Mastering French Verbs

Grade Level

6th Grade

Duration

50 minutes

Class Size

30 students

Standards Alignment

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) – Language Arts (Grade 6)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.4.A: Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.1.B: Use the relationship between particular words (synonyms, antonyms, homographs) to better understand each of the words.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 6 topics.

Note: This lesson uses French language acquisition within the framework of English language arts standards geared toward vocabulary development, word analysis, and speaking/listening skills.

Learning Objectives

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

Identify and pronounce 15 common French verbs, understanding their English meanings.
Use context clues to infer meaning and practice verbs in sentences.
Demonstrate basic comprehension and communication using these verbs through collaborative dialogue.
Build awareness of verb nuances and verb groups (*verbs marked with * are irregular verbs in French).

Materials Needed

Whiteboard and markers
Flashcards (French verbs with English translations)
Printed verb list with pronunciation guide
Worksheets for sentence matching and writing
Small whiteboards or paper for student responses
Timer

Lesson Plan Breakdown

1. Introduction and Hook (5 minutes)

Begin by writing the title on the board: “French Verbs that Tell a Story.”
Quick warm-up: Ask students to stand if they recognize any French words or have studied French before (activates prior knowledge).
Show flashcards one by one with the verb (French) on one side, English meaning on the other. Pronounce each verb clearly and have students repeat chorally to practice pronunciation.

2. Direct Instruction – Verb Presentation (10 minutes)

Present the 15 verbs in the teacher’s list grouped by theme:
- Movement verbs: Descendre (to go down), Monter (to climb), Rentrer (to return), Sortir (to go out), Aller (to go), Entrer (to enter), Retourner (to return again), Arriver (to arrive), Partir (to leave), Venir (to come), Revenir (to come back).
- Life events: Naître (to be born), Devenir (to become), Mourir (to die).
- Other actions: Tomber (to fall), Rester (to stay).
For each, say the verb, write it on the board, give its English meaning, and model pronunciation. Call on students to repeat in small groups for peer correction.

3. Context Clues Exploration (10 minutes)

Pass out a short worksheet with sentences containing blanks for these verbs in simple sentences (example in French with English gloss).
Example: "Je _______ à l'école." (I go to school.) Expected answer: vais from Aller.
Students work in pairs to fill in the blanks, using the verb list as a reference.
Circulate, assisting with context clues and pronunciation.
Reinforce vocabulary by asking questions like "Which verb means to 'go out'?" or "Which verb would you use for 'to become'?"

4. Interactive Activity: Verb Charades (15 minutes)

Divide class into 5 groups of 6 students. Each group selects a volunteer who will be the "actor" for a round.
Teacher shows the actor a verb on a card; the actor silently mimics the verb action or scenario.
The group guesses the French verb and English meaning.
Rotate until most students have acted out at least one verb.
This game builds movement connection to meaning and encourages verbal practice.

5. Wrap-up and Student Reflection (7 minutes)

Quick verbal quiz: Call out the English meaning, students respond with the French verb and attempt pronunciation.
Have students write 2 sentences on their whiteboards using any two verbs learned. Exemplify one sentence on the board.
Collect boards or have a few share aloud.

Assessment

Observation during pair work and charades for correct verb use and pronunciation.
Review worksheet accuracy to ensure students understand verb context.
Exit slip: One sentence in English → student translates using one of the French verbs (written or oral).

Differentiation

Provide additional pronunciation guides and visual aids for ELL students or those struggling.
Challenge advanced students to use verbs in compound sentences or learn irregular verb conjugations.

Extensions

For homework, students create a quick illustrated story using at least five verbs from the list.
Encourage students to watch a French cartoon or short video and spot any of the verbs.

This lesson creatively integrates Common Core vocabulary acquisition and speaking/listening standards through engaging, age-appropriate language learning while enabling students to build both comprehension and oral skills in French.

Teaching Instructions