Saturday 4 May 2019

French Teacher Resource: Immersion signs (alphabet and commands)

As a language teacher, I try hard to ensure that French is constantly used in a meaningful way for students to feel successful in their learning. This year, I am finally introducing language immersion in to my upper levels and have created some resources to aid in facilitation.

French themed alphabet wall in my French classroom


In my LOTE classroom, it is becoming more apparent to me that both deductive and inductive methods are necessary. That is, sometimes you need to use English as a medium to piece together grammar rules or to teach text-type features, and at other times, students can be forced to learn through the second language in full context. In particular, during worksheets activities, I have been setting a timer for 20-30 minutes and enforcing a 'French-only' rule. If a student 'slips up' and speaks in English to a friend, I tell their peers to instruct, "pas d'anglais...!" Students have found it to be a positive challenge, as a whole.

Classroom commands in easy view next to the whiteboard

Most importantly, I want my students to understand that communication is necessary in learning a language. Asking my students to speak French together highlights the need for meaningful conversation to learn French at school. It is not an easy task but I am persevering to ensure that this expectation is normalised in my classroom.

Therefore, to aid in my endeavour of ongoing language immersion, I have created the following printable Google Slide wall resources:
1. French alphabet - French/Parisian themed (great for secondary girls' school)
2. French alphabet - children's (basic) theme
3. Classroom commands and questions

Print them on card to stick on the wall or print them as small slides on A4 to give to students if you rotate between different rooms.

Do you use language immersion in your LOTE classroom? How do you facilitate immersion in a non-immersion school?