Month: May 2025

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…