This document provides instructions for a translation activity where students will work in groups to translate picture books from one language to another. It discusses tools that translators use like dictionaries and computers. It offers tips for translation, including breaking sentences into chunks and focusing on the overall message rather than direct word-for-word translation, using illustrations to help with meaning, and checking as a group once complete. Students will work through the translation process in steps, looking up unknown words and filling in worksheets.

1. Translation session
Euro Tool Box
Especially chosen
European books!

2. What is translation?
• Translating words from one language to
another to find the meaning
Why are picture books helpful when you learn
a new language?

3. What tools do translators use
• Dictionaries
• Computers
• Knowledge of a country’s customs and culture

4. Top tips from professional translators
• Break the sentence into chunks
• Figure out the message that the writer is
trying to tell you and out it in your own words
• There’s sometimes several ways to translate a
sentence
• Use the illustration to help you

5. Do you have to translate word for
word?
No..Just the meaning

6. Translating picture books
Instructions
1) Go into groups of 4-5
2) Read through the books first to get the gist of
the story
*tip use the pictures to help you!
3) Look through again and identify any vocab
you don’t know using your dictionaries
4) Fill in your sheets

7. Only use pencils near the books!
• Work in teams of 4-5
• Translate 3 pages
• Take turns working in your groups
• Share! Share! Share!
• Put your hand up when you’re done
& Ms Du Piazza can check it & we can give you
another book
• End : groups can swap and check each other’s
work