• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Speaking Activities
  • Beginning French
  • Intermediate/Advanced
  • Unit Bundles
  • Free French Resources
  • Shop

Mme R's French Resources

May 17, 2021

Fun ways to practice French

ShareTweetGooglePinterestMail

 

fun-french-activities

Looking for fun ways to practice French? Here are some of my favorite activities to keep it fun and engaging.

My favorite student of all time has never been in my class, but he is the student in my mind when I create so many of my resources. He is my why in everything I do. My son is a wonderfully sweet, smart, and quiet boy who struggles a LOT with focus. Medicine helps a little. Eating the right food also helps a little. Getting enough sleep, limiting screen time, playing outdoors a lot, and all the other recommendations also help. A little.

The truth of it is, for kids with attention issues, there just isn’t one easy thing that will fix everything for them. There are often many combined efforts that help, but they certainly don’t just fix the problem. He still needs much longer than other kids. He gets really frustrated when the writing assignments are long. Even being in a quiet classroom with other kids can be a struggle on some days.

What I’ve learned from him

I have to admit, when I started teaching, I never understood why some kids took much longer to complete assignments. It can be really hard when we know a student can do the work, but they still seem to just sit there or take forever to get started. It wasn’t until it was my own child taking longer or not finishing that I really understood just how challenging and frustrating school could be for these students.

So, as I create all my activities, I use them at home with him. He tells me right away if it helps him learn. I can see where he struggles. I see the results as we practice together, and I can see exactly what activities really work well for him. I keep him in mind as I create all of my units, because I know there are a lot of other students out there just like him, hoping for something different so they can learn and grow to the best of their abilities.

 

Here are a few ways he loves to practice French.

1. Movement

Spelling words are just not fun for him. If the assignment is to recopy the words over and over, he’s not going to get anything out of it at all. Since he is in immersion, he often gets a French and and English spelling list for the week. That is a lot of words to recopy over and over to get no benefit out of it.

Here are a few ways we like to practice French spelling instead:

  1. Grab a small ball we can bounce. He bounces a ball as he spells the words out loud.

  2. Print the words in a large font and space them to cut out each letter. Build the words rather than write them. We have done this for years, and finally only stopped when he was in 5th grade, because he now actually wants to write them down.

  3. Build a hopscotch and have him spell the words out loud as he jumped through it.

  4. Writing them outside with sidewalk chalk. We do this a lot for verb conjugation, because although it is writing, it’s a lot more fun for him.

 

2. Gamification

We make games out of everything!

You can do make a quick written or oral activity that takes seconds to prepare. It’s a great way to practice French verbs.

In a classroom, just write the subjects up on your board like shown below. You can use any variation of pronouns, names, etc, but just cover all the different conjugations possible.⁣ Pick 6 verbs to work on – any tense you want! My kiddo is doing the futur simple at school right now and I picked the stems that he is having trouble with.⁣

Roll the dice and conjugate! You can assign the dice as die 1 & die 2 or do like I do and just make different colored columns.⁣

You can also play with with vocabulary and have students create sentences with the vocabulary that they roll. It’s a fun way to use what they already know, but even better, it takes such little preparation on your part that you can do this anytime you have a few extra minutes!

French-verb-drills

 

 

3. Boom Cards™️

I know I talk about these a lot, but it’s for a good reason! They are really amazing!

Some kids just hate to write. My own kiddo still is a really slow writer. It’s the actual physical movement of writing that slows him down. Every spelling test, he is the student asking the teacher to repeat the words. It’s simply because he writes each and every individual letter slowly. It has nothing to do with his actual ability to correctly write the words.

For kids with ADHD, they often struggle with handwriting, and if they are the type of student who really wants it to be neat (mine is!) then this is just a slow process.

Boom Cards let kids type, click, or drag letters, so this makes the physical writing part go away. For some kids, that is one less thing between them and successfully completing an assignment. This is by far my son’s favorite way to practice French vocabulary and verbs!

French-adjectives-digital-task-cards

 

Here are some other things you can do for students who are struggling.

Provide stressballs or fidgets

I always kept a big basket of these in my room, and kids knew they could use one at any time during class. In a class of 20, I would regularly have half of them being used – and not always by kids who had attention issues. Unfortunately for kids, they are sitting almost the entire day. Attention issues or not, this is not ideal. Giving them something to hold helps get out that energy a bit, and even my middle schoolers and high schoolers asked for them.

I made a huge bunch of my own a few years back by grabbing some thick balloons and filling them with flour. I’d put a basket of them out on my tables and let kids use them as they needed. It was a huge help for longer tests, and it cost me less than five dollars.

Reduce written work

This has been on just about every IEP or 504 I’ve ever read, but it is often vaguely written. That was always really hard for me to gauge as a teacher, because what does it mean? Reduce it by how much? See if you can get more specific guidance from the person who oversees the IEP or 504 so you’re not left guessing.

If it’s up to you, decide how much a student needs to do to show mastery. If you can determine mastery with 5 problems instead of 10, can that be enough? A lot of kids who are struggling to finish go home and work for hours on assignments that might be taking their classmates much less time complete. Is it always necessary to do ALL the questions?

 

He is my why. In everything I do, he is my motivation. With every resource I create, I think of him and all the students just like him. Chances are, you have many of these kids in your class who just need a different way to practice French.

Filed Under: French games, French grammar and vocabulary, Teaching tips Ashley Leave a Comment

Reader Interactions

French activities students love
Songs to Play in French Class

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I accept the Privacy Policy

Primary Sidebar

French-speaking-activities
French paperless task cards
French-vocabulary-grammar-units
French reading comprehension activities
French vocabulary and verb worksheets
Games for French class

mmersfrenchresources

mmersfrenchresources
♥It's February! ♥⁣ ⁣ I love seasonal activ ♥It's February! ♥⁣
⁣
I love seasonal activities, but sometimes there just isn't a lot of time to spend on holiday-themed words. My Valentine's Day pack is filled with speaking and writing activities but there are also Valentine's themed activities for reviewing the French grammar your students are probably already learning! ⁣
⁣
⁣
#frenchteachers #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteachers #targetlanguage #teachingfrench #enseignement #enseigner #teachfrench #frenchactivity #middleschoolfrench #teachersofinsta #igteachers
♥Février♥⁣ ⁣ I love chocolates and days g ♥Février♥⁣
⁣
I love chocolates and days getting a little longer.⁣
⁣
What is your favorite part of February?
Looking for some new French Youtube channels to he Looking for some new French Youtube channels to help your core French or French immersion students?Here are some of my favorite channels for French learners.⁣
⁣
#frenchimmersion #enseignement #worldlanguageteachers #mmersfrenchresources #frenchteachers #teachingfrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteacher #françaislangue #frenchteacher #frenchvocabulary #frenchteachersoninstagram
What are you up to this weekend?⁣ ⁣ Tomorrow i What are you up to this weekend?⁣
⁣
Tomorrow is my birthday, so all I'm asking is that I don't have to cook dinner! 😆
❄HIVER❄⁣ ⁣ Who loves Boom Cards? ⁣ ⁣ T ❄HIVER❄⁣
⁣
Who loves Boom Cards? ⁣
⁣
These interactive cards are a fun, no-prep activity to practice vocabulary AND they provide instant feedback, because they are self-checking!⁣
⁣
Find the link to this winter-themed set in my bio @mmersfrenchresources⁣
⁣
⁣
#frenchteachers #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteachers #targetlanguage #teachingfrench #enseignement #enseigner #teachfrench #boomcardsenfrançais #boomlearning #boomcards #frenchboomcards
C'EST L'HIVER!⁣ ⁣ Wish you had some no-prep ac C'EST L'HIVER!⁣
⁣
Wish you had some no-prep activities to practice ⁣
winter vocabulary? This activity pack is perfect for Core French beginners, and all you have to do is print and go! ⁣
⁣
Use it as the base of a winter unit, keep it for sub plans, or let early finishers work on it for fun. ⁣
⁣
Find the link in my bio @mmersfrenchresources⁣
⁣
⁣
#frenchteachers #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteachers #targetlanguage #teachingfrench #enseignement #enseigner #teachfrench #printandgo #teachersofinstagram #teacherspayteachers #vocabulaire #middleschoolfrench
Here's a throwback to my college days!⁣ ⁣ Anyo Here's a throwback to my college days!⁣
⁣
Anyone know where this is? Hint: it's in France. ⁣
⁣
If you think you know, leave a comment! No idea? Scroll down for the answer. ☺⁣
⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
⁣
This is a place I visited in college, because it wasn't too terribly far from where I lived, and I love to explore.⁣
⁣
On weekends, I'd often take the train to Nantes, but sometimes we'd go further to the coast of Brittany.⁣
⁣
This was taken near the coast at Carnac. There are thousands of these stones at the site, and they are estimated to have been placed there as early as 5000 BC. There are a lot of different theories about why the stones are there.⁣
⁣
I've linked the Brittany tourism site in my bio in case you want to learn more or maybe discover a little more with your classes.⁣
⁣
#frenchculture #frenchteacher #frenchteachers #carnac #enseignement #worldlanguageteachers #frenchclass #frenchteachers #corefrench #teachertravels #mmersfrenchresources
ER verbs⁣ ⁣ I love teaching verbs! They don't ER verbs⁣
⁣
I love teaching verbs! They don't have to be boring, and students don't have to struggle.⁣
⁣
With the right mix of speaking and writing activities that build upon themselves, students can gain confidence as they work through the activity pages.⁣
⁣
With an English and a French version, you can easily differentiate and use the same resource for core and immersion. ⁣
⁣
Find the link in my bio @mmersfrenchresources⁣
⁣
⁣
#frenchteachers #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteachers #targetlanguage #teachingfrench #enseignement #enseigner #teachfrench #frenchverbs #highschoolfrench#middleschoolfrench #frenchtpt #teacherspayteachers #teachersofig
Speaking tips⁣ ⁣ Getting students speaking can Speaking tips⁣
⁣
Getting students speaking can be tricky, but it's not impossible! Swipe through to grab some ideas for improving oral communication in your French classroom.⁣
⁣
⁣
#frenchteachers #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteachers #targetlanguage #teachingfrench #enseignement #enseigner #teachfrench #frenchteacher #frenchimmersion
PREFERENCES ⁣ ⁣ This or that is such a fun and PREFERENCES ⁣
⁣
This or that is such a fun and easy way to help beginners start ⁣
speaking! This winter-themed preferences activity is a fun way to bring in some new vocabulary with a format that is simple to follow!⁣
⁣
Includes a Venn diagram, printable vocabulary list, and 2 versions so you can choose which vocabulary terms work best for you.⁣
⁣
Find the link in my bio @mmersfrenchresources⁣
⁣
#frenchclass #frenchteacher #profdefrançais #profdefle #⁣
#enseignement #frenchteachers #worldlanguageteachers #teachingfrench #frenchimmersion #corefrench #frenchresources #iteachfrench #targetlanguage
Do you use my free New Year's Resolutions activiti Do you use my free New Year's Resolutions activities as part of your plans in January?⁣
⁣
I've updated it for 2023, so be sure to grab the update! ⁣
⁣
If you're on my email list, you this was sent in your email today. Not on the list but would love to have this? You can sign up at the link in my bio @mmersfrenchresources and you'll get it right to your inbox!⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#frenchteachers #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteachers #targetlanguage #teachingfrench #enseignement #enseigner #teachfrench #frenchimmersion # #teacher #newyears
C'EST L'HIVER!⁣ ⁣ Grab a winter freebie and sa C'EST L'HIVER!⁣
⁣
Grab a winter freebie and save yourself some time when you go back in January!⁣
⁣
This no-prep winter freebie is a fun way to help beginners get started writing in French. ⁣
⁣
Find the link in my bio @mmersfrenchresources⁣
#frenchteachers #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteachers #targetlanguage #teachingfrench #enseignement #enseigner #teachfrench
Happy holidays!⁣ ⁣ I wish you and your loved o Happy holidays!⁣
⁣
I wish you and your loved ones a very peaceful and happy holiday season. ♥⁣
⁣
If you're celebrating Christmas today, Joyeux Noël !
Winter is here!⁣ ⁣ What is your favorite part Winter is here!⁣
⁣
What is your favorite part of winter?⁣
⁣
For me, it's all about my fireplace! I'm in front of it from now until April! 🤣
PRACTICING VOCABULARY⁣ ⁣ Finding ways to have PRACTICING VOCABULARY⁣
⁣
Finding ways to have students practice vocabulary is really important, but it's easy to get stuck in a rut! In a recent blog post, I shared some of my favorite ways to practice vocabulary that require little or no-prep!⁣
⁣
Find the link in my bio @mmersfrenchresources⁣
⁣
#frenchclass #highschoolfrench #middleschoolfrench #teachingideas #frenchteacher #profsfrancofun #profdefrançais #teachingfrench #teachfrench #frenchresources #frimm #corefrench #frenchimmersion
BOOM CARDS⁣ ⁣ How fun are Boom Cards for pract BOOM CARDS⁣
⁣
How fun are Boom Cards for practicing French vocabulary?⁣
⁣
We love them so much, because they are so engaging! The self-checking feature makes it so easy for students to know exactly how they are doing.⁣
⁣
Bonus? They are perfect for students who do not love paper-pencil tasks!⁣
⁣
You can find this winter themed set at the link in my bio @mmersfrenchresources⁣
⁣
#boomcards #boomlearning #frenchboomcards #mmersfrenchresources #frenchresources #corefrench #frenchimmersion #frenchteacher #frenchclass
Someone is in love with the tree! Someone is in love with the tree!
THIS OR THAT⁣
⁣
What are your favorites?⁣
⁣
I'm chocolates, sugar cookies, and hot chocolate over here!
I love having no-prep activities right before a br I love having no-prep activities right before a break, because there's already so much to do!⁣
⁣
This Christmas pack is filled with fun no-prep speaking and writing activities that are perfect for beginners. This is great if you teach multiple levels, because it has different levels of activities.⁣
⁣
You can find the link to my Christmas pack in my bio @mmersfrenchresources⁣
⁣
⁣
#frenchteachers #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteachers #targetlanguage #teachingfrench #enseignement #enseigner #teachfrench #frenchteachers #happyclassroom #profdefle
Want to do something seasonal without using Christ Want to do something seasonal without using Christmas-themed vocabulary?⁣
⁣
Find some of my favorite winter-themed resources for writing, vocabulary, and paperless learning at my blog!⁣
⁣
You can find the link to the post in my bio @mmersfrenchresources⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#frenchteachers #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteachers #targetlanguage #teachingfrench #enseignement #enseigner #teachfrench
Load More Follow on Instagram

Footer

Still Looking for Something?

  • Home
  • Free French Resources
  • Beginning French
  • Intermediate/Advanced
  • Speaking Activities
  • Unit Bundles
  • Privacy Policy
  • Shop

© 2015 Mme R's French Resources · Customised By: Laine Sutherland Designs

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. You can view our privacy policy here. Accept
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT