How to minimize disruptions & questions in French class

 How to minimize disruptions/questions in French class

 

Do you find, as a French teacher, that you are often repeating instructions for a task or have students that frequently don’t understand what they are expected to do? Do your students constantly ask to use the washroom or go to the water fountain? I have a few expert teacher tips for you that I am hoping will help to minimize disruptions and unnecessary questions in your French classroom. Read on to find out my 7 best tips to start today!

 

1. Hand signals. Are you looking for a creative approach to reducing distractions in your French classroom? Use these French hand signal classroom management posters to quickly address some frequent student requests. You students will use a simple gesture to indicate their needs and you use a gesture to indicate your response. These are great because they do not interrupt the lesson!

Hand signal posters

 

2. Visual instructions. French visual direction cue cards are a useful visual support that can be used throughout the school day. Prevent confusion and unnecessary questions when using this classroom management tool. As you explain instructions to your students, affix the cards and numbers to the board in the order in which you’d like your students to complete their tasks. This makes a quick and easy reference for any student who may need extra clarification.

directional cue cards

 

3. Give clear and precise instructions. I know this probably goes without saying, but be sure to give very detailed and precise instructions for each task that you would like your students to complete. Don’t assume that they will know what to do automatically, or that they will understand the written instructions. When possible, complete an example together of the task you are assigning.

 

4. Use routines. You probably know that classroom routines are paramount to maintaining your general sanity throughout the school year. When your students have a clear idea of what is expected of them from the time of arrival through to dismissal, classroom management becomes so much easier. When there are set routines in place, you are able to focus more on teaching and less on giving instructions. Investing in teaching your students these routines from the first day of classes will keep you from wasting valuable time throughout the school year. If you need some tips to get started with classroom routines, read my blog post about this topic.

 

5. Share expectations. Create a clear plan on the expectations that you have for your students and review it often. Is there a specific task that you would like them to complete at the beginning or end of each class? Do you prefer students work from their own desks, or are they able to move around more freely with flexible seating? What is your procedure for asking questions or for clarification?

 

6. “3 before me” policy. This isn’t for everyone, but some teachers use the “3 before me policy” to allow you time to work individually with students without disruptions. The premise is that they ask 3 other students for help before approaching the teacher.

 

7. Early finishers. Create a routine for early finishers. They will prevent the “what do I do now?” questions from students. I create an anchor chart with a list of things, ranging from cleaning out their desk, reading a book, or I have a bin with easy activities or colouring that students can choose from. Try these mystery colour by number activities for your students.

Do you have any tips to share with other French teachers? Share them in the comments below!