Favorite activities for French class

There are so many fun things to do in French class, but it’s really easy to fall into the same pattern. It feels safe when we know just what to do, but it’s always fun to mix things up, right? I’ve got some favorite activities for French class that have really helped me keep students engaged over the years.

I started in a classroom in 2004, and even though I have it all down (mostly), I still get in a rut at times. I get bored with things, and if I’m bored with it, it can’t be that fun for my students, right?

If you’re looking for something new to keep your students engaged, check out my favorite activities for French class below.

1. Board games

Board games are one of my favorite activities for French class, because there are just days when students need to let it all soak in and I need to have a structured activity that allows them to practice while still having fun. I use them for practicing vocabulary or verb conjugation.

2. La claque

This vocabulary slap game has been a favorite of my students for years. They get ultra-competitive to find the words first, and it’s a game they beg to play any time we have new words.

3. Task cards

Whether I put the task cards at a station or play Scoot with the entire class, task cards are another favorite of activity of mine. Scoot is especially great when you are working on verbs and grammar that students might be a little bored by, because the fun and movement makes this review game really engaging!

4. Speaking cards

One of the most important tasks of any French teacher is to get students speaking French! That is often easier said than done. One of my favorite activities for French class is speaking cards. Students of all ages and abilities need structured practice in order to use the concepts and vocabulary they are learning. These cards are fun and engaging, allow for movement, and can be used for a structured activity or on those days when you just have a few extra minutes to fill.

Want more ideas for incorporating movement into your classroom? Read this post!

5. Boom Cards™

These paperless task cards are a really fun way to practice vocabulary and verbs, plus they are self-checking! Students get immediate feedback, and they can be played on devices connected to the internet, such as cell phones, tablets, computers, or even an interactive whiteboard.