Activity Overview
Learning the French adverb suffix -ment provides students with a simple way to expand their vocabularies. However, it may be challenging for students to grasp the many spelling rules that accompany this suffix when added to an adjective. In this activity, students will practice the spelling changes when "-ment" is added to an adjective.
The sample storyboard and template for this activity include adjectives that will require various spelling changes before adding the adverb suffix. To simplify the activity, include only masculine singular adjectives that do not require spelling changes in the adverb form. Feel free to alter the templates and instructions as needed.
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
Practice the spelling changes needed to change French adjectives into adverbs. Change each adjective into an adverb ending in -ment, then use the adverb in a sentence.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title, identify the adjective being used.
- In the description box, identify the adverb that the word changes to and use it in a sentence.
- Create an illustration for your sentence using appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 7 Points | Satisfaisant 4 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adverbs | All adjectives are correctly changed into adverbs, and the adverbs are placed correctly within the sentence. | Most adjectives are correctly changed into adverbs; most adverbs are placed correctly within the sentence. | Most adjectives are incorrectly changed into adverb form. Multiple adverbs are placed incorrectly in the sentences. |
| Images | The storyboard depictions show strong effort and clearly convey the meaning of the text. | The storyboard depictions show some effort and partially convey the meaning of the text. | The storyboard depictions show a lack of effort and fail to convey the meaning of the text. |
| 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
Learning the French adverb suffix -ment provides students with a simple way to expand their vocabularies. However, it may be challenging for students to grasp the many spelling rules that accompany this suffix when added to an adjective. In this activity, students will practice the spelling changes when "-ment" is added to an adjective.
The sample storyboard and template for this activity include adjectives that will require various spelling changes before adding the adverb suffix. To simplify the activity, include only masculine singular adjectives that do not require spelling changes in the adverb form. Feel free to alter the templates and instructions as needed.
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
Practice the spelling changes needed to change French adjectives into adverbs. Change each adjective into an adverb ending in -ment, then use the adverb in a sentence.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title, identify the adjective being used.
- In the description box, identify the adverb that the word changes to and use it in a sentence.
- Create an illustration for your sentence using appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 7 Points | Satisfaisant 4 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adverbs | All adjectives are correctly changed into adverbs, and the adverbs are placed correctly within the sentence. | Most adjectives are correctly changed into adverbs; most adverbs are placed correctly within the sentence. | Most adjectives are incorrectly changed into adverb form. Multiple adverbs are placed incorrectly in the sentences. |
| Images | The storyboard depictions show strong effort and clearly convey the meaning of the text. | The storyboard depictions show some effort and partially convey the meaning of the text. | The storyboard depictions show a lack of effort and fail to convey the meaning of the text. |
| 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 Changing Adjectives to Adverbs in French
How to teach regular vs. irregular adverb formation in French
Clarify the difference between adjectives that follow the standard -ment rule and those that change spelling or form irregular adverbs. This helps students build a strong foundation and avoid common mistakes.
Gather a list of common adjectives for students to convert
Collect frequently used adjectives from your current unit or students' textbooks. Relevant vocabulary makes the activity more meaningful and supports retention.
Model the conversion process with think-alouds
Demonstrate the step-by-step process of changing an adjective to an adverb, narrating your thought process. Students benefit from hearing how you apply spelling rules and check your work.
Use sorting activities to reinforce patterns
Provide cards or digital lists for students to sort adjectives into 'regular' and 'irregular' adverb categories. Sorting strengthens pattern recognition and builds confidence in rule application.
Assign creative sentence challenges for practice
Challenge students to write original sentences using the new adverbs, rewarding creativity and accuracy. Authentic use encourages deeper understanding and retention.
Frequently Asked Questions about Changing Adjectives to Adverbs in French
What is the easiest way to change French adjectives into adverbs ending in -ment?
The simplest way to change a French adjective into an adverb is to add the suffix -ment to the adjective's feminine singular form. For example, heureux (happy) becomes heureusement (happily). Be aware of spelling changes that might apply based on the adjective.
How do you know which French adjectives need spelling changes before adding -ment?
Some French adjectives require spelling changes before adding -ment. Generally, you use the feminine form of the adjective. If the masculine form ends in a vowel, add -ment directly. If it ends in a consonant, switch to the feminine form (usually ending in -e) before adding -ment.
Can you give examples of changing French adjectives to adverbs with -ment?
Yes! For example: lent (slow) becomes lentement (slowly), and heureux (happy) becomes heureusement (happily). Always check if the adjective needs to switch to the feminine form first.
What are some common mistakes when forming French adverbs from adjectives?
Common errors include forgetting to use the feminine form when needed, misplacing the -ment suffix, or incorrect spelling changes. For example, actif should become activement, not actifment. Always review the spelling rules for each adjective.
How can teachers create simple classroom activities for practicing French adjective to adverb changes?
Teachers can ask students to list adjectives, convert them to adverbs with -ment, and use them in sentences. Visual aids like storyboards or sentence templates help reinforce spelling changes. Limiting to adjectives that don't require complex changes can simplify the lesson for beginners.
More Storyboard That Activities
French Adverbs
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
