If you’re teaching in two languages, you already know how quickly prep time can get out of control. Centers are a huge part of building independence in the classroom, but when you’re running both French and English (or another language combo), it can feel like you need two completely different setups. Twice the printing, twice the laminating, twice the organizing.
Here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be that way.
You don’t need double the prep to make bilingual centers work. With a few simple shifts, you can set up once and use your centers across both languages.
1. Keep the Structure the Same
The best thing you can do is keep your routines and expectations consistent. If students know how to play a math game or complete a literacy activity in English, the only thing that changes in French is the language on the cards or instructions. No re-teaching, no extra confusion.
2. Use Visuals to Bridge Languages
Visuals are a lifesaver in bilingual classrooms. Pictures, icons, and number visuals help students work independently, no matter what language the task is in. You don’t have to stand beside them translating—they’ve got the support built right into the activity.
3. Prep Once, Use Twice
Instead of spending hours creating two separate versions of the same centre, look for resources that already include both languages. That way you can swap between English and French days without extra prep. One bin, one setup—done.
4. Choose Language-Neutral Materials
Dice, counters, blocks, and letter tiles don’t care what language you’re teaching in. Pair them with bilingual task cards or recording sheets, and you’ve got a centre that works in both languages without changing a thing.
Wrapping It Up
Teaching in two languages doesn’t mean you need to do twice the work. By keeping your centres simple, consistent, and supported with bilingual resources, you’ll spend less time prepping and more time connecting with your students.
👉 Want to save yourself even more time? Check out my TPT store where I feature bilingual math and literacy centers that are ready to go in both French and English. Prep once, teach twice—it really is that simple.