Stepping into a support role this year has completely shifted how I see teaching French in early years classrooms.
Instead of leading one class, I’ve been moving between spaces, working with different teachers and learners, and seeing how French instruction actually looks day-to-day. And while it’s been an adjustment (hello, rolling bins and schedule juggling!), it’s also been incredibly eye-opening.
Here are five things I’ve learned so far that have changed how I think about teaching French—especially when time is short, confidence is low, or fluency isn’t fluent.
1. Simplicity Is Powerful
You don’t need complicated units or flashy routines to teach French well. What I see working best are simple, consistent tools: vocabulary cards, sentence stems, songs with movement, and repeated daily structures.
When teachers focus on repetition and clarity (instead of perfection), students thrive—and so do the adults teaching them.
2. Visuals Aren’t a Crutch—They’re Essential
In a support role, I’m often jumping in mid-lesson. The classrooms that feel most accessible have clear, consistent visuals posted and used. Picture supports, anchor charts, sentence frames—they all help anchor learning and build student independence, especially in French.
It’s not about “dumbing it down.” It’s about giving kids the tools to access the language they’re learning.
3. Confidence Matters More Than Fluency
You can teach French even if you’re not fluent. I see it every day.
The most impactful French moments I’ve witnessed have come from teachers who show enthusiasm, model language out loud, and aren’t afraid to make mistakes. When teachers feel supported, kids feel safe to try—and that’s what really matters.
4. Cross-Language Connections Make a Big Difference
When I support teachers who loop between English and French (like I used to), I see how powerful it is to make cross-language links. Whether it’s using similar visuals, parallel routines, or even echoing sentence starters across both languages, the consistency helps kids transfer learning and build confidence.
Sometimes the best French support is actually thoughtful English support, and vice versa.
5. Support Roles Offer a Bigger Picture (and a Lot of Empathy)
Now that I’m seeing multiple classrooms each week, I’ve gained a much deeper appreciation for what early years teachers juggle—especially when teaching French isn’t their specialty.
It’s reminded me how important it is to keep resources simple, classroom-ready, and flexible for real-world classrooms. Whether you’re fluent or figuring it out as you go, you deserve support that meets you where you are.
Teaching French Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this new role, it’s that good French instruction is about connection, not complexity. When we focus on making language feel accessible—for students and teachers—we make room for real growth.
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