Month: June 2025

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…