Activity Overview
Some of the most basic vocabulary beginner students will need to practice is the language used in greeting people. Once students have learned the basic expressions for saying “hello”, “goodbye”, and “how are you”, they can use storyboards to reinforce this vocabulary. For this activity, have students create two short scenarios in which people greet each other in both informal and formal settings.
After the students have created the storyboards, have them present them to the class as a means of practicing their oral language skills. You can have students come up with their own scenarios or provide them with several to choose from, depending on how much scaffolding you would like to give to students. If you'd like them to solely focus on the dialogue, create the scenes (or remove the dialogue from the example) and have students fill in the bubbles.
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 two scenarios in which you practice both formal and informal conversations in French.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label the top row "Informal Greetings" and the bottom row "Formal Greetings".
- In the first column, have the characters greet each other.
- In the second column, have the characters ask how each other are doing.
- In the third column, have the characters part ways.
- Be creative with your settings and scenarios, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 5 Points | Satisfaisant 3 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appropriate formal and informal greetings | |||
| Appropriate scenarios for each expression | |||
| Correct spelling and accent marks |
Activity Overview
Some of the most basic vocabulary beginner students will need to practice is the language used in greeting people. Once students have learned the basic expressions for saying “hello”, “goodbye”, and “how are you”, they can use storyboards to reinforce this vocabulary. For this activity, have students create two short scenarios in which people greet each other in both informal and formal settings.
After the students have created the storyboards, have them present them to the class as a means of practicing their oral language skills. You can have students come up with their own scenarios or provide them with several to choose from, depending on how much scaffolding you would like to give to students. If you'd like them to solely focus on the dialogue, create the scenes (or remove the dialogue from the example) and have students fill in the bubbles.
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 two scenarios in which you practice both formal and informal conversations in French.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label the top row "Informal Greetings" and the bottom row "Formal Greetings".
- In the first column, have the characters greet each other.
- In the second column, have the characters ask how each other are doing.
- In the third column, have the characters part ways.
- Be creative with your settings and scenarios, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 5 Points | Satisfaisant 3 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appropriate formal and informal greetings | |||
| Appropriate scenarios for each expression | |||
| Correct spelling and accent marks |
How Tos about French Greetings
Plan a fun French greetings classroom game for active practice
Engage students by turning practice into a game! Interactive activities help reinforce new vocabulary and keep energy levels high while building speaking confidence.
Gather simple props and prepare greeting cards
Collect items like hats, name tags, and small signs labeled with French greetings. Visual props make it easier for students to remember phrases and add excitement to the game.
Divide students into small groups or pairs
Organize the class so everyone gets a chance to participate. Smaller groups ensure students feel more comfortable and get more speaking turns.
Assign each group a greeting scenario to act out
Give each group a setting—like a café, school, or park—and a style (formal or informal). Role-play encourages creativity while reinforcing the difference between greetings.
Have groups perform and encourage peer feedback
Invite groups to present their greetings, then let classmates share positive feedback. Peer review boosts confidence and highlights effective communication.
Frequently Asked Questions about French Greetings
What are some easy French greetings for beginners to teach?
Easy French greetings for beginners include Bonjour (Hello), Salut (Hi), Au revoir (Goodbye), Comment ça va? (How are you?), and Ça va bien (I’m fine). These are great starting points for K–12 French lessons.
How can I teach formal and informal French greetings in the classroom?
To teach formal and informal French greetings, have students create short dialogues or storyboards showing both situations. Encourage the use of Bonjour for formal and Salut for informal settings, and guide them to use appropriate follow-up questions and farewells.
What is a quick activity for practicing French greetings with students?
A quick activity is to have students role-play or create storyboards of greeting scenarios, practicing both formal and informal conversations using basic French phrases. Presenting these to the class builds both vocabulary and speaking confidence.
Why is it important to teach both formal and informal greetings in French?
It’s important because French speakers use different greetings depending on context and relationship. Teaching both helps students communicate appropriately in real-life situations and understand cultural norms.
Can you give examples of formal and informal French dialogues for students?
Formal example: Bonjour, comment allez-vous? Très bien, merci. Au revoir.
Informal example: Salut! Ça va? Ça va bien, et toi? Salut!
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