Activity Overview
Creating a comic is a great way for students to practice using the important words and phrases necessary for getting to know another person. In this activity, students will create a 4-5 frame dialogue where two characters get to know each other. Vocabulary and grammar demonstrated in this storyboard can include some or all of the following:
- Words of introduction (je m’appelle…)
- Question words like qui, où, and comment
- Character traits
- Nationalities
- Negatives
- Basic conjugations of être
The conversation in the storyboard should be plausible, and the length and requirements of the storyboard may vary, depending on the skills your class is focusing on. Conclude the activity by having students present their scenes to the class, reading the French dialogue aloud.
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
Will write a plausible 4-5 frame dialogue between two people meeting for the first time and discussing themselves or their friends. Your dialogue must include words of introduction, at least two character traits, two questions, and at least one use of correct negation.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a scenario, anywhere you'd like, where two characters interact.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Add textables for your dialogue.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 5 Points | Satisfaisant 3 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dialogue includes words of introduction (je m’appelle…) and at least two character traits | |||
| Dialogue includes at least two, correctly worded questions | |||
| Grammar is correct (proper negation and conjugations of être) | |||
| Dialogue includes correct spelling and accent marks |
Activity Overview
Creating a comic is a great way for students to practice using the important words and phrases necessary for getting to know another person. In this activity, students will create a 4-5 frame dialogue where two characters get to know each other. Vocabulary and grammar demonstrated in this storyboard can include some or all of the following:
- Words of introduction (je m’appelle…)
- Question words like qui, où, and comment
- Character traits
- Nationalities
- Negatives
- Basic conjugations of être
The conversation in the storyboard should be plausible, and the length and requirements of the storyboard may vary, depending on the skills your class is focusing on. Conclude the activity by having students present their scenes to the class, reading the French dialogue aloud.
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
Will write a plausible 4-5 frame dialogue between two people meeting for the first time and discussing themselves or their friends. Your dialogue must include words of introduction, at least two character traits, two questions, and at least one use of correct negation.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a scenario, anywhere you'd like, where two characters interact.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Add textables for your dialogue.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 5 Points | Satisfaisant 3 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dialogue includes words of introduction (je m’appelle…) and at least two character traits | |||
| Dialogue includes at least two, correctly worded questions | |||
| Grammar is correct (proper negation and conjugations of être) | |||
| Dialogue includes correct spelling and accent marks |
How Tos about Basic French Conversation
Plan a class discussion to reinforce common French greetings
Begin your lesson by reviewing key French greetings as a class. Model each phrase and encourage students to repeat after you. This sets a foundation for confident conversation practice.
Pair students for real-life practice conversations
Assign pairs and have them greet each other in French using phrases like “Bonjour, je m’appelle...”. This encourages active participation and helps students learn from one another.
Introduce simple props or visual aids for context
Use props, flashcards, or images to give context to conversations. Visual cues make the activity more engaging and help students recall vocabulary more easily.
Rotate partners to maximize speaking opportunities
Have students switch partners every few minutes. This allows everyone to practice with multiple classmates, building confidence and fluency in different conversational scenarios.
Celebrate mistakes as learning moments
Encourage students to share funny or tricky moments with greetings. Normalize making mistakes as part of learning, which fosters a supportive and positive classroom environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Basic French Conversation
What is a basic French conversation activity for middle and high school students?
A basic French conversation activity for grades 6–12 involves students creating a short dialogue, such as a 4–5 frame comic, where two characters introduce themselves and ask questions. This helps practice greetings, question words, character traits, nationalities, and simple grammar.
How do I help students write a beginner French dialogue?
Guide students to create a scenario where two people meet for the first time. Encourage them to use introduction phrases (like je m’appelle), ask and answer questions, include character traits, and use negations. Visual aids like comics make the activity engaging and accessible.
What French phrases should students use when introducing themselves?
Students should use phrases like je m’appelle (my name is), je suis (I am), je ne suis pas (I am not), and questions such as Comment tu t’appelles? or Où habites-tu? to start basic conversations.
What are some tips for making French dialogues more engaging for students?
Encourage students to create relatable characters, use humor, set scenes in interesting locations, and incorporate real-life scenarios. Adding visuals like storyboards or comics helps make the language learning process fun and memorable.
Why is creating a comic helpful for learning French conversation?
Making a comic helps students visualize conversations, practice vocabulary in context, and develop speaking and listening skills. It also boosts creativity and confidence when presenting dialogues to the class.
More Storyboard That Activities
Introductory French Dialogues
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
