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Grade

1

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

25 students

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Curriculum Connections

Ontario Curriculum: French as a Second Language, Grade 1
Overall Expectations:

• B1.1 Participate in daily classroom interactions to demonstrate understanding and use of familiar oral and written language.
• B2.1 Demonstrate understanding of simple text in French, using a variety of strategies.
• C1.1 Use simple oral and written French to share personal experiences and ideas.

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Learning Objectives

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

• I can recognise and say aloud simple French vocabulary related to February (e.g., "le mois de février", "la Saint-Valentin", "l’hiver", "les cœurs", "le rouge").
• I can identify and name common symbols of February in French using pictures and simple sentences.
• I can understand and respond to simple questions about February-themed words in French.
• I can read simple, dyslexia-friendly French words related to February.

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Success Criteria

• I can correctly say at least 5 new French words for February.
• I can match French words to pictures of February items/symbols.
• I can answer simple oral questions about February vocabulary in French.
• I can read short, dyslexia-friendly French words about February aloud or with support.

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Materials Needed

• Large colourful February picture cards (hearts, snowflakes, mittens, Valentine’s Day symbols)
• Flashcards with February vocabulary words in French (dyslexia-friendly font such as OpenDyslexic)
• Storybook with a simple French February theme (short sentences, high contrast and spacing)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Worksheet with matching activities and colouring related to February words
• Audio recording of the vocabulary words
• Plastic hearts or craft materials for a quick hands-on activity

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Lesson Outline

1. Warm-up (10 minutes)

• Greet students in French: "Bonjour, les amis!"
• Show a calendar and introduce "février" by pointing to the month on the calendar.
• Use simple sentences: “Février, c’est le mois de... l’hiver, la Saint-Valentin.”
• Use the picture cards to show symbols: hearts (les cœurs), snow (la neige), mittens (les moufles).
• Play a short audio clip of the vocabulary for students to listen and repeat chorally.

Differentiation:

• Provide printed picture cards for tactile learners to hold and explore during this phase.
• Use gesture and expression for ELL and non-verbal learners to connect meaning visually.
• For students with hearing issues, use clear lip movements and written word display.

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2. Vocabulary Introduction and Practice (15 minutes)

• Introduce 8 key vocabulary words related to February using flashcards and picture cues:

  1. Février
  2. La Saint-Valentin
  3. Le cœur
  4. La neige
  5. Les moufles
  6. Le rouge
  7. L’hiver
  8. La bougie (candle – Valentine’s Day symbol)

• Model pronunciation and have students repeat chorally and individually.

• Play an interactive matching game: distribute flashcards and picture cards, have students pair them by walking around and finding their match.

Differentiation:

• For students with dyslexia, provide flashcards in dyslexia-friendly fonts and colours, with sufficient spacing.
• Use multisensory techniques: touching cards, tracing words in sand or on paper.
• Simplify for struggling learners by focusing on only 4 words (e.g., la neige, le cœur, février, le rouge).

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3. Listening & Reading Comprehension (15 minutes)

• Read a short, simple French story about February (e.g., a child preparing for Valentine’s Day or playing in the snow). Use a high-contrast, dyslexia-friendly font book or digital slide.
• Pause frequently to ask questions in French: “Qu’est-ce que c’est?” “Est-ce que tu vois un cœur?”
• Show corresponding pictures for better comprehension.
• Ask students to point to pictures or words as they hear them.

Success Check: Students lift flashcards when they hear the word.
Differentiation:

• Allow students to follow along with a printed copy or listen only.
• Use peer buddy reading for confidence building.
• Provide auditory-only option for students who process better by sound.

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4. Speaking and Craft Activity (15 minutes)

• Ask each student to say one February word they learned today, using the phrase:
  “Je vois un/une ___.” (e.g., “Je vois un cœur.”)
• Provide sentence starters and visual prompts for guided speaking.
• Craft: Make paper hearts coloured red or pink and write their favourite February word on it (help students write/trace).

Extension for advanced learners:

• Encourage them to use a full sentence:
  “En février, j’aime la Saint-Valentin parce que _____.” (I like Valentine’s Day because ___.)
• Introduce a new, slightly more complex word related to February (e.g., “l’amitié” = friendship) and invite them to use it in sentences.

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5. Wrap-Up and Assessment (5 minutes)

• Quick oral quiz: hold up February pictures and ask “Comment ça s’appelle en français?”
• Students respond chorally or individually.
• Self-assessment: students show thumbs up if they feel confident saying February words, thumbs sideways if they need more practice.
• Encourage students to take their heart craft home to show family and practice words.

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Assessment Strategies

• Observation of oral participation during the matching game and speaking activities.
• Review of craft hearts to check for correct word recognition or writing attempts.
• Informal oral quiz at lesson end to confirm vocabulary retention.
• Notes on individual student responses to adapt further lessons.

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Differentiation Summary

Learner Type	Strategy
English Language Learners	Use gestures, pictures, repetition, and simplified vocabulary.
Dyslexic Learners	Use OpenDyslexic font, high contrast colours, larger spacing, multisensory input.
Struggling Learners	Focus on fewer words, more time for repetition and individual support.
Advanced Learners	Use sentence builders and introduce more complex vocabulary and ideas.

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Extension Activities

• Create a simple February-themed drawing book in French using vocabulary learned; students dictate sentences to teacher or use labels provided.
• Sing a French winter/Valentine’s Day song or rhyme incorporating key vocabulary.
• Use digital apps or interactive French games that reinforce vocabulary recognition.

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Dyslexia-Friendly Reading Support

• Use high-contrast text with a sans-serif or dyslexia-friendly font such as OpenDyslexic.
• Provide extra spacing between letters and words.
• Use clear and simple sentence structures in stories and reading materials.
• Support reading activities with matched audio recordings for simultaneous listening and reading.
• Minimise use of italics or all-caps; prefer bold for emphasis.

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Final Notes for Teachers

This lesson integrates oral language, listening, reading, and hands-on creativity around a meaningful topic for February. The balance between visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities ensures inclusive engagement. Make them feel the joy of French while celebrating this winter month and Valentine’s Day themes! Encourage students to share their learning in French at home, further deepening their connection and language skills.

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Merci beaucoup et bon apprentissage!