Wer (German) – Structured Vocabulary Support
£2.00
View a free sample of this approach:
Salut (French) – Structured Vocabulary Support (Free Sample)
This structured vocabulary resource is designed to support learners who find German vocabulary harder to retain when words are taught as isolated items to memorise. It focuses on the high-frequency German question word wer, explaining what it means in modern German and how its meaning has remained stable over time.
Rather than relying on simple translation, the resource shows how wer fits into a wider system of meaning: how it is used to ask about people, how it contrasts with other German question words, and why it does not mean the same thing as words like wo. Earlier forms included in the resource are linguistic reconstructions used by scholars to model how the word is understood to have developed. These are not recorded quotations and are included only where they help make the modern meaning clearer and more logical.
Where helpful, links are made to familiar patterns in English, such as the relationship between wer and who. This allows learners to anchor the German word in existing knowledge and supports cross-linguistic transfer, helping vocabulary feel less arbitrary and more connected.
Each panel draws attention to one clear idea at a time, such as continuity of meaning or differences between person-questions and place-questions, without requiring learners to memorise historical detail. Learners are not expected to remember dates, language stages, or technical terminology. Panels can be explored in order or revisited independently over time, reducing working-memory load and supporting flexible use in short sessions.
This resource is designed with dyslexic and neurodivergent learners in mind, particularly those who benefit from explicit structure, reduced verbal load, and visual anchoring. It supports recognition, confidence, and longer-term vocabulary retention when learners encounter wer again in lessons or reading. It does not replace teaching, practice, or repetition, but helps make repeated exposure more meaningful and effective.
The approach is grounded in evidence-based literacy practice and structured language explanation. Meaning is prioritised throughout, with historical context used only where it helps learners understand how the word works in present-day German .
• A clear visual explanation of what wer means in modern German
• Explicit clarification that wer is used to ask about people
• Support for distinguishing wer from other German question words
• Simple black-and-white illustrations designed to anchor meaning and reduce verbal explanation
• Historically informed context used only to support understanding, not memorisation
Best used in short sessions (5–10 minutes), revisited over time. Start with what wer means today, then use the panels to support discussion and understanding. Panels do not need to be used all at once or in a fixed order. An adult guides use and decides when to stop.
This resource supports classroom learning, tutoring, and home education, but does not replace teaching or practice .
• Dyslexic learners studying German
• KS3–KS4 pupils who struggle with vocabulary retention
• Parents, tutors, and intervention teachers
• Learners who benefit from explicit, structured language explanation
© Great Expectations Education
For personal use in home education and tutoring only.
View a free sample of this approach:
Salut (French) – Structured Vocabulary Support (Free Sample)
This structured vocabulary resource is designed to support learners who find German vocabulary harder to retain when words are taught as isolated items to memorise. It focuses on the high-frequency German question word wer, explaining what it means in modern German and how its meaning has remained stable over time.
Rather than relying on simple translation, the resource shows how wer fits into a wider system of meaning: how it is used to ask about people, how it contrasts with other German question words, and why it does not mean the same thing as words like wo. Earlier forms included in the resource are linguistic reconstructions used by scholars to model how the word is understood to have developed. These are not recorded quotations and are included only where they help make the modern meaning clearer and more logical.
Where helpful, links are made to familiar patterns in English, such as the relationship between wer and who. This allows learners to anchor the German word in existing knowledge and supports cross-linguistic transfer, helping vocabulary feel less arbitrary and more connected.
Each panel draws attention to one clear idea at a time, such as continuity of meaning or differences between person-questions and place-questions, without requiring learners to memorise historical detail. Learners are not expected to remember dates, language stages, or technical terminology. Panels can be explored in order or revisited independently over time, reducing working-memory load and supporting flexible use in short sessions.
This resource is designed with dyslexic and neurodivergent learners in mind, particularly those who benefit from explicit structure, reduced verbal load, and visual anchoring. It supports recognition, confidence, and longer-term vocabulary retention when learners encounter wer again in lessons or reading. It does not replace teaching, practice, or repetition, but helps make repeated exposure more meaningful and effective.
The approach is grounded in evidence-based literacy practice and structured language explanation. Meaning is prioritised throughout, with historical context used only where it helps learners understand how the word works in present-day German .
• A clear visual explanation of what wer means in modern German
• Explicit clarification that wer is used to ask about people
• Support for distinguishing wer from other German question words
• Simple black-and-white illustrations designed to anchor meaning and reduce verbal explanation
• Historically informed context used only to support understanding, not memorisation
Best used in short sessions (5–10 minutes), revisited over time. Start with what wer means today, then use the panels to support discussion and understanding. Panels do not need to be used all at once or in a fixed order. An adult guides use and decides when to stop.
This resource supports classroom learning, tutoring, and home education, but does not replace teaching or practice .
• Dyslexic learners studying German
• KS3–KS4 pupils who struggle with vocabulary retention
• Parents, tutors, and intervention teachers
• Learners who benefit from explicit, structured language explanation
© Great Expectations Education
For personal use in home education and tutoring only.
