What teachers are saying about The Language Teacher Toolkit

"The Language Teacher Toolkit is a really useful book for language teachers to either read all the way through or dip into. What I like about it is that the authors Steve Smith and Gianfranco Conti are totally upfront about what they believe to be good practice but back it up with research evidence." (Ernesto Macaro, Oxford University Department of Education)

"I absolutely love this book based on research and full of activities..  The best manual I've read so far. One of our PDs from the Australian Board of Studies recommended your book as an excellent resource.  I look forward to the conference here in Sydney." Michela Pezzi, Teacher, Australia, Facebook)

"Finally, a book for World Language teachers that provides practical ideas and strategies that can actually be used in the classroom, rather than dry rhetoric and theory that does little to inspire creativity in ways that are engaging for both students and teachers alike." (USA teacher, Amazon review)

"Even with over 30 years of experience it gave me some good ideas and food for thought." (Sian Haynes-Ryterski, UK Teacher)

I'm a secondary French teacher, and I've just finished reading this excellent book. It's jam-packed with creative ideas for the classroom, and it's really inspired me. The suggestions are very practical and require little preparation. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on speaking and listening activities, and on helpful technology/websites for language learning. I thoroughly recommend this book! (UK teacher, Amazon review)

"The Language Teacher Toolkit is a treasure chest for every language teacher, whether new to the profession or not. The comprehensive 350-page volume is divided in 25 well-structured chapters where invaluable tips ans tricks are backed up by the latest research on all subjects and the extensive teaching experience of both authors Steve Smith and Dr. Gianfranco Conti. This self-published book is a must not only for trainee language teacher students but also a fantastic reference for inspiration, practical applications and implications in the classroom, exploring all types of learners and situations in an encouraging and clearly expressed language. Every teaching question and context seems to be covered with such depth of thought, detail, logic, attention to detail, empathy and clarity that I will dwell in this book's wisdom for many years to come." (UK teacher, Nadine, Amazon)


"Strongly recommend the book: a must-have." (UK teacher)

"Chapeau! Already on our trainee reading list." (UK teacher)

"Absolutely loving this! Inspirational, practical, so sensible and backed up by research. Well done, gentlemen, and thank you." (UK teacher)

"Finally, a book for World Language teachers that provides practical ideas and strategies that can actually be used in the classroom, rather than dry rhetoric and theory that does little to inspire creativity in ways that are engaging for both students and teachers alike." (USA teacher, Amazon)

"Especially appreciate the overviews of the different methods and their strengths 

- this is a well-rounded book  packed with valuable info." (USA teacher, Amazon)

"Love this book! Not a quick read. Take in one section then figure out how to use it in my class. Can't wait to watch student engagement and success increase. Merci beaucoup!! " (Sue O'Hagen, Amazon Canada review)

"The Language Teacher Toolkit is a book that addresses all of the challenges we 

must face and overcome in the classroom, in order to ensure that students are 

receiving quality world language instruction." (USA teacher, Amazon)

"Excellent, very accessible resource for teachers and trainees in the languages 

classroom. Practical and sensible, yet takes on board new methodology and 

ideas that can work. Backed up by research, teachers can have confidence in 

and refer to the Languages Teacher Toolkit to improve practice. A must-have 

for MFL-ers!"  (UK teacher, Amazon)

"For me, it contains just about everything I think I need to know. One big 

thing I've taken from it that sticks out is that I can now explain how I teach 

the way I teach, why I don't use the Grammar/Translation method too 

much, the book has given me an introduction to the theories of my pedagogical 

choices which I was none the wiser of beforehand." (UK teacher, Amazon)

"An excellent toolkit for all language teachers, whether new to the profession 

or very experienced." (UK teacher, Amazon)

"Clear explanations, sound rationale, packed with practical, effective ideas and 

written by two experienced teachers who know their stuff. Highly recommend it!" (UK teacher, Amazon)

"Insightful and practical. An excellent resource from two reflective and 

thought-provoking writers. Recommend." (UK teacher, Amazon)

"What makes The Language Teacher Toolkit so appealing is that by combining 

the findings of research with a wide variety of practical ideas which involve 

minimal preparation for the teacher and maximal effectiveness for pupils." 

(UK teacher, ISMLA newsletter review)

"I intend to keep my Language Teacher Toolkit in my classroom and refer to 

it for inspiration when planning lessons, writing schemes of work or assessments 

or planning trips in the future." (UK teacher, ISMLA newsletter review)

"...take time to read Smith and Conti’s book. It’s packed with lots 

of interesting and not too ‘wacky’ ideas." (Ernesto Macaro)

"Excellent, very accessible resource for teachers and trainees in the languages classroom. Practical and sensible, yet takes on board new methodology and ideas that can work. Backed up by research, teachers can have confidence in and refer to the Languages Teacher Toolkit to improve practice. A must-have for MFL-ers!" (Amazon UK purchaser)

"Recommended for all our PGCE trainees" (Nicola McEwan, University of Buckingham, England)