Activity Overview
Using storyboards is a great way to teach students the difference between reflexive and non-reflexive verbs. The images help visual learners identify a clear difference between the different versions of the same base verb. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that illustrates the use of verbs both reflexively and non-reflexively.
Have beginner students practice depicting and describing scenarios using common, everyday reflexive verbs, or have more advanced students demonstrate the difference between verbs that change meaning in reflexive form. Make the assignment more complex by requiring use of the verbs in a tense other than the present.
Common French Reflexive Verbs
- se laver
- se sentir
- se reveiller
- se peigner
- se taire
- se faire mal
- se coucher
- se brosser
- se coiffer
- se raser
- se reposer
French Verbs that Change Meaning when Reflexive
- agir
- aller
- appuyer
- attendre
- demander
- lever
- marier
- mettre
- passer
- trouver
- occuper
| Reflexive | Not Reflexive |
|---|---|
| Antoine se lave les mains. | Antoine lave la voiture. |
| Maman se couche à dix heures. | Maman couche le bébé à sept heures. |
| Je me suis cassée le bras. | J'ai cassé le vase. |
| Nous nous sommes trouvés à l'entrée d'un labyrinthe mystérieux. | Nous avons trouvé un vieux coffre et une clé dans le labyrinthe. |
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 chart that illustrates four reflexive verbs that can also function as non-reflexive verbs.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first column, write sentences for each reflexive verb you've chosen.
- In the second column, write a sentence using the non-reflexive version.
- Create an illustration for each sentence using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 7 Points | Satisfaisant 4 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appropriate use of reflexive pronouns | The student makes use of all reflexive pronouns in an appropriate context. All sentences and images indicate the correct meaning of the pronominal verbs. The non-reflexive verbs are all used correctly. | The student makes use of most reflexive pronouns in an appropriate context. Most sentences and images indicate the correct meaning of the pronominal verbs. The non-reflexive verbs are mostly used correctly. | The student uses at least half of the reflexive pronouns in an incorrect context. Several sentences and images do not indicate the correct meaning of the pronominal verbs. At least half of the non-reflexive verbs are all used incorrectly. |
| Storyboard Scenes | The storyboard depictions show strong effort and clearly convey the meaning of the text. The two scenarios clearly show different meanings of the base verb. | The storyboard depictions show effort and attempt to convey the meaning of the text. The two scenarios attempt to show different meanings of the base verb. | The storyboard depictions show a lack of effort and fail to convey the meaning of the text. The two scenarios confuse the meanings of the base verb. |
| Spelling/Grammar | All sentences contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks). | Most sentences contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks). | The sentences contain many grammatical or spelling errors (including accent marks). |
Activity Overview
Using storyboards is a great way to teach students the difference between reflexive and non-reflexive verbs. The images help visual learners identify a clear difference between the different versions of the same base verb. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that illustrates the use of verbs both reflexively and non-reflexively.
Have beginner students practice depicting and describing scenarios using common, everyday reflexive verbs, or have more advanced students demonstrate the difference between verbs that change meaning in reflexive form. Make the assignment more complex by requiring use of the verbs in a tense other than the present.
Common French Reflexive Verbs
- se laver
- se sentir
- se reveiller
- se peigner
- se taire
- se faire mal
- se coucher
- se brosser
- se coiffer
- se raser
- se reposer
French Verbs that Change Meaning when Reflexive
- agir
- aller
- appuyer
- attendre
- demander
- lever
- marier
- mettre
- passer
- trouver
- occuper
| Reflexive | Not Reflexive |
|---|---|
| Antoine se lave les mains. | Antoine lave la voiture. |
| Maman se couche à dix heures. | Maman couche le bébé à sept heures. |
| Je me suis cassée le bras. | J'ai cassé le vase. |
| Nous nous sommes trouvés à l'entrée d'un labyrinthe mystérieux. | Nous avons trouvé un vieux coffre et une clé dans le labyrinthe. |
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 chart that illustrates four reflexive verbs that can also function as non-reflexive verbs.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first column, write sentences for each reflexive verb you've chosen.
- In the second column, write a sentence using the non-reflexive version.
- Create an illustration for each sentence using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 7 Points | Satisfaisant 4 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appropriate use of reflexive pronouns | The student makes use of all reflexive pronouns in an appropriate context. All sentences and images indicate the correct meaning of the pronominal verbs. The non-reflexive verbs are all used correctly. | The student makes use of most reflexive pronouns in an appropriate context. Most sentences and images indicate the correct meaning of the pronominal verbs. The non-reflexive verbs are mostly used correctly. | The student uses at least half of the reflexive pronouns in an incorrect context. Several sentences and images do not indicate the correct meaning of the pronominal verbs. At least half of the non-reflexive verbs are all used incorrectly. |
| Storyboard Scenes | The storyboard depictions show strong effort and clearly convey the meaning of the text. The two scenarios clearly show different meanings of the base verb. | The storyboard depictions show effort and attempt to convey the meaning of the text. The two scenarios attempt to show different meanings of the base verb. | The storyboard depictions show a lack of effort and fail to convey the meaning of the text. The two scenarios confuse the meanings of the base verb. |
| Spelling/Grammar | All sentences contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks). | Most sentences contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks). | The sentences contain many grammatical or spelling errors (including accent marks). |
How Tos about French Reflexive Verbs
Incorporate simple daily routines for practicing reflexive verbs
Integrate reflexive verbs into your classroom’s daily schedule, such as morning check-ins or end-of-day reflections. For example, ask students to describe what they did before school using reflexive verbs (Je me suis réveillé, Je me suis brossé les dents). Frequent repetition helps students remember the structure and context for these verbs.
Model pronunciation and verb forms aloud with the class
Say each reflexive verb and its pronoun combinations aloud, then have students repeat after you. Use gestures or actions to reinforce meaning (e.g., miming washing hands for ‘se laver’). Active participation boosts both pronunciation and retention.
Create partner dialogues using reflexive verbs
Pair students and have them write or improvise short conversations where each uses at least two reflexive verbs. Encourage them to ask and answer questions about their routines (e.g., ‘À quelle heure te couches-tu ?’). Dialogues make practice interactive and relatable.
Use visual cues and props for hands-on learning
Display images, props, or flashcards that represent common reflexive actions (such as a toothbrush for ‘se brosser’). Invite students to act out scenes or match props to verbs. Visuals support comprehension for all learners, especially younger grades.
Encourage reflective journaling with reflexive verbs
Assign short journal entries in which students describe their day or feelings using reflexive verbs. Prompts might include ‘Aujourd’hui, je me suis senti(e)...’ Journaling helps students personalize language and gain writing confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about French Reflexive Verbs
What are French reflexive verbs and how do they work?
French reflexive verbs are verbs where the subject performs an action on itself, using a reflexive pronoun (like se). For example, se laver means “to wash oneself.” The pronoun must agree with the subject in each sentence.
How can I explain the difference between reflexive and non-reflexive verbs to students?
Use side-by-side examples and visuals to show that reflexive verbs involve the subject acting on itself (Elle se brosse les cheveux), while non-reflexive verbs act on someone or something else (Elle brosse le chien).
What are some common French reflexive verbs used in everyday life?
Common everyday reflexive verbs include se laver (to wash oneself), se réveiller (to wake up), se coucher (to go to bed), and se brosser (to brush oneself).
Which French verbs change meaning when used reflexively?
Some verbs like trouver, mettre, and occuper have different meanings in their reflexive form. For example, trouver = to find, but se trouver = to be located.
What is an easy classroom activity for teaching French reflexive verbs?
Have students create a storyboard or chart showing sentences with both reflexive and non-reflexive forms of the same verbs, then add simple illustrations for each.
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