Starting a new year in the French classroom can be exciting—but also a little overwhelming. Whether you’re teaching Core French or French Immersion, having the right tools and templates in place can make a big difference in setting the tone, streamlining your routines, and supporting student success.
In this post, we’re sharing must-have French teaching tools to help you stay organized, build student independence, and create a supportive classroom environment. These resources are designed for Grades 4–8 and work for both beginner and intermediate learners.
If you're looking for French classroom management ideas, daily speaking routines, or visual supports to make French more accessible, this list will set you up for success all year long.
1. Daily Question Prompts for Oral Communication
Oral interaction is one of the biggest goals in FSL—and it can also be one of the hardest to plan for consistently. Having a go-to set of prompts makes it easier to start each class with meaningful speaking practice.
Bellwork or morning routine
Exit tickets
Think-pair-share prompts
Speaking warm-ups
Each question encourages personal expression, helping students use high-frequency vocabulary while building confidence in a risk-free way.
2. Visual Support: The French Vocabulary Office
When students struggle to find the right words in French, it can impact their confidence and output. That’s why a visual word wall or reference board is a must-have.
Independent writing tasks
Center work
Supporting early finishers
Boosting vocabulary recall
Display as a classroom poster or give students their own printed version to keep in duotangs or writing folders.
3. French Classroom Commands Word Wall
Establishing classroom routines in French from the beginning helps create an immersive environment and promotes target-language use. One of the best ways to do this is with a classroom commands word wall.
Asseyez-vous (Sit down)
Écoutez (Listen)
Sortez vos cahiers (Take out your notebooks)
Travaillez avec un partenaire (Work with a partner)
Use these to model expectations, teach classroom procedures in French, and reinforce common vocabulary throughout the year. Ideal for bulletin boards or reference displays.
4. Rubrics and Checklists to Simplify Assessment
Assessment in FSL doesn't have to be complicated. When you use clear, consistent tools, both you and your students stay on the same page. Checklists and rubrics also support student self-assessment and goal-setting.
Oral presentations
Reading comprehension
Writing tasks
Group projects
Use the included student-friendly versions to help learners track their progress and reflect on their learning. A great way to encourage accountability and clarify expectations.
5. Using Online Translators in the French Classroom (Effectively!)
Let’s face it—students will use online translators. The key is teaching them how to use these tools responsibly and as a support rather than a shortcut.
Compare translator outputs
Recognize common errors
Practice editing or rewording translated phrases
Understand when translators are helpful (and when they aren’t)
Use this activity at the beginning of the year to set expectations and support digital literacy in French.
Build Your French Teacher Toolkit
By using consistent routines, visual supports, and assessment tools, you’ll create a classroom environment that’s organized, engaging, and supportive of all learners.
Set yourself up for a smooth, organized, and low-stress year—starting with the tools that make your French classroom run like clockwork.
You might also enjoy these blog posts:
Building Strong Connections: How FSL Teachers Can Get to Know Their Students Better
No comments
Post a Comment