A Mindset for Learning Languages
Learning a language can be daunting—you might say the wrong thing or feel a little foolish—but that’s part of the process! That’s why the “Speak up, Sit down” activity is a game-changer. It gets students speaking, thinking, and problem-solving in the target language from the moment they walk into the classroom. Learning a new language requires a learning mindset—embracing challenges, persisting through mistakes, and owning the learning process. Here’s what I learned working with two MFL teachers at the secondary school in London.
1. Setting the Foundation
Before launching into the activity, set clear expectations and lay the groundwork for what it means to be an effective language learner.
Step 1: Explore What Makes an Effective Language Learner
Help students identify that a language learner must have a learning mindset that requires practice and perseverance.
Ask students:
What makes someone a strong learner of a new language?
What habits can help you succeed in this classroom?
Step 2: ‘The First Thing We Teach’
Equip students with their first essential phrase:“¿Cómo se dice ___ en español?” (How do you say ___ in Spanish?) This tool empowers them to ask for help without defaulting to English—setting the tone for a target-language-only environment.
2. The Activity: 'Speak Up, Sit Down'
This routine is simple, interactive, and fun—and it gets students thinking and speaking in the target language right away.
How It Works:
Entering the Classroom:
When students enter the room, they must stand behind their seats and wait for the activity to begin.
Sitting Down:
Before students can take their seats, they must ask or answer a question or say why they want to sit down— in the target language.
Encourage humour! Example response:
“Quiero sentarme porque no dormí anoche.” (I want to sit down because I didn’t sleep last night.)
Recording Organic Language:
As students participate, write new or interesting phrases on the board. This becomes a dynamic resource for later use.
Points for Effort and Creativity:
Reward students for:
Taking risks and trying new phrases
Challenging the teacher with a question
Persevering through mistakes.
3. Top Essential Tips for Building a Learning Mindset
These tips help reinforce the mindset students need to succeed—not just in this activity, but in all their language learning.
Tip 1: Encourage Flexible Thinking
Teach students to “think around” unknown words using what they already know.
Example: If they don’t know “I’m tired,” they might say “No dormí mucho anoche.” (I didn’t sleep much last night.)
Tip 2: Normalise Risk-Taking
Make it clear that mistakes are not only okay—they are essential! Praise students for their attempts and celebrate progress over perfection.
Emphasise: It’s better to try and get it wrong than not to try at all.
Tip 3: Give Thinking Time – “Un Momento”
Teach students to ask for thinking time if they need it:“Un momento, por favor.” This simple phrase builds resilience and removes pressure to respond immediately.
Two teachers of Modern Foreign Language explain the impact that the concepts and strategies of growth mindset have had on their teaching and student learning, especially in helping students feel more confident taking risks and improving their spontaneous talk.
