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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!
VALENTINE’S DAY (A TRIANGLE PUZZLE)
CarlavCarlav

VALENTINE’S DAY (A TRIANGLE PUZZLE)

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VALENTINE’S DAY (A TRIANGLE PUZZLE) focuses on friendship and fun rather than romance. It asks students to match the sentence fragments and Q and As printed along the edges of the triangles. In so doing, they will reconstitute  25 statements about friendship and Valentine’s Day and “build” a heart. Here are five of the reconstituted solutions: • You’re like a calculator; I can always count on you. • Yo, magnet! That paperclip thinks you’re really attractive. • I am so lucky to be your friend! • There’s nothing better than a friend unless it’s a friend with chocolate. • Friend, you mean the world to me. To be sure that this kind of activity is right for your students, downloadi the free “Christmas Singalong TRIANGLE puzzle” here: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12764890 In the unlikely event that you have any cheeky children in your class, double-cutting your triangles will outmanoeuvre any player who might prefer matching paper edges to matching ideas!
French: EXPRESSIONS AVOIR games
CarlavCarlav

French: EXPRESSIONS AVOIR games

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To see if these three games are right for your students, first try 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 Even my most reluctant learners listen carefully and participate enthusiastically when we play OÙ SONT LES TRÉSORS CACHÉS?, an oral “treasure” hunt. It works well as a full class, teacher directed game and as a small group activity. My answer keys are in le présent, le passé composé & le futur simple but the games can be played in virtually every tense. After the fun of the oral treasure hunt, simply assign a handful of coordinates for an instant written assignment that will reinforce your lesson. Les expressions avoir ciblées dans OSLTC? sont avoir soif avoir faim avoir froid avoir chaud avoir __ ans avoir raison avoir tort avoir hâte avoir le trac avoir de la chance avoir mal avoir besoin de avoir envie de avoir peur de avoir l’air
LET’S GET TO THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF LE SUBJONCTIF
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LET’S GET TO THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF LE SUBJONCTIF

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After you’ve introduced LE SUBJONCTIF, here’s an active listening game that will have all your students participating enthusiastically. “LET’S GET TO THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF LE SUBJONCTIF” works bilingually and in the target language only. And, thanks to its competitive and repetitive elements, your students will pick up many of the key expressions through the process of osmosis. To be sure that “LET’S GET TO THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF LE SUBJONCTIF” is the right kind of activity for your students, try the free sister resource,“LET’S GET TO THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF LES EXPRESSIONS AVOIR”: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/dashboard/resource-management/uploads
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (a triangle puzzle)2.0
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A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (a triangle puzzle)2.0

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In this co-operative review activity, students who have studied A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM match the texts on the edges of sixteen triangles to reconstitute the following quotes: Sleep, that sometimes shuts up sorrow’s eye, seal me awhile from mine own company. Lord, what fools these mortals be! If we shadows have offended, think but this, and all is mended, that you have but slumbered here while these visions did appear. The course of true love never did run smooth. Things base and vile, holding no quantity, Love can transpose to form and dignity. Never harm, nor spell nor charm, come our lovely lady nigh. The best in this kind are but shadows, and the worst are no worse, if imagination amend them. Thus have I, Wall, my part dischargèd so. And, being done, thus Wall away doth go. Come, blade, my breast imbrue. And, farewell, friends. Thus Thisbe ends. Adieu. Hang off, thou cat, thou burr! Vile thing, let loose. In the temple, by and by, with us, these couples shall eternally be knit. The lunatic, the lover, and the poet are of imagination all compact. Never anything can be amiss when simpleness and duty tender it. We cannot fight for love, as men may do; we should be wooed and were not made to woo. When in that moment, so it came to pass, Titania waked and straightway loved an ass. Sleep, that sometimes shuts up sorrow’s eye, seal me awhile from mine own company. Am not I Hermia? Are not you Lysander? I am as fair now as I was erewhile.
Pâques (jeu tarsia / triangle puzzle)
CarlavCarlav

Pâques (jeu tarsia / triangle puzzle)

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Sur les bords de chaque triangle, on trouve soit le début, soit la fin d’un énoncé au sujet de Pâques. Vos étudiants doivent les jumeller afin de reconstituer les 25 énoncés et la tête du lapin de Pâque. Cette activité coopérative encouragera vos étudiants à se focaliser et à s’entraider pour trouver des faits comme . . . • Un jeune lapin est un lapereau. • Dans le film, HOP, le fils du Lapin de Pâques veut devenir batteur dans un groupe de rock. • Que cherches-tu dans le jardin à Pâques? Des oeufs au chocolat! • Le lis de Pâques est une fleur blanche. • La fée des dents & le lapin de Pâques sont des personnages imaginaires. Déchiffre ce message: 7 1 9 ! C’est un oeuf! Students have to match the sentence fragments printed on the edges of the triangles to reconstitute the 25 statements about Easter and to “sculpt” the Easter Bunny’s head. Although designed as a co-operative activity, it will also work well as an enrichment task for individual students. Suitable for francophone, immersion, and advanced core French students. To be sure that this activity is right for your students, download the free "futur simple triangle puzzle at: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-6450469
 Let's get to the bottom (or top) of LES EXPRESSIONS IDIOMATIQUES
CarlavCarlav

Let's get to the bottom (or top) of LES EXPRESSIONS IDIOMATIQUES

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'Let's get to the bottom (or top) of LES EXPRESSIONS IDIOMATIQUES' is a competitive, repetitive game that will help your students master 20 idioms through the process of osmosis. The game defines 'active listening skills' and tends to generate very enthusiastic participation! See if this game suits your purposes by trying the free resource, of LES EXPRESSIONS AVOIR' http://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/Les-expressions-avoir-a-review-game-6312195/ The file comprises the following idioms: appeler un chat un chat, avoir le bras long, avoir la langue bien pendue, avoir une peur bleue de quelque chose, brûler un feu rouge, c’est la barbe!, c’est le pied!, c’est une autre paire de manches, connaître les ficelles (du métier) , coûter les yeux de la tête, le dernier cri, les doigts dans le nez, dormir sur les deux oreilles, être mauvaise langue, faire la courte échelle à quelqu’un, faire le pont, faire la une, passer une nuit blanche, pour une bouchée de pain, se perdre de vue.
How Touching! Word games like Boggle for Hallowe'en, Thanksgiving, Hannukah and Christmas.
CarlavCarlav

How Touching! Word games like Boggle for Hallowe'en, Thanksgiving, Hannukah and Christmas.

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It includes thematic puzzles for Hallowe’en, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hannukah and • full colour copies and B &W copies of each puzzle • a thematic vocabulary for each theme • answer keys • a “how to play” guide Try the free TES activity, “Hippity Hoppity, Easter’s on its Way” to see if this activity is for you: https://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/Hippity-Hoppity-Easter-and-39-s-on-its-way-boggle-6194577/
Où sont les trésors cachés? ( DEVOIR, VOULOIR et POUVOIR)
CarlavCarlav

Où sont les trésors cachés? ( DEVOIR, VOULOIR et POUVOIR)

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“Où sont les trésors cachés? (DEVOIR, VOULOIR et POUVOIR)” works well as a full-class, teacher-directed game or as a small group activity. After the fun of the oral treasure hunt, you can also assign co-ordinates to create an instant written assignment to reinforce the correct spelling of the verb endings. You’ll find that even reluctant learners will be motivated to listen carefully and the promise of “treasure” tends to generate enthusiastic oral participation as well. My answer key is for le présent tense but the game works for virtually every verb tense. Try the free, “Où sont les trésors cachés (les verbes ER) to see if ”Où sont les trésors cachés? (Les verbes DEVOIR, VOULOIR et POUVOIR)” is right for your students: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/o-sont-les-tr-sors-cach-s--les-verbes-er-6438862
38 citations du Petit Prince (a triangle puzzle)
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38 citations du Petit Prince (a triangle puzzle)

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38 citations du Petit Prince is a co-operative activity. Students have to match the text printed on the edges of the triangles to reconstitute 38 of the most famous quotes from Le Petit Prince. In the process, they’ll build an image of the fox. 38 citations du Petit Prince is for advanced students studying the novel. Try the free future simple triangle puzzle to determine if this kind of activity is right for your students: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/le-futur-simple-a-triangle-puzzle-6450469 This is the 2024 update of the file.
Où sont les trésors cachés? (ÊTRE et AVOIR)
CarlavCarlav

Où sont les trésors cachés? (ÊTRE et AVOIR)

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"Où sont les trésors cachés? (ÊTRE et AVOIR)" works well as a full-class, teacher-directed game or as a small group activity. After the fun of the oral treasure hunt, you can also assign co-ordinates to create an instant written assignment to reinforce the correct spelling of the verb endings. You’ll find that even reluctant learners will be motivated to listen carefully and the promise of “treasure” tends to generate enthusiastic oral participation as well. My answer key is for le présent tense but the game works for virtually every verb tense. To see if this this ÊTRE and AVOIR lesson is right for your students, try the free, “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
Où sont les trésors cachés? (FAIRE, PRENDRE, METTRE)
CarlavCarlav

Où sont les trésors cachés? (FAIRE, PRENDRE, METTRE)

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“Où sont les trésors cachés? (FAIRE, PRENDRE, METTRE)” works well as a full-class, teacher-directed game or as a small group activity. After the fun of the oral treasure hunt, you can also assign co-ordinates to create an instant written assignment to reinforce the correct spelling of the verb endings. You’ll find that even reluctant learners will be motivated to listen carefully and the promise of “treasure” tends to generate enthusiastic oral participation as well. My answer key is for le présent tense,​ but the game works for virtually every verb tense. Try the free, “Où sont les trésors cachés (les verbes ER) to see if ”Où sont les trésors cachés? (Les verbes DEVOIR, VOULOIR et POUVOIR)” is right for your students: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/o-sont-les-tr-sors-cach-s--les-verbes-er-6438862
Où sont les trésors cachés? (Les verbes conjugués avec ÊTRE/ Dr. & Mrs. VAN DER TRAMP).
CarlavCarlav

Où sont les trésors cachés? (Les verbes conjugués avec ÊTRE/ Dr. & Mrs. VAN DER TRAMP).

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In “Où sont les trésors cachés? (Les verbes conjugués avec ÊTRE)", the focus is on the Dr. and Mrs. VAN DER TRAMP verbs, ALLER, VENIR, DEVENIR and RENTRER. This activity works well as a full-class, teacher-directed game or as a small group activity. After the fun of the oral treasure hunt, you can also assign co-ordinates to create an instant written assignment to reinforce the correct spelling of the verb endings. You’ll find that even reluctant learners will be motivated to listen carefully and the promise of “treasure” tends to generate enthusiastic oral participation as well. My answer key is for le présent tense and the passé composé but the game works for virtually every verb tense. To see if this Dr. & Mrs. VAN DER TRAMP lesson is right for your students, try the free, “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
Où sont les trésors cachés? (OUVRIR, DÉCOUVRIR, SORTIR, PARTIR)
CarlavCarlav

Où sont les trésors cachés? (OUVRIR, DÉCOUVRIR, SORTIR, PARTIR)

(0)
“Où sont les trésors cachés? (OUVRIR, DÉCOUVRIR, SORTIR, PARTIR)” is for students who have mastered regular IR verbs and are ready to work with irregular IR verbs. It works well as a full-class, teacher-directed game or as a small group activity. After the fun of the oral treasure hunt, you can also assign co-ordinates to create an instant written assignment to reinforce the correct spelling of the verb endings. You’ll find that even reluctant learners will be motivated to listen carefully and the promise of “treasure” tends to generate enthusiastic oral participation as well. My answer key is for le présent and le passé composé but the game works for virtually every verb tense. Try the free, “Où sont les trésors cachés (les verbes ER) to see if ”Où sont les trésors cachés? (Les verbes DEVOIR, VOULOIR et POUVOIR)” is right for your students: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/o-sont-les-tr-sors-cach-s--les-verbes-er-6438862
Où sont les trésors cachés? (Les verbes PRONOMINAUX)
CarlavCarlav

Où sont les trésors cachés? (Les verbes PRONOMINAUX)

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Featured in “Où sont les trésors cachés? (Les verbes PRONOMINAUX)” are SE LAVER, SE LEVER, S’HABILLER, SE PARLER and S’ACHETER. The activity works well as a full-class, teacher-directed game or as a small group activity. After the fun of the oral treasure hunt, you can also assign co-ordinates to create an instant written assignment to reinforce the correct spelling of the verb endings. You’ll find that even reluctant learners will be motivated to listen carefully and the promise of “treasure” tends to generate enthusiastic oral participation as well. My answer key is for le présent et le passé composé but the game works for virtually every verb tense. Try the free, “Où sont les trésors cachés (les verbes ER) to see if ”Où sont les trésors cachés? (Les verbes DEVOIR, VOULOIR et POUVOIR)” is right for your students: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/o-sont-les-tr-sors-c
Les verbes conjugués avec être (a triangle puzzle)
CarlavCarlav

Les verbes conjugués avec être (a triangle puzzle)

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This triangle puzzle can be used as a co-operative activity or as an enrichment puzzle for individuals. Students have to match the edges of the triangles that ask and answer questions or begin and finish sentences . If possible, laminate the puzzle sheets. Then cut up one puzzle for every two or three students. Put the 12 triangles into an envelope. Et à vos jeux. Is this grammar activity for you? See for yourself by trying the free resource, Le futur simple (a triangle puzzle): http://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/Le-future-simple-a-triangle-puzzle-6450469/
Les expressions avoir: une affiche (8.5 x 14)
CarlavCarlav

Les expressions avoir: une affiche (8.5 x 14)

(0)
The 15 avoir; expressions illustrated are; 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 be slap happy - avoir le fou rire to be lucky - avoir de la chance to feel like, to want - avoir envie de The free activity, Let’s get to the bottom of LES EXPRESSIONS AVOIR, should solidify the concept in an entertaining way: http://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/Les-expressions-avoir-a-review-game-6312195/
Où sont les trésors cachés? (SAVOIR, CONNAÎTRE et RECONNAÎTRE)
CarlavCarlav

Où sont les trésors cachés? (SAVOIR, CONNAÎTRE et RECONNAÎTRE)

(0)
“Où sont les trésors cachés? (SAVOIR, CONNAÎTRE, RECONNAÎTRE)” will works well as a full-class, teacher-directed game or as a small group activity. After the fun of the oral treasure hunt, you can also assign co-ordinates to create an instant written assignment to reinforce the correct spelling of the verb endings. You’ll find that even reluctant learners will be motivated to listen carefully and the promise of “treasure” tends to generate enthusiastic oral participation as well. My answer key is for le présent but the game works for virtually every verb tense. Try the free, “Où sont les trésors cachés (les verbes ER) to see if ”Où sont les trésors cachés? (Les verbes DEVOIR, VOULOIR et POUVOIR)” is right for your students: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/o-sont-les-tr-sors-cach-s--les-verbes-er-6438862
10 French Bingo Cards for Hallowe'en
CarlavCarlav

10 French Bingo Cards for Hallowe'en

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Play standard bingo - lines, four corners or full house - with these cards. The list of the vocabulary illustrated on the cards is appended below. If you have access to a laminating machine, protect your cards with a coat of plastic and they will last until you retire! (And then you can give them to a younger teacher!) un balai des bonbons une boum la chair de poule un chat noir une chauve-souris une citrouille au claire de la lune un costume / un déguisement un cimetière crier effrayé un épouvantail faire du porte-à-porte un fantôme un hibou jeter un sort jouer un tour une lanterne citrouille un loup une maison hantée le maquillage la nuit les petits monstres une potion magique une poule mouillée un squelette un sorcier une sorcière une toile d’araignée un vampire
Qui, que et qu'   (les pronoms relatifs )
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Qui, que et qu' (les pronoms relatifs )

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This 11-page tutorial walks students through the differences between the interrogative and the relative pronouns, qui and que /qu'. It also explains the difference between the subject and object pronoun. However, there's also a simple little visual for those students who have not yet studied or mastered that grammatical point in English. The relatively simple gap fill exercise is followed by a more challenging mini-tutorial on combining two sentences using these pronouns and a page of questions.
Twelve Christmas Rebus Puzzles
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Twelve Christmas Rebus Puzzles

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Here are 12 more rebus puzzles for students who enjoyed the free rebus “A little Christmas Rebus to decipher! (The Little Drummer Boy)”: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/another-little-christmas-rebus-to-decipher-6454697 Thanks to their texting skills, today’s kids “get” the principle behind rebus puzzles intuitively. The “Twelve Christmas Rebus Puzzles” start with simple thematic phrases like “baking gingerbread cookies” and builds to a 3-page invitation to students to make their own rebus. The invitation is, of course, in rebus format! An activity tailored for the run-up to the holidays.