Introduction to CLIL in Primary Schools

Course description

This self-paced online course is designed to help primary school teachers and/or language teachers plan effective and engaging CLIL lessons that strengthen their students’ foreign language skills by teaching curricular topics in the second language.

CLIL stands for Content Language Integrated Learning, a methodology with a twofold goal and focus: teaching a curricular subject in a foreign language by immersing the learner in the target language, thereby simultaneously teaching the topic and the L2 language through context. The method has gained ground throughout Europe and is a driving element in the internationalization and innovation of school curricula.

Through theory and practical tasks, you will learn how to choose CLIL topics suitable for primary school children of different ages, how to adapt existing content for your CLIL classes, how to integrate the four basic skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) into your lessons and how to plan activities that impart knowledge in the chosen subject while instilling a positive mindset towards second language acquisition.

Course structure

Topic 1: Introduction to CLIL in primary schools

We’ll examine what CLIL is and what it aims to achieve, and how language learning and subject learning coexist and complement each other in the CLIL classroom. We’ll look at different types and lengths of CLIL projects or activities and how CLIL can be introduced in a primary school setting, and we’ll discuss the particular challenges faced when teaching CLIL with very young learners. We will also approach CLIL from the viewpoint of a curricular subject teacher as opposed to a second language teacher, as both roles are combined in the CLIL classroom.

Topic 2: Choosing CLIL topics

There is a vast difference between the skills and abilities of children in their first year of primary school and those in their last year, and there’s a whole world in-between, sometimes even within a single class. You will learn how to choose CLIL activities that are suitable for your students’ levels and ages, that follow school curricula while remaining within a safe comfort zone of your students’ grasp of the target language for optimum success.

Topic 3: Sourcing and adapting existing material

Where can I find good resources for my CLIL classes? There is a wealth of ready-made material available online. The challenge lies in identifying trustworthy sources and simplifying the content for young learners. Through practical exercises, you will learn how to adapt and create content that is appropriate for your students.

Topic 4: Make it fun

The single most important aspect of teaching a second language to young learners is instilling a positive attitude towards learning the language. Creating and maintaining enthusiasm is key to a successful CLIL class. You will learn how to incorporate games, TPR (Total Physical Response) activities, outdoor activities, songs, and technology in your lessons to make them memorable and fun. Learning (the ultimate goal) will be a happy by-product.

Topic 5: The four skills

To satisfy language learning goals, a CLIL class should practice the four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. You will learn how to integrate activities that practice these skills into your CLIL lesson plans. You will learn tips on how to prepare content and exercises that reinforce the language learned without overreaching the abilities of your young learners.

Topic 6: Crafting a CLIL lesson plan from start to finish, and conclusion

We’ll go through a sample CLIL lesson plan step by step and go into detail about crucial points such as: body language, providing clear instruction, choosing your words wisely, using images, timing, etc. Finally, we’ll conclude with a brief recap of what constitutes a successful CLIL lesson for primary school.