USING SEASONAL VOCABULARY IN THE FRENCH CLASSROOM: EASY SOLUTIONS FOR BIG RESULTS
- Tia Parnell
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
Spring is in the air, and what better way to embrace the change of seasons than by refreshing your French lessons with seasonal vocabulary? Whether you're teaching in a French Immersion or Core French classroom, incorporating vocabulary that ties into the time of year can make a huge impact on your students' engagement and language retention.
But why is seasonal vocabulary so powerful? Let’s break it down and explore some simple, yet effective ways to use it in your classroom.
Why Seasonal Vocabulary Works:
Relevance to Real Life: Seasonal words (think "pâques" for Easter or "été" for summer) connect what your students are learning to the world outside the classroom. These words are part of their daily experiences, making them easier to grasp and remember. When language is tied to something real, it sticks.
Increased Engagement: When students encounter vocabulary related to holidays, seasons, or cultural events, it naturally sparks excitement and curiosity. And let’s be honest—when kids are excited, they’re much more likely to stay engaged and participate.
Reinforced Learning: When students use seasonal vocabulary over and over again, whether it’s for storytelling, writing, or classroom activities, they begin to internalize the language. This repetition in varied contexts helps solidify their understanding and fluency.
Easy Solutions for Teachers to Try
Ready to bring some seasonal flair into your classroom? Here are five simple, no-fuss strategies that will produce results.
1. Create a Seasonal Word Wall
A word wall is an easy way to keep seasonal vocabulary visible and accessible. Dedicate a section of your classroom to display words related to the current season. For example, in the spring, you might feature words like “fleur,” “bonté,” “soleil,” and “l'herbe.” Encourage students to add their own words to the wall as they encounter new vocabulary in lessons or during activities.
Tip: Make it interactive by asking students to use the words in sentences or short conversations during class.
2. Seasonal Vocabulary Scavenger Hunts
Turn vocabulary practice into a game! A scavenger hunt can be done inside the classroom or outdoors. Create a list of seasonal words, then challenge students to find items, pictures, or examples that match those words. For example, students might look for something that represents “fleur” (flower) or “pluie” (rain) depending on the season.
Tip: Make it more engaging by setting up clues or riddles related to the words. This encourages students to think critically about the vocabulary.
3. Write Seasonal Stories or Poems
Storytelling and poetry are great ways to integrate seasonal vocabulary into a more creative context. Encourage students to write short stories or poems using the vocabulary they’ve learned. You can give them prompts like, “Write a story about an Easter egg hunt” or “Describe a beautiful summer day using at least five seasonal words.”
Tip: Use this as a great opportunity for peer feedback. Have students pair up and share their stories with each other to practice speaking and listening skills as well.
4. Incorporate Seasonal Songs and Videos
Music and videos are fantastic for reinforcing new vocabulary in a fun and memorable way. Look for French-language songs, videos, or even cartoons that feature seasonal themes. For example, a song about springtime birds or a video about the changing weather can help solidify vocabulary while entertaining your students.
Tip: Encourage students to sing along or summarize the video in French afterward. This helps reinforce what they’ve learned through active participation.
5. Plan Seasonal Projects
Give students a hands-on way to use their new vocabulary by planning a seasonal project. For example, during the fall, students can create a “harvest” poster in French that labels different fruits, vegetables, and seasonal activities. During spring, they could make a “Spring Scavenger Hunt” list, where they go around the school or outside to find things like flowers, birds, or trees in bloom.
Tip: These projects can also tie in culture and traditions. For example, during Christmas or Easter, students can explore how those holidays are celebrated in different French-speaking countries.
Ready to Take It Further?
Seasonal vocabulary is not just about words; it’s about connecting students to the world around them and helping them see how language plays a role in their daily lives. When you use vocabulary that relates to what students are experiencing outside of the classroom, you make learning more meaningful.
If you’re looking for ready-made seasonal vocabulary resources that you can start using today, check out my themed resources to get started. These resources include everything from posters and flashcards to activities and games—designed to make your job easier while keeping students engaged.
Remember, even small changes in how you present vocabulary can lead to big results. So, try one of these strategies today and see how your students begin to thrive with their French learning.
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