So you’re a new Core French teacher! Maybe you’re a brand-new French teacher or perhaps you’ve recently transitioned to teaching Core French. In this blog post, I am sharing five things new Core French teachers need to know as they begin their journey in this awesome section of our profession.
New Core French Teachers Be Aware! French teachers have extreme opinions on how French should be taught
When it comes to teaching French, French teachers are divided about how to teach the Language.
Some French teachers believe that the only way to learn French is through French grammar instruction. Some French teachers teach French using pedagogies such as AIM, Comprehensible Input, TPRS, and the Action-Oriented Approach, among others.
There’s also me who believes that culture needs to be at the heart of every language learning experience and goal. Ultimately, my goal is for students to understand that languages are doors to cultures, identities, and lived experiences.
In my opinion, you should be able to decide for yourself what approach is best for you and your students. New Core French teachers should not be pressured or bullied into adopting a specific approach.
Early in your career, don’t be afraid to explore various approaches and try different activities. Test things out and decide for yourself.
Learn from Core French teachers who are good at their craft
My second piece of advice is to learn from experienced Core French teachers who are truly skilled in their craft. These are specifically French teachers who are super passionate about their approach, in a good way.
Here are some Super Star Core French teacher recommendations to take note of!
- Elodie Channa on Comprehensible Input Ontario & Mme Pois Chiche over on Instagram
- Mme Howell on Instagram
- Benjamin Tinsley from Afro Franco
Your pedagogy will evolve over time
It is entirely normal for your pedagogy to evolve. You will become better at what you do over the years through repetition.
One thing I frequently observe in my career is experienced Core French teachers who have been teaching in the same way throughout their entire careers. We’re talking about the same worksheets, lessons, and projects.
Even though I teach a semester without prep time, I constantly adjust my approach. Almost a decade into my career, I like to change things up and almost always the rest is 200 times better than what I was doing initially.
Be brave and don’t be afraid to try something new!
The best lessons are always the simplest ones (most of the time)
Some of my most engaging and successful lessons are straightforward lessons. They are interactive, promote speaking and listening in French, and they took me 10 minutes to plan.
I still occasionally plan complicated and time-consuming lessons, but this happens only once or twice a semester.
My favourite example of this is literally taking any video from Easy French YouTube channel and turning it into an interactive experience by asking my students questions about what they are hearing and seeing.
Bonus tip – Join your neighbourhood Facebook Buy Nothing Group to save money
When you’re a brand-new Core French teacher, there’s so much pressure to buy all the things. School supplies, classroom materials, and equipment for cultural experiences – you know it.
For example, one year my work was at its best, and I really wanted a class set of mugs so we could enjoy hot chocolate with our classes.
I had just joined my neighbourhood Buy Nothing Group and I had noticed that so many people were giving away free mugs! We now have multiple classroom sets thanks to the generosity of my neighbours.
Join your local Buy Nothing Group and don’t be afraid to ask your neighbours for things you need/want in your classroom!
