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 … Read moreKicking Off a New School Year
Let’s be real. It’s May. You’re tired. I’m tired. The kids are tired. The coffee pot is tired. If you’re anything like me, this time of year brings a mix of emotions: pride in how far your students have come, dread at the mountain of grading, and let’s not forget the brain fog that makes … Read moreEnd of the Year Strategies for When You Just Can’t
Hey friends! I can hardly believe I’m typing this… but here we are! After a year of quietly rolling out Ça Marche! and ¡VALE! to schools around the country, the moment has officially arrived: May 1, 2025 marks the official national launch of my French and Spanish curricula for Levels 1 and 2! My blog … Read moreIt’s HERE! Ça Marche! and ¡VALE!
Luc est un garçon amoureux. Il veut acheter des chocolats pour sa petite amie pour la Saint-Valentin. Il va au magasin, mais ne trouve pas de chocolats. Il voit des ours en peluche et des fleurs, mais pas de chocolats. Luc dit : “Je ne trouve pas mes chocolats ici”. Il est triste. Il veut … Read moreLa Quête des Chocolats de la Saint-Valentin
Chocolate Bûche de Noël Recipe Ingredients: For the Chocolate Sponge Cake: 4 large eggs, separated 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt For the Chocolate Buttercream: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon … Read moreFrench Bûche de Noël Cake
Krashen tells us to not only use interesting input, but to use COMPELLING input. One of the best ways to use compelling input is to talk about the students themselves. Students also like doing activities when they are perceived to be games. This activity is a game, but it involves writing sentences, listening, comprehending, evaluating, … Read moreThe Betting Game