to model key phrases, but they should not replace the Drilio session or become the focus of the whole lesson.
These are activities and resources that teachers can use to support modelling in the language acquisition process. These suggestions are appropriate for foundation primary classes.
Cylch Cwestiwn ac Ateb is an interactive speaking activity that helps pupils develop their listening and comprehension skills by responding to structured questions using visual prompts. Through repetition and turn-taking, pupils gain confidence in recognising and using key language patterns before progressing to independent speaking.
ASKING AND ANSWERING
Meithrin a Derbyn, Mrs S. Arthur, Ysgol Tafarnsbeit
Songs are used to practice previously taught patterns. The practitioner uses the Fflic a Fflac puppets to ask and answer questions so that children can retrieve and practice previously taught patterns. Children can practice asking and answering questions using the puppets in smaller groups.
Focus: Speaking.
This game helps pupils recognise and process key language patterns by listening to questions linked to visual prompts, strengthening comprehension before speaking. Pupils take turns aiming at a target, asking a question based on the picture, and responding, making learning interactive, low-pressure, and engaging.
Gêm y Bagiau Ffa helps pupils process and recognise key language patterns by linking spoken phrases to visual prompts before speaking independently. Pupils take turns throwing a beanbag at a target, then use the focus language pattern aloud or ask their partner a question, making learning active and engaging.
EXTENDING SENTENCES
Meithrin a Derbyn, Mrs S. Arthur, Ysgol Tafarnsbeit
In this activity children are asked to recall previous knowledge to talk about the weather and are taught to extend these sentences by using the negative.
Focus: Speaking.
Piff Paff is a fast-paced vocabulary game that helps pupils develop listening skills and quick recognition of key language patterns. The teacher calls out a word, and pupils race to dab the correct picture or word before their partner, reinforcing comprehension through repeated exposure and active engagement.
Gêm y Parasiwt is a dynamic listening and response game that helps pupils recognize and process key language patterns before speaking. Pupils hold the parachute in a circle, listen for their assigned word or phrase, and run underneath to swap places when they hear it, reinforcing comprehension through movement and repetition.
Gêm y Lolipop is an interactive game that helps pupils develop listening and comprehension skills by linking spoken words to actions and responses. Pupils pick a lollipop stick, read the word or phrase aloud, and respond by acting it out and repeating the phrase.
(Stuck in the Mud)
Sownd yn y Mwd is an interactive listening and speaking game that helps pupils reinforce key language patterns through movement and repetition. One pupil is the tagger, and when others are caught, they freeze until a classmate runs under their arms or through their legs while saying a key phrase, encouraging active recall and supported language use.
(Listen and Respond Game)
Gêm Gwrando ac Ymateb helps pupils develop listening skills by identifying key words or phrases. Pupils respond with an action each time they hear the target language, reinforcing comprehension through movement and active engagement.
(Rip Bingo)
Bingo Rhwygo is a fun listening and response game that helps pupils develop word recognition and comprehension skills. Pupils listen carefully as the teacher calls out a word or phrase, then rip their paper strip at the correct place, reinforcing their understanding of key vocabulary in an interactive way.
SPLAT
Meithrin a Derbyn, Mrs S. Arthur, Ysgol Tafarnsbeit
Children are given splat boards which have pictures to match the language chunks taught. The teacher says a language chunk and children are asked to 'splat' the corresponding picture and repeat the language chunk. This is an opportunity for the teacher to correct pronunciation.
Focus: Understanding and pronunciation.
NO PEEKING!
Meithrin a Derbyn, Mrs S. Arthur, Ysgol Tafarnsbeit
A picture flashcard is held on a child's head. The child must guess the chunk of language that matches the flashcard.
"Dim pipo" - "No peeking"
"Beth wyt ti'n feddwl?" - "What do you think?"
"Tria eto" - "Try again"
"Ie, da iawn" - "Yes, very good"
Children can practice this activity with partners or in small groups.
Focus: Speaking.
SMALL GROUP GAMES
Meithrin a Derbyn, Mrs S. Arthur, Ysgol Tafarnsbeit
In these small group activities - no snakes no ladders and roll the dice, children are asked to produce the language taught in a safe context.
Focus: Speaking.
This planning document is not statutory but can be downloaded and edited to bolster your planning process for a unit of work. It serves as a resource to ensure comprehensive coverage and effective teaching of the target language. By utilising this tool, you'll find support in structuring your lessons, daily routines and activities, to optimise learning and engagement.