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thefrenchwhisperer

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A few years ago, I retired from my position as head of Modern Languages, a bit fearful of the "R" word. But to date, it has been nothing but fun! Canadian law requires school-aged actors to study with a qualified teacher when they’re off-camera. Many of our young actors are in immersion French so I've found a happy little niche, teaching a few days a week as an on-set tutor and moving in inspiring and creative circles! Furthermore, I get to share resources here! Vive la retraite!

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A few years ago, I retired from my position as head of Modern Languages, a bit fearful of the "R" word. But to date, it has been nothing but fun! Canadian law requires school-aged actors to study with a qualified teacher when they’re off-camera. Many of our young actors are in immersion French so I've found a happy little niche, teaching a few days a week as an on-set tutor and moving in inspiring and creative circles! Furthermore, I get to share resources here! Vive la retraite!
2 MARELLES:  les verbes conjugués avec “être” / Dr. & Mrs. van der Tramp
CarlavCarlav

2 MARELLES: les verbes conjugués avec “être” / Dr. & Mrs. van der Tramp

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Il y a 8 phrases cachées dans chaque marelle. There are eight sentences hidden in each of these two hopscotch games. Le début de chaque phrase est signalé par un petit numéro qui indique le nombre de cases dans la phrase. Toutes les cases qui forment une phrase se touchent. C’est la logique qui détermine l’ordre à suivre. The beginning of each sentence is marked with a number in a circle. This little number also tells you how many boxes make up the sentence. All the boxes that form a sentence are connected. You may move up, down, left, right and diagonally. Let logic guide you to the end of each sentence. Download the free resource, "Une marelle pour accompagner Le Gruffalo” to see if this game is suitable for your class. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/une-marelle-pour-accompagner-le-gruffalo-11288270
LE MIEN,  LA MIENNE,  LES MIENS,  LES MIENNES  (Ceci n’est pas une leçon de grammaire.)
CarlavCarlav

LE MIEN, LA MIENNE, LES MIENS, LES MIENNES (Ceci n’est pas une leçon de grammaire.)

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As you can see from the illustrations for the cards, “prof de français” and “cheveux”, the ostensible goal of this game is to guess the mystery word(s) given the fewest number of clues possible. In point of fact, however, it is to motivate students to talk about their immediate environment in the target language. The focus of the deck is the world of school but there are just enough cards on more general topics to keep things interesting. EXTENDING THE LESSON There are 120 cards in this deck. To extend the lesson and to create a new deck, distribute two or three blank cards to each of your students and challenge them to write in their own “mots devinettes”. NOTES 1 Although I designed these cards on a printable business card template - 10 per sheet - you can also run them on card stock and cut them along the guidelines. 2 Tailor the deck for use by younger or less advanced students by culling the more abstract concepts like “avenir” and “style”. 3 I’ve offered a handful of expressions in both European and Canadian French. The Canadian French vocabulary is marked with a small maple leaf.
2 Christmas word puzzles (BROKEN WORDS and I KNOW THESE WORDS BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS)
CarlavCarlav

2 Christmas word puzzles (BROKEN WORDS and I KNOW THESE WORDS BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS)

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You’ll find two new word work puzzles in this file.
 1 I know these words backwards and forwards (CHRISTMAS) The end of every word in this circular puzzle is also the beginning of a new word. The words embedded in the puzzle are: 1 rejoice 2 celebration 3 Noel 4 list 5 stocking 6 gift 7 trim 8 imagine 9 newborn 10 ornament 11 tree 12 eggnog 13 gingerbread 14 advent 15 tinsel 16 elves 17 sleigh 18 holly 19 yuletide 20 decorate 21 eating 22 guest 23 star 24 reindeer 2. Broken Words! (A CHRISTMAS word puzzle) In this virtual race, players have to reconstitute and recopy words that have been broken into syllables and scattered over the game grid. The words embedded in this puzzle are: 1 chimney 2 stable 3 magi 4 angel 5 holly 6 stocking 7 advent 8 carol 9 manger 10 tinsel 11 infant 12 present 13 joy N.B. Try before you buy. Be sure that these activities will be right for your students by downloading their free sister resources: I know these words backwards and forwards (THANKGIVING) at: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/i-know-these-words-backwards-and-forwards-thanksgiving-11424790 and Chopped Up Words (A Hallowe'en word puzzle) at: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/chopped-up-words-a-hallowe-en-word-puzzle-11407269
Le MOTDOKU (sudoku) du subjonctif: devoir
CarlavCarlav

Le MOTDOKU (sudoku) du subjonctif: devoir

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IMHO, the old-fashioned practice of writing out conjugations for verb mastery still works academic wonders. But it is a much maligned approach so I’m always looking for ways to camouflage it as fun. This “MOTDOKU (sudoku) du subjonctif" is a review of the formation of the present subjunctive of DEVOIR dressed up as a sudoku puzzle. To be sure that it’s the kind of thing you want, download the free MOTDOKU du subjonctif (vouloir): https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/le-sudoku-du-subjonctif-vouloir-6160677
Where are my Christmas gifts?” (A virtual scavenger hunt)
CarlavCarlav

Where are my Christmas gifts?” (A virtual scavenger hunt)

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Originally designed for Modern Language classes, “Where are my Christmas gifts?” is a virtual scavenger hunt that encourages even reluctant students to participate enthusiastically in class. It works well as a full class and as a small group activity. You’ll be astonished to experience the phenomenon of an entire class listening “actively” because no one wants to waste a guess choosing a square from which the gift has already been claimed. After the oral treasure hunt, you can create an instant written assignment by assigning a handful of co-ordinates. I’ve included answer keys for the present and the future tenses but “Where are my Christmas gifts?” works well for almost all verb tenses. Please note that there are two versions of the game to accommodate those who know that the name of the one and only jolly old elf is “Father Christmas” . . . or “Santa Claus”. If you’d like more resources on this theme, just type “Christmas” into the search window of my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Carlav
3 MOTDOKU6 games (Les expressions avoir)
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3 MOTDOKU6 games (Les expressions avoir)

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IMHO, the old-fashioned practice of writing out vocabulary for mastery still works academic wonders. But it is a much maligned approach so I’m always looking for ways to camouflage it as fun. As students solve these 3 MOTDOKUS (word sudokus) they will inadvertently “write out” the 15 “expressions avoir” listed below: to be thirsty - avoir soif to be hungry - avoir faim to be cold - avoir froid to be hot - avoir chaud to be wrong - avoir tort to be right - avoir raison to be sick - avoir mal to be x years old - avoir x ans to need - avoir besoin de to be ashamed - avoir honte to be sleepy - avoir sommeil to be afraid - avoir peur to have the giggles - avoir le fou rire to be lucky - avoir de la chance to feel like, to want - avoir envie de To see if MOTDOKU6? games are right for your students, try the free MOTDOKU6 (Noël) resource: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/motdoku6-no-l-11448787
French activity: La St-Valentin
CarlavCarlav

French activity: La St-Valentin

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“OÙ SONT LES TRÉSORS CACHÉS? (La Saint-Valentin)” is a French verb conjugation game that will work well as a full-class, teacher-directed game and as a small-group activity. You’ll find that even reluctant learners will be motivated to listen carefully to hear which squares have already been “played” by their classmates. And the promise of “treasure” tends to generate enthusiastic oral participation as well. After the fun of the oral treasure hunt, you can assign co-ordinates to create an instant written assignment to reinforce the correct spelling of the verb endings. I’ve provided an answer key for le présent, le passé composé, le futur simple, le conditionnel présent & le plus-que parfait. However, the game can be played in all verb tenses. To be sure that “Où sont les trésors cachés? (La Saint-Valentin)” is right for your students, download the free resource, “Où sont les trésors cachés? (Les verbes ER): https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/o-sont-les-tr-sors-cach-s-les-verbes-er-6438862
¿Dónde están mis regalos de navidad?
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¿Dónde están mis regalos de navidad?

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Thanks to Diana Martínez, a brilliant young colleague from Mexico, here is the second Spanish game in the ¡Busquemos el tesoro escondido! series. The focus in ¿Dónde están mis regalos de navidad? is self-explanatory. This resource works both as a teacher-directed activity and as a small group game. Even reluctant learners will be motivated to listen carefully and the promise of “treasure” always generates enthusiastic oral participation. After the oral treasure hunt, assign a handful of co-ordinates for instant written conjugation practice. The answer keys are in thebpresent and future tenses but the game can be played in virtually every verb tense. We have used Mexican Spanish wherever possible. To see if this activity is right for your students, please download this free sister resource, ¡Busquemos el tesoro escondido! (AR-ending verbs): https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-busquemos-el-tesoro-escondido-ar-ending-verbs-2-0-11522811
¡Busquemos el tesoro escondido! (gustar, fascinar y molestar)
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¡Busquemos el tesoro escondido! (gustar, fascinar y molestar)

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Thanks to Diana Martínez, a brilliant young colleague from Mexico, here is a ¡Busquemos el tesoro escondido! game that concentrates on verbs like gustar. This resource works both as a teacher-directed activity and as a small group game. Even reluctant learners will be motivated to listen carefully and the promise of “treasure” generates enthusiastic oral participation as well. After the oral treasure hunt, assign a handful of co-ordinates for instant written conjugation practice. The answer keys are in the present and past tenses but the game can be played in virtually every verb tense. Please note that we have opted to use Mexican Spanish wherever possible. To see if this activity is right for your students, download its free sister resource, ¡Busquemos el tesoro escondido! (AR-ending verbs) https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-busquemos-el-tesoro-escondido-ar-ending-verbs-2-0-11522811
French vocabulary:  La St-Valentin
CarlavCarlav

French vocabulary: La St-Valentin

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Traditional Taboo® has always been a wonderful classroom tool. DIRE OU INTERDIRE?POUR LA SAINT-VALENTIN is a themed variation of the game that can be played in two very different ways. If your students are confident and articulate, have them play DIRE OU INTERDIRE? following traditional Taboo® rules. If, however, you have students who are uncomfortable giving clues, turn the rules upside down. Tell them to use some or all of the words beneath the pink and white banner in their descriptions! This topsy-turvy approach encourages and empowers everyone to participate. You won’t believe what a positive game-changer it is. This file includes 36 “Valentine” cards about friendship, relationships and love as well as a template for students to make their own DIRE OU INTERDIRE? deck.
Let’s get to the bottom (or top) of LES EXPRESSIONS FAIRE
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Let’s get to the bottom (or top) of LES EXPRESSIONS FAIRE

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Let’s get to the bottom (or top) of LES EXPRESSIONS FAIRE is a competitive, repetitive game that will help your students to listen “actively” and to familiarise themselves with “les expressions faire” through the process of osmosis. There are three games in this file. To be sure that this activity is right for your class, try the free resource, Let’s get to the bottom (or top) of LES EXPRESSIONS AVOIR: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/let-s-get-to-the-bottom-of-les-expressions-avoir-6451763 Here are three sample sentences from Let’s get to the bottom (or top) of LES EXPRESSIONS FAIRE: • “Chez moi, c’est le bonhomme Pillsbury qui fait les biscuits!” avoue Mary Berry. • Elle est rentrée après son couvre-feu et ses parents en ont fait tout un drame. • Hamilton est une pièce musicale qui fait un tabac en ce moment!
¡Busquemos el tesoro escondido! (LOS VERBOS REGULARES, AR, ER e IR)
CarlavCarlav

¡Busquemos el tesoro escondido! (LOS VERBOS REGULARES, AR, ER e IR)

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Thanks to Diana Martínez, a brilliant young colleague from Mexico, here is a ¡Busquemos el tesoro escondido! game that concentrates on the VERBOS REGULARES, AR, ER e IR. This resource works both as a teacher-directed activity and as a small group game. Even reluctant learners will be motivated to listen carefully and the promise of “treasure” generates enthusiastic oral participation as well. After the oral treasure hunt, assign a handful of co-ordinates for instant written conjugation practice. The answer keys are in the present and past tenses but the game can be played in virtually every verb tense. Please note that we have opted to use Mexican Spanish wherever possible. To see if this activity is right for your students, download the free resource, ¡Busquemos el tesoro escondido! (AR-ending verbs) https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-busquemos-el-tesoro-escondido-ar-ending-verbs-2-0-11522811
2 more GET THE PICTURE? games: “Le présent des verbes RE” and  “Le présent des verbes IR”
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2 more GET THE PICTURE? games: “Le présent des verbes RE” and “Le présent des verbes IR”

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These printable games are self-correcting activities designed to help beginners master the verb endings for RE and IR verbs in the present tense. To see if these games are right for your students, download the free resource, GET THE PICTURE? (Le présent des verbes ER): https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/get-the-picture-le-pr-sent-des-verbes-er-a-self-correcting-learning-activity-11342123
FRENCH BRAG TAGS / BILLETS "TU PEUX ÊTRE FIER!"
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FRENCH BRAG TAGS / BILLETS "TU PEUX ÊTRE FIER!"

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Because it's hard to find big, bright, text-rich, French motivational stickers, I have designed about fifty “reward cards” to encourage and congratulate my students. My kids like them and I like being able to update them as needed. Many sincere thanks to my (much) younger colleague, who gently suggested that I move into this millennium and label this file as “brag tags”! HOW I USE THEM 1) AS COLLECTIBLES They work as little giveaway rewards for good effort. (I’m from Canada, hockey trading card country. The best compliment I ever got was when one of my boys announced that he was trying to collect the “whole set”!) 2) AS CURRENCY Students may trade in 10 cards for a package of gum or a dollar store /pound shop gift. 3) As a “bon point” incentive A bon point is redeemable for “1 mark on our next test”. Even high school kids love this little card trick. If you go this route, reserve two or three styles (for example, the “vachement bien” and the “de quoi être fier /fière” cards) as the bon point cards.
Scribblescrabbles for Christmas, Hannuka, The New Year and Remembrance Day (multilingual)
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Scribblescrabbles for Christmas, Hannuka, The New Year and Remembrance Day (multilingual)

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Challenge your students to use their words with these Christmas, Hannuka, The New Year and Remembrance Day puzzles. Unlike Scrabble players, Scribblescrabblers can choose which letters to use for each of their turns. As in Scrabble, however, they will score the most points with the strategic placement of those letters. You may ask your students to incorporate a thematic vocabulary list or to play using general vocabulary only. Either way, they will be engaged! In fact, very competitive students tend to want to play every possible open square. This file includes English, French and Spanish versions for of each grid and a blank grid for those of you teaching other languages.
Scribblescrabbles for Halloween, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Eid and Kwanzaa (Multilingual)
CarlavCarlav

Scribblescrabbles for Halloween, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Eid and Kwanzaa (Multilingual)

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Challenge your students to use their words with these Halloween, Diwali, Eid and Kwanzaa puzzles. Because the Hannukah Scribblescrabble has been available as a free resource for years, I've added a Thanksgiving Scribblescrabble for good measure. You'll find it in the second file. Unlike Scrabble players, Scribblescrabblers can choose which letters to use for each of their turns. As in Scrabble, however, they will score the most points with the strategic placement of those letters. You may ask your students to incorporate a thematic vocabulary list or to play using general vocabulary only. Either way, they will be engaged! In fact, very competitive students tend to want to play every possible open square. This file includes English, French and Spanish versions for of each grid and a blank grid for those of you teaching other languages.
The  4 Seasons Scribblescrabbles (in English, French, Spanish. . . )
CarlavCarlav

The 4 Seasons Scribblescrabbles (in English, French, Spanish. . . )

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Unlike Scrabble players, Scribblescrabblers can choose which letters to use for each of their turns. As in Scrabble, however, they will score the most points with the strategic placement of those letters. Download this free Scribblescrabble to see if this activity is right for your students: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/a-scribblescrabble-for-hannukah-6301284 This file includes English, French and Spanish versions of each grid as well as a blank grid for those of you teaching other languages.
Valentine's Day (multilingual)
CarlavCarlav

Valentine's Day (multilingual)

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These Scribblescrabbles games are for Valentine’s Day, MLK Day, Chinese New Year & Groundhog Day. English, French & Spanish grids are included as is a blank grid for other languages. As in Scrabble, students will score the most points with the strategic placement of their letters. Unlike Scrabble players, Scribblescrabblers choose which letters to use for each turn. You may ask your students to incorporate a thematic vocabulary list or to play using general vocabulary only. Either way, they will be engaged! In fact, very competitive students tend to want to play every possible open square.
Scribblescrabbles for Saint Patrick’s Day, Easter, Passover and Earth Day (Multilingual)
CarlavCarlav

Scribblescrabbles for Saint Patrick’s Day, Easter, Passover and Earth Day (Multilingual)

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Challenge your students to use their words with these puzzles for Saint Patrick’s Day, Easter, Passover and Earth Day. Unlike Scrabble players, Scribblescrabblers can choose which letters to use for each of their turns. As in Scrabble, however, they will score the most points with the strategic placement of those letters. You may ask your students to incorporate a thematic vocabulary list or to play using general vocabulary only. Either way, they will be engaged! In fact, very competitive students tend to want to play every possible open square. This file includes English, French and Spanish versions for of each grid and a blank grid for those of you teaching other languages.
MOTDOKU (sudoku) du subjonctif: VENIR, DEVOIR, PRENDRE, VOIR, VOULOIR, POUVOIR, ALLER, SAVOIR, FAIRE
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MOTDOKU (sudoku) du subjonctif: VENIR, DEVOIR, PRENDRE, VOIR, VOULOIR, POUVOIR, ALLER, SAVOIR, FAIRE

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As students solve this MOTDOKU (SUDOKU) du SUBJONCTIF they inadvertently “write out” the following verbs. (Yes, it’s manipulative! Mea culpa.) 1 que je vienne 2 que je doive 3 que je prenne 4 que je voie 5 que je veuille 6 que je puisse 7 que j’aille 8 que je sache 9 que je fasse To be sure that this kind of activity is right for your students, download the free MOTDOKU du subjonctif (vouloir): https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/le-sudoku-du-subjonctif-vouloir-6160677