Activity Overview
French possessive adjectives can be difficult for anglophone learners since the gender of the adjective corresponds to the noun that is possessed, rather than the noun that does the possessing. In the sentence “John ate his lunch”, for example, “his” corresponds in gender to “John” in English, but to “lunch” in French. Creating a visual representation of the two nouns in question can help students better grasp this conceptual shift.
In this activity, students will create a six-cell storyboard illustrating a sentence that uses a possessive pronoun. Students should include one possessive pronoun for each of the six personal pronoun categories in French.
| MA / MON / MES | Je lis mon livre. |
|---|---|
| TA / TON / TES | Jean, est-ce que c'est ton frère là-bas? |
| SA / SON / SES | Le directeur téléphone à sa femme. |
| NOTRE / NOS | Nous faisons nos devoirs. |
| VOTRE / VOS | Madame Michelot, où achetez-vous vos chaussures? |
| LEUR / LEURS | Les élèves mangent leur repas. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a six cell storyboard to practice possessive adjectives with each pronoun. The people and objects in your scene must be consistent in number and gender with the text of your sentence.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label each title box with a possessive pronoun.
- Write a sentence using that pronoun in the description box.
- Create an illustration for your sentence using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 33 Points | Satisfaisant 25 Points | Insuffisant 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use of possessive adjectives | Each possessive adjective is correct in number and gender. | The majority of possessive adjectives are correct in number and gender. | Most of the possessive adjectives do not accord in number and gender. |
| Images | The depictions reflect strong effort. The possessive adjectives make logical sense in the sentences and fit the storyboard images. Images agree in number and gender with the text. | The depictions reflect some effort. The possessive adjectives make logical sense in the sentences and generally fit the storyboard images, although they may not all agree in number and gender with the text. | The images are hastily done and reflect a lack of effort. The images do not match many of the textual descriptions. |
| Spelling/Grammar | All sentences and/or dialogue contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks) as appropriate for the class level. | Most sentences and/or dialogue contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks) as appropriate for the class level. | The sentences and/or dialogue contain many grammatical or spelling errors (including accent marks). |
Activity Overview
French possessive adjectives can be difficult for anglophone learners since the gender of the adjective corresponds to the noun that is possessed, rather than the noun that does the possessing. In the sentence “John ate his lunch”, for example, “his” corresponds in gender to “John” in English, but to “lunch” in French. Creating a visual representation of the two nouns in question can help students better grasp this conceptual shift.
In this activity, students will create a six-cell storyboard illustrating a sentence that uses a possessive pronoun. Students should include one possessive pronoun for each of the six personal pronoun categories in French.
| MA / MON / MES | Je lis mon livre. |
|---|---|
| TA / TON / TES | Jean, est-ce que c'est ton frère là-bas? |
| SA / SON / SES | Le directeur téléphone à sa femme. |
| NOTRE / NOS | Nous faisons nos devoirs. |
| VOTRE / VOS | Madame Michelot, où achetez-vous vos chaussures? |
| LEUR / LEURS | Les élèves mangent leur repas. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a six cell storyboard to practice possessive adjectives with each pronoun. The people and objects in your scene must be consistent in number and gender with the text of your sentence.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label each title box with a possessive pronoun.
- Write a sentence using that pronoun in the description box.
- Create an illustration for your sentence using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 33 Points | Satisfaisant 25 Points | Insuffisant 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use of possessive adjectives | Each possessive adjective is correct in number and gender. | The majority of possessive adjectives are correct in number and gender. | Most of the possessive adjectives do not accord in number and gender. |
| Images | The depictions reflect strong effort. The possessive adjectives make logical sense in the sentences and fit the storyboard images. Images agree in number and gender with the text. | The depictions reflect some effort. The possessive adjectives make logical sense in the sentences and generally fit the storyboard images, although they may not all agree in number and gender with the text. | The images are hastily done and reflect a lack of effort. The images do not match many of the textual descriptions. |
| Spelling/Grammar | All sentences and/or dialogue contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks) as appropriate for the class level. | Most sentences and/or dialogue contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks) as appropriate for the class level. | The sentences and/or dialogue contain many grammatical or spelling errors (including accent marks). |
How Tos about French Possessive Adjectives
Introduce possessive adjectives with a fun, real-world example
Start your lesson with a lively story or scenario that uses French possessive adjectives, such as describing students' favorite objects. This helps students connect the grammar to their own lives and makes learning more memorable.
Model how to match gender and number for each possessive adjective
Write sample sentences on the board, emphasizing how the possessive adjective matches the noun (not the owner) in both gender and number. Point out differences with English to prevent confusion.
Guide students through creating their own example sentences
Have students select objects or people from their lives and write sentences using each French possessive adjective. Encourage creativity and peer sharing to reinforce understanding.
Facilitate a peer review for adjective-noun agreement
Ask students to swap sentences and check each other’s work for correct gender and number agreement. This practice builds confidence and reinforces attention to detail.
Reinforce learning with a quick, interactive review game
End your lesson with a game like 'Possessive Pronoun Bingo' or a matching activity where students link owners to objects using the correct adjective. Games boost engagement and retention.
Frequently Asked Questions about French Possessive Adjectives
What are French possessive adjectives and how do they work?
French possessive adjectives show ownership, but unlike English, their form matches the gender and number of the noun possessed, not the owner. For example, "son livre" can mean "his book" or "her book," depending on the context, because "livre" (book) is masculine.
How can I teach French possessive adjectives to beginners?
Use visual aids and storyboards to help students connect each possessive adjective with the noun it describes. Having students create sentences and illustrations for each pronoun category (mon, ton, son, etc.) reinforces the concept.
What's the difference between 'son', 'sa', and 'ses' in French?
'Son' is used before masculine singular nouns, 'sa' before feminine singular nouns, and 'ses' before plural nouns, regardless of the owner's gender. The adjective matches the noun possessed.
Can you give examples of French possessive adjectives in sentences?
Yes! Example sentences: Je lis mon livre. (I read my book), Jean, est-ce que c'est ton frère? (Jean, is that your brother?), Les élèves mangent leur repas. (The students eat their meal).
What activities help students practice possessive adjectives in French?
Storyboard activities, sentence-writing with illustrations, and group games where students match pronouns to the correct possessive adjectives are effective and engaging ways to practice.
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