We’ve recently launched the 2009 Language and Film Talent Award competition which could be a perfect way to celebrate the European Day of Languages. Pupils can work together in groups to make a short film based on the theme of ‘why languages are important’, and have a huge amount of fun with it. Have a look at our LAFTAs website to find out more.

We’ve also produced a number of documents with ideas for activities that have worked in the past at all levels.

Primary

Our online shop has  activity packs, stickers, balloons and all sorts of other resources you could use on the day, and indeed throughout the year.

We also have some information sheets for you to use:

• songs
• multilingual assemblies
• the handmime game 
• further activities
• poster activities
• pronunciation guide
  

Secondary

Since 2001 and the European Year of Languages, schools across the UK have been organising events to join in the celebrations on 26 September. Some successful activities have included fashion shows, food markets, competitions, singing contests and plays. Click here for some more ideas.

We've also a huge range of activities and resources for you to use on our Languages Work website, designed to show young people the advantage language skills can bring later in life.

Higher Education

College and university students, full-time or part-time, specialist or non-specialists, can all show off their language skills on 26 September. Involve other departments and subjects to get as many students as possible doing something on the day. Here are some suggestions to start you off, but be as creative as you like!

• Perform a play in Italian
• Offer taster sessions
• Perform a play in Italian
• Invite ex-students to share positive stories about languages
• Hold an exhibition with Chinese commentary
• Host a Languages Work careers fair
• Organise an international sports tournament
• Promote work and study placements in foreign countries
• Display EDL materials in foyers, common rooms and corridors
• Welcome international students and find them a local 'buddy'
• Invite students and staff to a language and culture quiz night
• Enjoy a multilingual pub crawl

Work

Whatever your job, why not organise something to get tongues wagging at work? 75% of adults in the UK think it's good to speak another language;many of your colleagues/staff want to learn another language but have never got round to it. The European Day of Languages is a great time for setting language goals. These are some ideas of how to celebrate on the day:

• Plan an Italian coffee morning or German breakfast
• Enjoy lunchtime salsa in Spanish
• Invite an expert to run a language and culture workshop
• Plan a French film festival
• Organise a European quiz with tapas
• Answer the phone in different languages
• Have a staff meal in Greek
• Send an e-mail greeting to your customers in their own language
• Investigate opportunities for international work placements
• Organise an away day focusing on multicultural issues
• Learn key words and phrases in British Sign Language

Home/Community

Whether it's parents learning alongside their children, couples or flatmates signing up for classes together, internationally themed parties or coffee mornings there are many ways to make EDL special in your home and community. Ideas include:

• Making your shopping list in Russian
• Inviting friends round for a Bollywood night
• Playing scrabble in German  
• Listening to a foreign-language radio programme
• Organising an international film night
• Reading a book or magazine in another language
• Teaching a friend a language
• Learning to say hello to your neighbour in their language
• Learning some fun holiday phrases

Don’t forget to email us if you come up with something new, so that we can publicise it on this website. And remember to register your event on the events calendar, where you'll find a whole range of ideas from which to draw inspiration.