As French teachers, we know that learning a new language out loud can feel intimidating, especially for our Core French or French Immersion students. A strong foundation for French class is essential if we want our students to feel safe, supportive, and willing to take risks to speak French. One simple, but powerful routine you can introduce is community circles in French class. Circles are a great way to building a classroom community where every student has a voice.

What are Community Circles?

Circles are a structured routine where students and staff sit together in a circle and share and listen. This practice originates in Indigenous communities in North America where circles have long been used for relationship-building, decision-making, and healing. They are a practice now widely used in restorative practices and restorative justice in schools as an alternative to traditional, punitive discipline.

Circles for Restorative Practices

Circles can have many different purposes. For example, administrators and teachers can use circles to resolve conflicts.

It’s important to note here that facilitating circles for restorative justice requires training to avoid unintentionally causing harm. Another key point is that participation in this type of circle must always be consensual due to the sensitive nature.

Circles to Support Teaching & Learning

Beyond conflict resolution, French and French Immersion teachers can also use circles to support instruction. For example, circles can be really informative in Social Studies and History classes to reinforce critical thinking, perspective-taking, or even analyzing cause and consequence in relationship to a specific historical event.

In French class, a circle routine can help reinforce vocabulary and provide opportunities for oral communication in a safe and low-pressure way.

Circles to Build Classroom Community

Lastly, circles are a powerful way to build community in the classroom. They create space for students to share their thoughts, connect with one another, and develop trust. For French teachers, this is especially valuable as students are more likely to speak French and take risks when they feel a sense of belonging.

If you are familiar with my work, you will know that I am super passionate about routines in the French classroom. One of my favourite routines is Question du Jour. I think that Question du Jour and circles would work really well together since both routines give students the opportunity to share their voice, practice speaking French in a low-stakes way, and strengthen classroom community.

What grade levels are community circles ideal for?

Community circles can be used across grade levels, from elementary to high school Core French or French Immersion classes. Since I teach high school, this blog post will focus on how circles can support students from Grades 8-12. However, the routine can be easily adapted for younger students as well.

Watch the brief & informative chat with my amazing colleague Maryline to see how she implements community circles in her French Immersion classroom!

Maryline is a superstar! We have been neighbours for the last eight years. For several years now, I have noticed Maryline and her class doing circles at the back of her classroom. It has always intrigued me.

Today I am bringing in Maryline to tell you all about circles in her French Immersion classroom.

Helpful tools

If you’re looking for more support and guidance before you facilitate your first circle, here are some helpful tools.

• This is a phenomenal tool from CASEL that explains what circles are, their purpose, and even helps you plan your first one.
• This is a really helpful video on the origins of circles and how not to culturally appropriate unintentionally.

The post How to Use Community Circles in French Class to Build Community appeared first on FLE Avec MmeD.

Today, we will discuss gratitude activities in French class. While these French gratitude activities are perfect for French Thanksgiving or l’Action de Grâce, you do not need to wait for Thanksgiving to integrate the practice of gratitude in your teaching practice. The practice of expressing gratitude belongs in every season!

This is the fourth and final blog post in the Social-Emotional Learning series. Discover introductory SEL lessons here. Read about the importance of cultivating a growth mindset in French students here. Learn all about the importance of affirmations and positive self-talk here.

Why do we need to express gratitude?

Our minds are wired to focus on the negative. When we express gratitude, we are training our minds to recognize the good things in our lives, even during hard times. Expressing gratitude boosts our mood and strengthens our relationships.

It is also important to note that gratitude is a practice that needs to be taught and actively practiced. It’s not something we are born doing.

What I love about gratitude is that it forces us to slow down and focus on the good in our lives. Teens need this as well!

Why should we integrate French gratitude activities into our practice?

Out of all Social-Emotional Learning activities, gratitude activities are the easiest to do in French! They require very basic vocabulary and sentence structures. Even novice French students can easily participate!

When we intentionally engage in gratitude activities in French class, students practice emotional regulation and meaningful, real-life communication in French.

That is a win-win!

French Gratitude Activities Recommendation #1 – Outdoor Ed + 3 Good Things That Happened To Me This Week

The first gratitude activity combines going outside and expressing gratitude.

On Fridays, I bring my class outside for 5-10 minutes in every season. The snow and ice do not stop us!

When outside, we form a circle and I give students a minute or two to think about three good things that happened to them this week.

We go around and share the three good things. I am always the first to share so that I can set a positive example for my students.

I emphasize going outside in every season because where I live, we have four very distinct seasons.

There’s something beautiful about expressing gratitude and witnessing the natural world around you change.

French Gratitude Activities Recommendation #2 – Acts of Kindness

This next activity is a gratitude choice board for acts of kindness.

When doing acts of kindness in the classroom, it can be challenging for students to choose their act. This is where things can take quite a wild turn.

The choices here have been made for students!

French Gratitude Activities Recommendation #3 – Thank You Cards

At the end of every semester, I have my French 9 and 10 students make a thank-you card for a teacher. I don’t provide them with a template or outline. I give them paper and supplies and let them go wild. They pick any teacher, school, or custodial staff to say thank you to.

I do read every single card to ensure that my students haven’t said anything wild. They get SO creative with their cards. I had a student make a bird once!

I actually cried reading their cards last semester! They were so sweet.

French Gratitude Activities Recommendation #4 – Seasonal Activities

Without a doubt, I know teachers love their seasonal gratitude activities.

This one is such a fun, floral-themed craft!

I do love me a seasonal gratitude activity, just like any other French teacher!

If you’re interested, I’ve designed gratitude activities for various holidays and seasons, all of which are available in one comprehensive resource.

We’ve got:

• Winter, spring, and fall French gratitude crafts
• Gratitude crafts for Valentine’s Day & Christmas

Slow down and make time for gratitude in your classroom with these ready-to-go activities and crafts that foster gratitude.

Grab a copy of the English version here

Grab a copy of the French version here

The post French Gratitude Activities Ideas: SEL Meets Language Learning appeared first on FLE Avec MmeD.

Let’s talk about the benefits of affirmations in French class. What are they, and why are they useful? At the end of this blog post, I will be sharing creative French affirmation activities that will help you build a strong classroom community.

This is the third blog post in the Social-Emotional Learning series. Discover introductory SEL lessons here. Read about the importance of cultivating a growth mindset in French students here. Discover the science behind gratitude and French gratitude activity ideas here.

Why are we talking about affirmations today?

In the fall of 2024, I took a class on Social-Emotional Learning. For an assignment, I was asked to create a stress-management strategy to use with my class.

I involved my Grade 10 students in the decision-making process. I wanted to understand what my Grade 10 students need from me, both physically and emotionally, when they are stressed.

When we feel stressed, the part of the brain responsible for detecting threats triggers the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. When the amygdala is activated, the thinking part of the brain (the prefrontal cortex) stops functioning. That means learning, reasoning, and language processing are harder — if not impossible — when we are stressed.

My students told me that when they are feeling extremely stressed at school, they want to be affirmed. They wanted to be reminded that they are strong, that the best is enough, and that they can do hard things. They also want to be reminded to take a deep breath!

Ultimately, this conversation sparked a great deal of reflection on affirmations and stress management.

What are affirmations?

First off, affirmations are short, powerful statements that we repeat to ourselves. Affirmations shape the way we feel and think. They are rooted in the idea that our thoughts have a profound influence on our actions.

Why are affirmations a vital part of Social-Emotional Learning?

Social-Emotional Learning encompasses the five competencies of:

• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness
• Responsible Decision-Making
• Relationship Skills

Good affirmations have students reflect on how they feel and why they feel that way (self-awareness). Coming up with an affirmation then helps students manage their emotions and practice resilience.

How do affirmations help French students feel more confident speaking French?

Affirmations help French language learners feel more confident speaking French because they shift the internal dialogue from one of self-doubt to one of possibility.

Ultimately, we want French language learners to replace negative self-talk with affirmations!

Also, when we speak about French affirmation activities for the French classroom, we’re not talking about those really cute, trendy affirmation mirrors. The ones that include feel-good, generic affirmations like “I am smart” and “I am kind.”

For affirmations to be effective, they must be personalized to the individual.

In other words, French students need affirmations that address the very real challenges they encounter in the French classroom.

This includes the fear of taking risks and speaking out loud, perfectionism, embarrassment from making mistakes, or frustration when they don’t immediately understand something.

French Affirmation Activities Option #1 – Daily Emotions Journal

Before we begin French affirmation activities, we need students to reflect on what emotions they’re feeling and why they’re feeling that way.

Children and teenagers are learning emotional intelligence, emotional regulation, and self-management.

It is so normal for children to feel emotions and to not know why they feel that way.

I like doing emotion journals with my students to expose them to a wide range of emotion adjectives, identify how they feel, and understand the reasons behind their feelings.

Ultimately, an activity like this helps students regulate their emotions. Students will take time to listen to their mind and body, understand why they feel that way, and hopefully even come up with an action plan if they’re not feeling great.

French Affirmation Activities Option #2 – Daily Affirmations Prompts

Next up, we’ve got daily affirmation prompts.

Affirmation journals help students build self-awareness by having them reflect on aspects of their life that they are proud of or appreciate.

French Affirmation Activities Option #3 – Classroom Bingo

This next French affirmations activity focuses on students recognizing and appreciating good qualities in their classroom.

French Affirmation Activities Option #4 – Class Compliments

Lastly, this activity has students write compliments for their classmates and practice expressing their appreciation for that specific quality.

Build classroom community and resilience in your classroom with impactful affirmation activities

Grab a copy of the English version here

Grab a copy of the French version here

The post How French Affirmation Activities Help Students Feel More Confident Speaking French appeared first on FLE Avec MmeD.

Whether you’re a Core French or French Immersion teacher, you know that the biggest obstacle your French students face is their mindset. Many students decide on the very first day that they’re not going to be successful in French. Then, you have students who are confident that they can do it, and they usually do!

The mindset our French language learners walk in with does matter. However, this is where SEL comes in handy. Social Emotional Learning, or SEL, is a set of skills and tools that need to be explicitly taught to our students. They are essential for success in all aspects of life for our students.

This is the second blog post in the Social-Emotional Learning series. Discover introductory SEL lessons here. Learn all about the importance of affirmations and positive self-talk here. Discover the science behind gratitude and French gratitude activity ideas here.

What is a fixed mindset?

A fixed mindset is the belief that our abilities are fixed and unchangeable. Students think that if they are “good” at something, they will be successful in it. Students with a fixed mindset tend to shut down when they face difficulty or failure.

What is a growth mindset?

On the other hand, a growth mindset is the belief that we can achieve success through effort, practice, and learning from mistakes and failures.

Why do we need to intentionally cultivate a growth mindset in our students?

Students need to be able to recognize if and when they have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. They also need to understand the neuroscience of learning to truly adopt a growth mindset.

To put it simply, having a growth mindset is essential for learning.

How does teaching about a growth mindset in French class positively impact French learning?

Having a growth mindset can significantly impact how French students approach language learning. Learning a new language, such as French, can feel intimidating. We’re learning so much all at once, and we have to put it all together and take risks. We must understand that we will make mistakes, and that’s how we learn.

This is so daunting for many of our students!

When we intentionally teach our students the characteristics of a growth mindset, we are equipping them with the tools to achieve success.

Consequently, French students with a growth mindset are more willing to learn, take risks, make mistakes, and then learn from them. It’s because they understand that this is a part of the process!

French Growth Mindset Lesson #1 – All about Growth vs. Fixed Mindsets

In this first lesson, we’re going to have our French language learners:

• Reflect on their own mindsets
• Identify whether a specific characteristic is indicative of a growth mindset or a fixed mindset
• Learn about growth and fixed mindsets

As part of this first lesson, we’ve got an icebreaker that will have students moving, interacting, and identifying whether a specific statement highlights a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.

French Growth Mindset Lesson #2 – Famous Examples

The second lesson explores famous examples of individuals with a fixed or growth mindset. Students watch a video and identify whether the individual mentioned has a fixed or growth mindset.

Students will also learn about Thomas Edison’s invention of the light bulb and Edison needed to have a growth mindset to perfect the light bulb.

French Growth Mindset Lesson #3 – the Neuroscience of Learning

Thirdly, students will learn all about neuroplasticity and how the brain learns!

This is essential as students need to understand that success is not an accident. Success comes from repetition and practice.

Understanding neuroplasticity reinforces a growth mindset.

French Growth Mindset Lesson #4 – Overcoming Roadblocks

Lastly, students will explore common roadblocks in learning and life.

Students will end this lesson by brainstorming ways to overcome typical roadblocks in learning and life.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset in your students with ready-to-go lessons that are impactful, engaging, and designed specifically with teens in mind.

Grab a copy of the English Growth Mindset Lessons

Grab a copy of the French Growth Mindset Lessons

The post French Growth Mindset Lessons for the French Classroom appeared first on FLE Avec MmeD.

Are you a Core French and/or French Immersion teacher wanting to integrate SEL in French class? Do you need impactful SEL lessons? Have you observed that your students tend to interact negatively with one another? Do your students have poor self-management skills, which are impacting their academic progress?

SEL, or Social-Emotional Learning, is a set of essential life skills that need to be explicitly taught to students. SEL skills empower our students to achieve success in their relationships, academics, overall well-being, and beyond.

In this blog post, we are going to delve into why and how French teachers should integrate SEL into French class.

This is the first blog post in the Social-Emotional Learning series. Discover introductory SEL lessons here. Read about the importance of cultivating a growth mindset in French students here. Learn all about the importance of affirmations and positive self-talk here. Discover the science behind gratitude and French gratitude activity ideas here.

What is SEL or Social-Emotional Learning?

SEL, or Social-Emotional Learning, is a set of tools and skills that human beings need to develop. They are not something we are born with. These skills and tools are essential for success in all aspects of life.

Casel defines SEL as:

“… the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.”

SEL encompasses five competencies:

• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Responsible Decision-Making
• Social Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Why should French teachers integrate SEL in French class?

Here’s why you should integrate Social-Emotional Learning in French class!

SEL helps French students take risks and participate in activities to their fullest extent

A primary factor preventing French language learners from achieving success is a lack of willingness to take risks. It’s incredibly intimidating to attempt to speak a language that’s new to you.

However, we absolutely need our students to take risks in the French classroom because that is the only way they can make progress.

French teachers who learned the language as a second or third language know that the fear of taking risks is a significant factor impeding proficiency. SEL activities and lessons help break down these barriers, allowing students to participate without fear.

SEL reduces conflicts in the classroom

Conflict is a normal and healthy part of human relationships. In the school setting, students are learning how to navigate relationships and conflict. They lack the skills to communicate and manage conflict in healthy ways.

The result is that teachers spend a lot of time putting out fires. We end up having to help our students navigate these conflicts and reach a resolution.

When you proactively teach healthy communication, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution, you are giving your students the ability to do these things independently (of you) and successfully.

Ultimately, this allows French teachers to spend more time actually teaching French and less time refereeing.

SEL encourages a growth mindset and perseverance

As French teachers, we see firsthand how students with a growth mindset progress very quickly in their proficiency level. On the other hand, it is also evident when our students have a fixed mindset, as it impacts their ability to progress.

SEL helps students manage stress and anxiety

Learning French can be stressful for our students. Novice French students can even be super anxious about participating in speaking activities.

Teaching your students to recognize how and why they feel stressed and anxious, and then providing them with strategies to manage stress and anxiety, is essential. It also helps your students see that you care about their overall well-being, not just their progress in French.

SEL and British Columbia Curriculum Connections

If you teach in British Columbia, SEL supports the Core Competencies, which are a required element of student learning, assessment, and self-reflection.

Personal Awareness & Responsibility

Skills SEL & Personal Awareness & Responsibility highlight:

• regulating emotions
• setting goals
• managing stress

Positive Personal & Cultural Identity

Skills SEL & Positive Personal & Cultural Identity highlight:

• self-awareness
• Positive affirmations and positive self-talk
• confidence building

Social Responsibility

Skills SEL & Social Responsibility highlight:

• empathy
• gratitude
• relationship-building

French SEL Lessons 101 – How to Actually Embed SEL in Your French Class

French SEL Lesson #1 – Explicitly teach your students what SEL actually is

Arm your students with the knowledge they need to be successful. Teach them exactly what SEL is, the 5 SEL competencies, and how and why SEL is beneficial to them.

There are so many ways to do this.

I wrote a straightforward, easy-to-understand article that explains all of this to students.

It also introduces the five SEL competencies without making it overwhelming.

French SEL Lesson #2 – Help your students understand how their brain actually learns

In August of 2024, I read Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain by Dr. Zaretta Hammond.

This book blew my mind because Dr. Hammond provided in-depth details about the neuroscience of learning.

When I finished the book, I asked myself how I had taught for seven years without actually understanding how the brain learns.

Arming your students with this knowledge will help cultivate a growth mindset, as they will understand that the brain learns through repetition, which creates a pathway in the brain as we improve in that skill over time. This is called neuroplasticity.

One fun, teen-friendly way to explore the neuroscience of learning is through a trivia game!

French SEL Lesson #3 – Teach your students specific strategies to help them with SEL areas they struggle with

Ultimately, the most important thing is that students leave these SEL lessons with strategies to help them navigate challenges.

It’s time to take charge of your classroom culture and give your students the tools they need to stay motivated, bounce back from failure, and believe in their ability to learn.

This ready-to-go introductory SEL resource encompasses four essential SEL lessons.

Grab a copy of the English SEL lessons

Grab a copy of the French SEL lessons

The post The Power of SEL in French Class: Tips for French Teachers appeared first on FLE Avec MmeD.