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 classes, which saves me time and keeps things consistent.
Finding creative ways to connect themes across both classes, so learning feels continuous.
Challenges:
Balancing planning and prep for two distinct groups while keeping my energy up.
Making sure resources and activities feel meaningful and engaging for both English and French learners.
Managing two sets of routines and behaviors in the same classroom space.
Reflection Prompts for Bilingual Teachers in Separate Classes
If you teach bilingual classes like me, here are some questions I find helpful:
What moments this year in each class made me proud?
What challenges did I face teaching two languages on alternating days?
How did I support both groups to feel confident and included?
What surprised me about how students learned and interacted across languages?
What will I do differently or keep the same next year?
Reflecting like this helps me celebrate the wins and set goals without getting overwhelmed.
Want More Reflection Tools for Your Bilingual Classroom?
I’m working on a simple printable reflection guide with prompts designed for bilingual teachers managing multiple classes. If you want to get it delivered to your inbox, plus tips and resources for the summer, sign up below: