Teaching Primary
Aged Students

Language Bag

What and Why?

In section D of each of the Activity Book Units 2-5 in Primary Colours 4 and 5, pupils are asked to work with their Language Bag. Suggestions for making the bag are given in the teaching notes when the pupils first make it. The purpose of the activities using the bag is to develop different learning skills. Each unit's activity practises a different aspect of language learning. Unit 2 practises vocabulary, Unit 3 practises speaking and question forms, Unit 4 practises reading skills and Unit 5 practises spelling. Through these activities, pupils are shown different ways in which they can practise and revise independently, but they are much more likely to do this if you can allow class time for them to try each activity for themselves first.

Practical ideas

• While you are working on Unit 1, explain the idea and ask the pupils to look for a suitable bag, showing them a model of one that you have decorated.
• Pupils can keep their Language Bags at home but they will need to bring them in for the relevant lesson, particularly when there is a suggested pairwork activity. Give them plenty of notice about bringing them in and explain if they need to prepare anything in advance for homework.
• Remind them regularly to use their Language Bags after each section to help practise new language.
• Make sure pupils understand the purpose of the Language Bag and encourage them to discuss in class how it has helped them.