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As the school year wraps up, I like to take a moment to reflect on everything that happened — the wins, surprises, and challenges. Teaching two separate Kindergarten classes, one in English and one in French, in the same space keeps me busy but also gives me a unique perspective on bilingual education. What Surprised Me This Year I was surprised by how much my students in both classes grew, even though the learning happens on alternating days. It’s amazing to see skills transfer and how routines I use in one language help build confidence in the other. I also learned the value of flexibility—sometimes I need to adjust plans or materials differently for each language group, and that’s totally normal. Wins and Challenges of Teaching Separate English and French Classes Wins: Seeing both groups develop vocabulary and confidence in their respective languages. Creating bilingual resources that work for both…

(Especially When You’re Bilingual and Moving Into a New Role!) The end of the school year always comes with a whirlwind of emotion… and boxes. Whether you’re changing roles, moving rooms, or wrapping up another year, packing up your classroom can feel like a massive task. And when you’re teaching in both French and English? Double the stuff, double the decisions. This year, I’m not just packing for summer—I’m transitioning into a new role in Student Services. I’ll still be working with Kindergarten students in both French and English, just in a different way. So, I’ve had to be intentional about what I’m packing, how I’m organizing it, and what’s actually worth keeping. Here’s how I’m staying (mostly) sane through the process: 1. Pack by Subject, Not Just by Language Because I’ll be moving between spaces and supporting different classrooms next year, I’ve decided to pack by subject: Literacy, Math,…

By the time June hits, our classrooms are buzzing with excitement—and a little chaos. One of my favourite ways to keep engagement high and get some fresh air is to take learning outside. It’s simple, it breaks up the day, and it gives French learning a chance to feel natural and playful. Here are a few of the low-prep activities I use to sneak in language practice while enjoying the sunshine. 🌱 1. Measuring Nature We bring out Unifix cubes and head straight for the grass! Students work in pairs or small groups to measure leaves, sticks, rocks, and dandelions. This opens up so much natural vocabulary: court / long plus grand / plus petit bâton / feuille / fleur / roche You can model simple sentences like: “Cette feuille est longue.”“Ce bâton est plus court que le crayon.” It’s a fun way to connect French to their world—and they…

June in Kindergarten is no joke. Between report cards, farewell song practices, fun days, and trying to keep routines intact, it can feel like your to-do list is never-ending. And while the kids are buzzing with excitement, their focus? Not so much. This is when I lean into low-prep, hands-on activities that keep students learning and enjoying their time together—whether we’re inside or outdoors, in French or English. Here are a few of my go-to activities for this time of year:   1. Let’s Build! (World Buildings Challenge) This one is always a hit. My I Can Build World Buildings activity from TPT keeps kids engaged through the end of June. It gives them the chance to explore global architecture while using their creativity and fine motor skills. They build landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Taj Mahal using blocks or recycled materials—and I tie in French vocabulary if it’s…

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…