Activity Overview
Another topic beginner French students will need to practice is the way they spend their time. This generally includes their life at school and their hobbies at home. In this activity, students will write a dialogue about two or more characters discussing school and hobbies. Vocabulary and grammar demonstrated in this storyboard can include some or all of the following:
- Academic subjects
- Preferences (aimer / ne pas aimer)
- Telling time
- Sports and hobbies
- Conjugations of -ER verbs
- Questions with est-ce que
Conclude by having students present their scenes to the class, reading the French dialogue aloud. This is a great way for students to practice their pronunciation and take ownership of their learning.
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 scene in which characters discuss their day at school. You must include at least two characters and use text bubbles to show their dialogue. Be sure to include the following in your scene:
- At least two questions
- References to two different school subjects
- At least one reference to time
- Reference to at least two hobbies or pastimes
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 5 Points | Satisfaisant 3 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dialogue includes mention of at least two school subjects and two hobbies | |||
| Dialogue includes at least two, correctly worded questions and one logical reference to time | |||
| Grammar is correct | |||
| Dialogue includes correct spelling and accent marks |
Activity Overview
Another topic beginner French students will need to practice is the way they spend their time. This generally includes their life at school and their hobbies at home. In this activity, students will write a dialogue about two or more characters discussing school and hobbies. Vocabulary and grammar demonstrated in this storyboard can include some or all of the following:
- Academic subjects
- Preferences (aimer / ne pas aimer)
- Telling time
- Sports and hobbies
- Conjugations of -ER verbs
- Questions with est-ce que
Conclude by having students present their scenes to the class, reading the French dialogue aloud. This is a great way for students to practice their pronunciation and take ownership of their learning.
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 scene in which characters discuss their day at school. You must include at least two characters and use text bubbles to show their dialogue. Be sure to include the following in your scene:
- At least two questions
- References to two different school subjects
- At least one reference to time
- Reference to at least two hobbies or pastimes
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 5 Points | Satisfaisant 3 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dialogue includes mention of at least two school subjects and two hobbies | |||
| Dialogue includes at least two, correctly worded questions and one logical reference to time | |||
| Grammar is correct | |||
| Dialogue includes correct spelling and accent marks |
How Tos about French Vocabulary for School
Organize a French vocabulary scavenger hunt in your classroom
Engage students with an interactive scavenger hunt by hiding cards with French school vocabulary around the room. Divide the class into small teams and give each team a list of words to find. Encourage students to say each word aloud and use it in a sentence when they discover a card. This hands-on approach makes vocabulary practice fun and memorable!
Prepare all vocabulary cards before class
Create cards featuring key French school words and simple illustrations. Laminate them for durability so you can reuse them in future lessons. Use bright colors to make them easy to spot and appealing to students.
Explain the rules and model an example round
Demonstrate how to find a card, read the word, and use it in a French sentence. Clarify that teams must work together and only use French when playing. Modeling expectations helps everyone understand how to participate.
Set a time limit and monitor student progress
Give students a set time—10 to 15 minutes—to find as many cards as possible. Circulate around the room to offer hints, encourage collaboration, and ensure students are speaking French. Keep energy high by cheering teams on as they search!
Review and reinforce vocabulary as a group
Gather everyone together after the hunt and invite teams to share the words they found. Prompt students to use each vocabulary word in a new sentence or mini-dialogue about school. This reinforces learning and boosts confidence in using French aloud.
Frequently Asked Questions about French Vocabulary for School
What are some easy French vocabulary words for school and hobbies?
Some useful French vocabulary words for school include l'école (school), le professeur (teacher), la classe (class), les mathématiques (math), and la science (science). For hobbies, try jouer au football (to play soccer), lire (to read), and écouter de la musique (to listen to music).
How can I create a simple French dialogue about school life?
To create a simple French dialogue about school life, use at least two characters discussing their classes, favorite subjects, what time it is, and hobbies. Include questions like "Quelle heure est-il?" and "Quel est ton sujet préféré?" for a natural conversation.
What are examples of questions students can ask in a French school scene?
Examples of questions for a French school scene are: "Quelles matières as-tu aujourd'hui?" (What subjects do you have today?), "Tu aimes les mathématiques?" (Do you like math?), and "À quelle heure commence la classe?" (What time does class start?).
How can French beginners practice pronunciation with dialogues?
French beginners can practice pronunciation by reading their dialogues aloud in pairs or groups, focusing on key vocabulary and expressions. Presenting scenes to the class encourages confidence and reinforces speaking skills.
What is the best way to teach French school vocabulary to middle school students?
The best way to teach French school vocabulary is through interactive activities like role-play dialogues, using visual aids (storyboards), and encouraging students to use new words in context. This makes learning memorable and engaging for middle schoolers.
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