Fáilte, Benvenuti, Bienvenidos, Willkommen, Bienvenue! Last updated Mar.9th, 2010 

We are currently experiencing some technical difficulties with our website and are unable to upload new documents for the moment. We are reviewing the website and will be in a position to launch the new version of the site in the coming weeks. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Welcome to the MLPSI website! As part of the support service we offer schools participating in the Initiative and mindful of our obligations to provide information on modern language teaching at primary level in Ireland, this site contains information for teachers and schools, as well as valuable resources, updates on training events and links to other sites of interest. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for its ongoing development.

The new edition of Language Links is available to download from the Language Links section and it has also been sent by email to all schools. We hope you enjoy it!

ICT & Language Courses - an advertisement for tutors to deliver these courses in Education Centres nationwide was placed in the January/February issue of INTOuch - please see the NCTE website to download the application form.

European Language Label 2010 and Language Ambassador of the Year

Please note that the deadline for receipt of submissions and nominations for these awards is March 31st 2010. For further details, please click on the following links or contact Leargas - 

1.  european_language_label_2010

2.  language_ambassador_2010

‘Study on the Contribution of Multilingualism to Creativity’ uncovers groundbreaking data

Graz, 22 October 2009 - “All in all, it is increasingly looking as if monolinguals are at a distinct disadvantage in the modern age, and that if we want to really build a strong and prosperous Europe which can compete with the newly emerging economic giants in Asia and elsewhere, then we need to ensure broad access to successful language learning” says European Centre for Modern Languages¹project co-ordinator María Jesús Frigols Martin. The recent study published by the European Commission² on the Contribution of Multilingualism to Creativity identifies six main benefits of knowing more than one language. These benefits are linked to learning in general, complex thinking and creativity, mental flexibility, interpersonal and communication skills. For more on this new research, click here

  Starting off in the MLPSI  We have designed a new section for this website in which principals and teachers new to the MLPSI will be able to quickly source information on all apsects of the programme - please click on the  link to take you to our Starting Off... page

Every term we will create a themed list of ideas or 'Top Tips'. This month we are featuring 'Top Tips for creating a culture box'. Whether you are a Modern Language Teacher or a Hosting Class Teacher, why not try some of the ideas!? Collaborate if necessary!  Top Tips for creating a culture box

All MLPSI French/German schools are invited to enter our French/German Competition: 'Vive les Maths!'/'Mathematik macht Spaβ!'. Following our recent CPD day, this year's competition will focus on the integration of Maths with French/German. The competition is organised by the MLPSI with the support of the Service Culturel of the French Embassy and the Goethe-Institut Irland. See the following documents for more information. Closing date for entries is March 5th 2010 for the French competition and March 26th for German competition.

 concours_2010_letter_v2  concours_10_entry_form  maths_for_fun

Click on the 'Teachers' Association' section to find out when and where your next local Primary Languages Network meeting is taking place. Join your local group and share resources and materials with your MLPSI colleagues.  Look out  for regular updates on guest speakers and workshops taking place with your Regional Primary Languages group.

 Richard Tallaron workshop, Saturday, February 27th, Kildare Education Centre

The Kildare, Navan, Blackrock and Drumcondra Primary Language Network groups have invited Richard Tallaron, a Scottish ML teacher trainer  to facilitate a workshop in the Kildare Education Centre, on Saturday, February 27th. Richard, an experienced teacher trainer,  works with schools and Local Authorities delivering in-service training in language teaching throughout the UK. Please contact Kildare Education Centre to register.