Lively Learning Classroom

I've worked in teaching and teacher education for thirty years, and have loved every minute, learning so much along the way. I began by teaching French, German and English in adult education in Germany, then moved to teaching those languages to students age 3-18 in the UK. I've worked in Teacher Education 15 years, which has given me a whole new perspective on teaching and learning. Over the last couple of years, I've really focused on math and literacy, particularly for 'little learners', as this is such an important stage in a student's learning journey .

I love lively learning! Where students can work and learn together, question themselves and each other, and develop independence in their learning.

Joint Honours Degree in French and German, University of Liverpool. PGCE with QTS (Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status) from Manchester Polytechnic College, now the Metropolitan University of Manchester. Currently writing up my PhD thesis which focuses on how schools manage and implement change in education policy. I have published several research papers and books about language education, and am currently working on two new books for Bloomsbury Publishers, focusing on teaching French and Spanish to young learners (age 5-11), and how learning can be aligned across all curriculum areas in that age phase, particularly English and Math.

I majored in French, German and Linguistics at the University of Liverpool, UK, during which time I studied at the University of Caen in Normandy - beautiful place, beautiful people. I then moved to Germany (beautiful place, beautiful people!) where I worked as a teacher in adult education, a translator/interpreter, and in Sales and Marketing. I returned to the UK where I formally studied to be a teacher, and qualified in 1993. During that time, I started my own language school, working with children as young as 3, and more mature learners in their 70s. After a number of years in schools, I became a teacher educator at a University in the North West of England, and continue to teach in the classroom as often as time allows.

Also known as Angela McLachlan! I am proud to be half-Scottish and half-English, and live 'half and half' too! I've written a range of books about teaching and learning languages, and a French self-access language learning programme, which have helped me develop my own practice as I researched them. I was (and still am!) a very enthusiastic TPT buyer before I became an equally enthusiastic seller - I am focusing on 'lively learning' resources that have worked for me and my learners over the years, particularly in terms of sensory engagement and how that contributes to successful learning. I'm really enjoying my TPT journey!