The first weeks of school set the tone for the entire year. But let’s be honest—between adjusting to new schedules, learning names, and setting classroom routines, we teachers don’t always have the energy for elaborate lesson plans. That’s why I’m sharing some of my favorite low-prep, high-impact activities to kick off your French, Spanish, or other world language classes with energy and joy.
These strategies help build community, refresh language basics, and spark curiosity—without hours of prep.
✅ 1. Get to Know You in the Target Language
Start using the language from day one, but keep it simple and supportive.
Try:
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“Find Someone Who…” (Busca a alguien que… / Trouve quelqu’un qui…)
Give students a list of fun facts (likes pizza, plays soccer, has a dog) and have them circulate to find classmates who fit the descriptions. -
Two Truths and a Lie:
Have students share two true facts and one false one about themselves (keep it in the target language as much as possible). We have some of this set up already in the VALE / Ça Marche curriculum.
➡️ Prep time: 5 minutes to type a list or explain directions.
➡️ Engagement level: High! They love learning random facts about classmates.
✅ 2. Picture Talk / Visual Story Starters
Show a funny or interesting picture and guide a discussion in the target language. Ask:
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Who is this?
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Where are they?
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What are they doing?
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Why are they there?
You can use photos from your summer, cartoons, or public domain images. Students love creating stories around goofy or mysterious images.
➡️ Prep time: 3 minutes to grab a picture.
➡️ Engagement level: Builds language AND creativity.
✅ 3. “Would You Rather” Questions (in French/Spanish)
Prepare a list of simple, silly questions:
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Would you rather have a pet crocodile or a pet llama?
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Would you rather go to the beach or the mountains?
Ask the question, have students stand on different sides of the room to show their choice, and explain why (in as much target language as they can).
➡️ Prep time: 5–10 minutes to write your list.
➡️ Engagement level: Big movement + laughter = happy class.
✅ 4. Word Walls & Question Posters
Set up visual supports early! Hang your:
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Question word posters (Quién, Qué, Cuándo, Où, Pourquoi, etc.) included in your curriculum downloads
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Verb conjugation charts or Super 7 verbs (included in your download)
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Cognate or word walls
These become tools your students will rely on all year—and they brighten your room with meaningful decor.
➡️ Prep time: Just print and hang (or grab a ready-made set).
➡️ Engagement level: Passive support that reduces frustration.
✅ 5. Classroom Jobs (with a Twist)
Let students help run the classroom in the target language:
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Weather reporter
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Attendance taker
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Timekeeper
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Tech helper
Introduce jobs one at a time, using the vocabulary they’ll need. Bonus: this creates real communication tasks that build routine and comfort.
➡️ Prep time: 10 minutes to explain and assign jobs.
➡️ Engagement level: Students take ownership of the class.
✅ 6. Simple Input Games
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This or That? You name two options and students show (raise hands, move to a side of the room, hold up fingers) to indicate their choice.
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Simon Says / Jacques a dit: A classic for listening comprehension.
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Charades: Vocabulary review with no prep at all.
➡️ Prep time: 1–2 minutes to explain rules.
➡️ Engagement level: Playful and active.
💡 Final Thought: Start Simple, Stay Consistent
Back to school doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with low-pressure, high-joy activities that make your classroom a place where kids want to be. As routines settle, you’ll layer in your curriculum content more deeply.
Let your students know that mistakes are part of learning, and that your class is a safe space to try out a new language.
🌟 Want Ready-to-Go Resources?
Check out the VALE and Ça Marche curricula on VerbNinja.com for zero-prep, CI-based lessons, ready to launch your year with confidence and ease.