Playing board games in French class is a sure way to get students engaged! I love all sorts of French games, but board games are some of my favorites. I’ve used French board games with all of my students, from 4th to 12th grade, and they are always SO popular that the kids beg to play again!
Here’s why I love using board games in French class:
1. The games allow students to practice specific grammar or vocabulary you might be working on.
Using image-based games in French for practicing vocabulary is a great way to help students memorize new words. You can have them just give the word or use the word in a sentence, so it’s really easy to use this in core, immersion, with younger students, and with bigger kids. This French clothing game is perfect for beginners.
It’s such an easy way to get students to practice with the words orally. Using games in French class allows them to speak with a small group, so even the most hesitant speakers will be more willing to try. Plus, it’s an activity they can do while you work individually with someone, complete some of your own tasks, or it makes a perfect activity for your faster workers.
What about advanced French students?
Even if you are working with advanced students, they still need structured time in class to practice the concepts you are teaching. This subjunctive board game allows even your more advanced classes to play, and they’ll surely appreciate it!
In upper levels, I know it’s easy for me to give students a lot more written work without remembering to add in fun activities. I try to make time each week to play a game in French so they have fun while practicing the hard things.
2. Students love to learn through using the language.
Using board games in French class allows them to practice at their own pace. You can allow them to use notes or play by memory, and it’s super-easy to differentiate by asking them to create full sentences or even use challenge words you write on the board.
Games like this French health board game have two versions, so you can use the image-based game for vocabulary or the verb game to practice conjugation. You can have one group play the vocabulary game in French while another reviews verbs, so it’s easy to differentiate!
3. Playing board games in French class is just fun!
Students work hard in school all day, but a lot of the school day might not be that fun. Anytime we can make learning fun and meaningful, students are so much more likely to retain the information we’ve been teaching.
I know that for me, when my students aren’t excited about what we are doing, it’s harder for me to get excited about prepping a new lesson. Anytime I find something I know they’ll love, I’m so excited to go teach that lesson! Using games in French class is my go-to when I’m feeling a little less excited about material.
Here’s what French teachers say:
About the passé composé board game, Lydia S. says, “This was a fun, different way to practice conjugating in the passé composé and my students really enjoyed it!”
Mary M. loved the French ER verbs board game. She says, “I used this with my grade 4/5 French immersion class who needed to practice their verbs, They enjoyed the game.”
About the French weather board game, Sarah N. says, “Games are essential in the language classroom. This one is great! Thank you!”
Natalie G.’s class loved the French food board game. She says, “My students had so much fun playing this. A great way to get them to practice vocabulary. Thanks!”
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