Listening and speaking in a new language
Listen attentively to a new language and join in: hold simple conversations, ask and answer questions, speak in sentences using familiar phrases, and build pronunciation and intonation through songs, rhymes and presenting aloud
What a learner can do afterwards
- Join in with songs and rhymes in the new language, copying its sounds and rhythm (e.g. singing along to a counting song)
- Ask and answer simple questions in a short conversation (e.g. exchanging names, ages and likes with a partner)
- Say short sentences from memory with pronunciation a listener can follow (e.g. introducing themselves to the class)
1 · Read
You have practised copying sounds. If speaking feels hard, choose one phrase you know and practise with a teacher or trusted adult. Waiting for perfect sounds can leave you fewer chances to practise. You can ask for help or take a pause.
Listen for the information a question asks for. A name question needs your name. An age question needs your age. A question about likes needs something you like. If you are unsure which information is wanted, ask.
To answer a name question in Spanish, use Me llamo plus your name. Mia asks, '¿Cómo te llamas?' This means 'What is your name?' Sam waits until she finishes, then says, 'Me llamo Sam.' This means 'My name is Sam.' Mia then says, 'Me llamo Mia.' Listen to the whole question before taking your turn.
When practising a sentence, hear its rhythm and voice tune. Notice how sounds are timed and where the voice rises or falls. Try copying those features as well as the words. You do not need an exact match to someone's accent.
If you miss a word in a reply, ask to hear it again. You can use a phrase your teacher has given you for 'Could you repeat that?' You may also ask for help in a shared language. Clarification can keep an exchange going.
Practise a short sentence from memory. The goal is to communicate its meaning. Some sound differences may still be understood; others may need another try. Check what the listener understood instead of assuming that every attempt will be clear.
Listen to the whole question, give the information asked for, and ask again when something is unclear.
Three original reading activities and six original flashcards written for this learning dataset.
2 · Watch
Take it off screen
Where it sits
This opens up
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.