Getting to know your students at la rentrée has never been easier with the right student information sheet! Having information about your students early in the year can help you set the tone for a great year together! It’s a way to learn fun facts about them, but also a way for your students to tell you things they like and don’t like so you can get a feel for your class group this year.
We all know that each year brings us new students with new opportunities and challenges, but it’s important to remember that each group will have its own personality, too. By gathering a little information about your students early on, you’ll be able to see which class is likely to want to do French speaking activities and games and which group is going to prefer quiet, written work.
That doesn’t mean you’ll need to change all your lessons! However, it can help you deliver lessons that really work with your students if you know a little about them first.
Why Every Teacher Needs a Student Information Sheet
I used some form of a student information sheet every year I had a classroom. It was a great way to learn about my students at the beginning of the school year, and even though I had the same students for three or four years in a row, I learned something new each time!
Here are just a few benefits of using a student information sheet:
- Learn about students quickly.
- Understand medical needs or allergies that may not be shared by the nurse or school.
- Discover student interests and strengths.
- Figure out what activities they are more likely to enjoy (and learn from!)
Why I Created a Bilingual Version
I’ve taught in both FSL and immersion classes. I’ve taught quite a few students who spoke French at home and were considered ESL in our school. For a French 1 class, they can’t fill out an information sheet in French, and the last thing we want to do is scare them just as they are starting! For an immersion class or for bilingual students, it’s important to offer the information sheet in French for both equity and school expectations.
Because so many teachers move back and forth between core French and French immersion, it’s just a lot easier to have both versions in one handy place, right?
What’s Included in the Free Download
✔ English Student Information Sheet
✔ French Student Information Sheet
✔ Printer-friendly PDF
✔ Ready to use on the first day of school
How I Use Student Information Sheets in My Classroom
I use these at some point during the first week of school. This is something I have always done on day 2 or 3 after students have completed some other icebreaker activities and gotten to know me a little. I feel like it’s better to make them comfortable and help them get back in the routine of school before I ask them to share a lot!
For me, personally, this is something I have always done in class, because a lot of my students haven’t been ready to jump into homework on the first day or two of school. Depending on the group, we might start it in class and anyone who doesn’t finish needs to complete it and return it the next day.
You can assign this student information sheet as homework as well, if you like. Here’s what I’d suggest:
- Send home during the first week.
- Ask families to return within a few days.
- Review each form after a week or two when you know a little about each student’s personality through observation.
- Keep forms in a confidential teacher binder.
- Refer back throughout the year.
Tips for Getting Forms Returned Quickly
- Include the form in the first-day package (or whatever day you send papers home).
- Offer the English version if that is more appropriate for your students.
- Remind students each day to turn it in!
- Explain to students why the information is important.
Download Your Free French & English Student Information Sheet
Are you ready to simplify your back-to-school organization! Download your free bilingual student information sheet and start the school year feeling prepared!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this resource free?
Yes!
Is it available in both French and English?
Yes. The download contains both versions.
Can I use it in French Immersion?
Absolutely.
Is it editable?
No. Clip artist terms of use require this document to be secured as it is.
Can I share it with other teachers?
This download is intended only for one teacher. If your colleague would love a copy, please send them the link to grab this freebie.
The beginning of the school year is busy enough without having to learn all about dozens (or hundreds!) of students! Having a simple bilingual student information sheet can help you stay organized, learn about your students, and start the year with confidence!
Go grab the freebie to start your year right!
