Basic French Welcome

Lesson Plan Overview

Year level: 4
Subject: Languages (French)
Duration: 60 minutes
Class size: 25 students
Curriculum: Australian Curriculum v9 - Languages - French (Years 3 and 4)

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Recognise and use basic French greetings and farewells (e.g., Bonjour, Au revoir, Salut).
2. Understand and respond to simple classroom instructions in French (e.g., Asseyez-vous, Écoutez).
3. Introduce themselves with simple phrases (e.g., Je m’appelle..., Ça va?).
4. Demonstrate understanding of French-speaking countries and cultural greetings.
5. Apply active listening and participation skills in a guided classroom setting.

Australian Curriculum Links

• AC9LF4C03: Locate and respond to key information related to familiar content obtained from spoken, written and multimodal texts .
• AC9LF4C04: Develop strategies to comprehend and adjust French language in familiar contexts to convey cultural meaning .
• AC9LF4C05: Create and present informative and imaginative spoken, written and multimodal texts using formulaic expressions, simple phrases and modelled textual conventions .
• General Capability (Intercultural Understanding): Introducing cultural notes about French-speaking countries enhances intercultural understanding and appreciation.

---

Resources Needed

• Flashcards with French greetings and classroom instructions.
• Audio recordings of greetings and instructions.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• World map highlighting French-speaking countries (France, Canada, Senegal, Vanuatu, etc.).
• Name tags and simple dialogue scripts for introductions.
• Visual posters displaying greetings and instructions in French and English.
• “Bonjour” song or chant audio for the starter activity.
• Printable worksheet for assessment (matching greetings to English meanings).

---

Lesson Breakdown (60 minutes)

1. Starter Activity (10 minutes)

Welcome in French – “Bonjour” Song and Greetings Circle

• Begin with a lively French greetings song to engage the class.
• Form a circle; students greet each other using “Bonjour” and respond “Ça va?” (“How are you?”).
• Teacher models pronunciation and expressions clearly.
• Introduce "Salut" (informal hello) and “Au revoir” (goodbye).
• Quick pair-share: Students greet a partner using these phrases.

Rationale: Music and repetition enhance memory and pronunciation for young learners. This energiser introduces French sounds warmly and supports social interaction.

---

2. Introduction to Classroom Instructions (15 minutes)

Visual and Kinesthetic Learning

• Using flashcards and gestures, introduce key commands:
  • Asseyez-vous (Sit down)
  • Levez la main (Raise your hand)
  • Écoutez (Listen)
  • Répétez (Repeat)
• Play a "Simon Says" game using French commands to practice listening and action.
• Students respond physically to commands and say the command aloud in choral response.

Rationale: Kinesthetic learning supports comprehension for Year 4 students and encourages active participation.

---

3. Personal Introductions (15 minutes)

Simple Self-introduction Practice

• Teacher models: “Je m’appelle [Name]. Comment tu t’appelles?” (My name is [Name]. What’s your name?).
• Teach “Ça va?” for “How are you?” and simple responses “Ça va bien” (I’m fine), “Ça va mal” (I’m not well).
• Practice as a class with name tags: each student introduces themselves to a partner and asks how they are.
• Students repeat with at least two classmates.

Rationale: Speaking practice in pairs allows social interaction and language use in natural contexts.

---

4. Cultural Insights (10 minutes)

Exploring the French-speaking World

• Show the map highlighting countries where French is spoken (France, Belgium, Canada, Vanuatu, Senegal, etc.).
• Briefly explain diversity in the Francophone world and mention different ways greetings might change (e.g., cheek kisses ‘la bise’ in France).
• Share or show visuals of French cultural symbols (Eiffel Tower, croissants, Mardi Gras).
• Discuss why learning greetings matters beyond just words – it connects people.

Rationale: Incorporating culture develops intercultural understanding, a key element of the Australian Curriculum for Languages.

---

5. Consolidation Activity (5 minutes)

Interactive Matching Game

• Students match French greetings and instructions to English meanings on a worksheet or digital interactive whiteboard.
• Quick quiz: Teacher says a phrase, students respond with the appropriate word or perform action.

Rationale: Assessment through an engaging game allows the teacher to informally check understanding.

---

6. Plenary and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Recap key phrases learnt with the class chorus.
• Ask students to say how they feel about speaking French today (“Ça va?”).
• Encourage one or two students to share their favourite phrase or word.

---

Differentiation Strategies

• For diverse learners:
  • Provide visual supports such as pictograms for all commands and greetings.
  • Use peer support with stronger language learners paired with emerging learners during introductions.
  • Use gestures consistently to reinforce meaning.
  • Modify tasks; for example, some students repeat phrases only, others practice full dialogues.
• For extension learners:
  • Introduce additional phrases like “Comment ça va?” with more complex responses.
  • Encourage creating short dialogues including greetings and classroom commands.

---

Assessment

• Ongoing informal assessment through observation of participation in oral interactions, games, and matching activities.
• Teacher records names and confidence levels for speaking activities to track progress.
• Worksheet completion for matching French to English vocabulary assessing receptive language.

---

This lesson plan offers a clear, engaging start to French language study with a strong foundation in communication, cultural awareness, and active participation, strictly aligned to the Australian Curriculum v9 Languages content for Year 4 students . It balances skill development with intercultural learning, inspiring curiosity and enjoyment for beginner learners.