Author: daenag

Teaching in a bilingual classroom is an exciting opportunity to foster a sense of community that celebrates both languages. But creating that inclusive space takes more than just putting up bilingual labels on the walls. It’s about building an environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and confident in their language learning. Whether you teach a fully bilingual class or alternate between two language groups (like I do), the key is to make both languages feel valued and accessible. Here’s how you can build a strong, welcoming community in your bilingual classroom. Creating a Welcoming Space for Both Languages When it comes to bilingual classrooms, balance is key. You want both languages to feel equally important and present. This doesn’t mean every aspect of your classroom needs to be perfectly divided down the middle, but it does mean that students should feel comfortable engaging with both languages. Here are a few…

You meant to do French consistently all month, but here you are, trying to fit it all into one class.Sound familiar? 😬 You’re definitely not alone. Teaching French—especially when you’re not fluent—can feel like one more thing on your already-packed list. And when May rolls around, let’s be honest… things get busy. End-of-year projects, field trips, report cards—it’s a lot. But here’s the good news: French doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. Even if you didn’t get to it as much as you planned, there are still easy ways to fit in meaningful, hands-on French learning without the overwhelm. 1. Choose Activities That Do Double Duty When time is short, go for activities that check more than one box.Think: Building fine motor skills and practicing vocabulary Reviewing words and moving their bodies Having fun and actually remembering what they learned Some of my go-to options: Beading cards (great for…

There’s a reason you see so many hands-on centers in early years classrooms: they work. And guess what? The same goes for French. If you’ve been relying on paper-based activities and finding that your students just aren’t engaged… it might be time to bring in more movement, play, and creativity. Here’s why hands-on learning makes such a big difference in French class—and how to start doing more of it in your room. It Makes Vocabulary Stick When students bead the word “lapin” (rabbit) or stamp the word “fleur” (flower), they’re making a physical connection to the language. The movement helps reinforce the vocabulary in a way that worksheets just can’t do. And bonus—it’s way more fun. It Works for All Learning Styles Whether you’ve got kinesthetic learners, students who need sensory input, or kids who just need to move, hands-on activities reach everyone. My French centers are designed to be…

Let’s be real—teaching French when you’re not fluent (and your to-do list is a mile long) can feel overwhelming. You want to make French a regular part of your classroom… but sometimes it gets pushed to the side because there’s just not enough time in the day. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Here’s the good news: French doesn’t have to be another thing on your plate. It can be simple, low-prep, and even kind of fun—yes, even if you don’t speak French fluently. Start Small and Stack It In You don’t need a whole block of time to teach French. Think of it like brushing your teeth—it’s quick, routine, and easy to squeeze in once it becomes a habit. Try using a few minutes after snack or right before recess for a quick French transition activity or vocabulary review. These little moments add up! Use What You’re Already Doing Already…

Let’s be real—the end of the year is wild. Between field trips, report cards, and kids basically melting into puddles of excitement, finding time (and energy) for French class can feel impossible. But what if it didn’t have to be another thing on your list? Whether you’ve been teaching French all year or you’re suddenly realizing you haven’t squeezed in as much as you meant to, it’s not too late! You can still bring the joy of French into your classroom with simple, low-prep activities that feel fun—not forced. Keep It Light, Keep It Moving At this point in the year, kids are buzzing with energy. Use it to your advantage! Think movement-based activities like scavenger hunts using French vocabulary, or simple games like “Jacques Dit” (Simon Says en français!). These kinds of activities help students burn energy and reinforce vocabulary—all while keeping the classroom chaos to a minimum. Stick…

Chick hatching in the classroom is one of those experiences that’s not only exciting, but also packed with learning opportunities. From math to science to building empathy, there’s so much to explore. If you’re thinking about bringing chicks into your classroom, you’re in for a treat (and I don’t just mean the cute chicks). I’ve got some ideas and resources that make this process easy, engaging, and educational for your students. Here’s how you can make the most of it. Math Connections: Counting Down the Days Math is a natural fit with chick hatching. You can start with a countdown to hatch day, which gives students a chance to practice number recognition and sequencing. A visual calendar or chart to track the days can help make it even more fun and tangible. And since I’ve created some chick-inspired math resources, you can easily tie in things like addition, subtraction, and…

In every classroom, empathy and inclusivity should be the foundation of the learning environment. Every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and seen. This is especially important when it comes to language learning. In my classroom, I make sure that every student—regardless of their background, abilities, or learning needs—feels included in the process. Here’s why empathy and inclusivity are so important, and how they show up in my teaching practices. Fostering an Empathetic Classroom Empathy starts with understanding. As educators, it’s essential to recognize that every student brings something unique to the table. Some students might need extra time or different support strategies to learn a new language, and that’s okay. By creating a space where students feel understood and supported, we give them the confidence to take risks and try new things—like speaking a new language—without fear of making mistakes. Creating Inclusive Learning Experiences When I design my activities,…

Easter is the perfect time to bring some fun, hands-on learning into your classroom, and what better way to do that than with French activities? My updated Easter vocabulary bundle is designed to make French learning easy and engaging for your students—without the stress of having to be fluent in French. Whether you’re looking for activities to practice new words or simply want to add some seasonal fun to your lessons, this bundle has everything you need! Engagement Through Hands-On Learning The best way to learn a new language is by making it fun and interactive. That’s exactly what you’ll get with my Easter vocabulary bundle. With activities like pompom vocabulary cards, stamping vocabulary cards, beading vocabulary cards, and a find and write activity, your students will be moving, creating, and using their hands to reinforce their new French words. From “lapin” (rabbit) to “carrottes” (carrots), they’ll be learning key…

Earth Day is all about raising awareness and taking action for our planet. It’s a great opportunity to teach students about the environment, and what better way to do that than by using it as a chance to practice French? My Earth Day Centre activities are designed to make French learning fun and natural, while keeping it simple for teachers—no fluency required! Engagement Through Hands-On Learning These activities are all about getting students moving and interacting. Whether it’s sorting recyclable materials, learning about plant life cycles, or going on a nature scavenger hunt, students will be busy while they practice new French vocabulary. And the best part? They won’t even realize they’re learning a new language—they’ll just be having fun! Simplicity for Teachers You don’t need to be fluent in French to pull this off. I’ve made sure these activities are easy to follow, with clear instructions in both English…

Teaching French to Kindergarten students can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not fluent in the language. But it doesn’t have to be! The key to making French learning enjoyable and effective for young kids is keeping it simple and fun. In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite strategies for making French feel natural in your classroom, no matter your level of French proficiency. Focus on Movement and Play Young learners are wired to learn best when they’re active. That’s why I’ve designed many of my activities to incorporate movement, play, and hands-on learning. When you can get students moving—whether it’s sorting flashcards, jumping around to match words, or doing a scavenger hunt—French starts to feel like second nature. It’s all about getting them engaged in a way that feels fun, not forced. Engage with Simple, Ready-to-Use Resources You don’t need to be fluent in French to help your…