Every year in March La semaine de la Francophonie provides an opportunity for French speakers around the world to celebrate the French language in all its diversity. In this article, I’ll share ways you can celebrate in your French classroom.
“French, the second-most-studied language in the world, with some 125 million students and 900,000 teachers of French abroad, is the second-most-important language of international news, the third-most-important in the business world, and the fourth-most-important on the Internet. It is a working language of major importance in all international organizations. Shared by 274 million people worldwide, the fifth-most-spoken language on the planet.”
Source: diplomatie.gouv.fr
I particularly love this week. It is a good occasion to remind your students that the French language is spoken not only in France but in more than 40 countries and territories.
activities You can use for La Semaine de la francophonie
1 - Flags of the francophone world
Studying flags offers a unique and engaging way to learn about different countries, cultures, and their histories. To enhance this educational experience in a classroom setting, I have developed two creative and interactive options that serve both as learning tools and as vibrant classroom decorations.
Coloring Sheets:
This educational resource is a 5-page coloring activity designed to introduce students to the diverse and culturally rich French-speaking world through the engaging medium of art.
Countries/Territories included:
France, Suisse, Monaco, Belgique, Luxembourg, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroun, Rep. Centre, Rep. Dom. Congo, Congo Braz., Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypte, Gabon, Guiné, Mali, Madagascar, Maroc, Mauritanie, Niger, Rwanda, Sénégal, Tchad, Togo, Tunisie, Algérie, La Réunion, Canada, Guyanne Française, Saint Pierre et Miquelon, St Martin, St Barthélémy, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Polynésie Française, Haïti, Liban, Vietnam, Nouvelle Calédonie, Vanuatu.
These are a more dynamic and 3-dimensional option, bringing an element of movement and liveliness to the classroom. Each windsock is designed to represent a country's flag in a cylindrical form.
Both options encourage creativity, provide a visual and tactile learning component, and help create a colorful and culturally-rich classroom environment. Whether used separately or together, these flag-themed coloring sheets and windsocks are sure to enhance the educational experience and stimulate students' interest in the Francophone world.
2 - Map labeling: La francophonie
Labeling maps gives a great perspective on how spread out the French language is. If you’re feeling creative, you can also make 3D maps by cutting and gluing pieces of cardboard that have the shapes of each Francophone territory
3 - FOOD from french-speaking countries
Introduce the French-speaking countries by what they eat! Ask your students to do some research with this 10 iconic dishes from French-speaking countries activity. If your school allows it, try making some of the dishes or asking students to volunteer to bring some in to share with the class.
4 - Travel Brochure about a francophone country
Have each student pick a French-speaking country research travel destinations, fun activities, and a brief history of the area. Once the brochures are done, you can have a small “travel fair” for the kids to share about their country.
5 - La francophonie Scavenger Hunt
What about an internet scavenger hunt over French-speaking countries? This activity includes tons of cultural facts over La Francophonie and may be completed using the internet in a computer lab, using a mobile lab, or by allowing students to use their own electronic devices
The above suggestions are just that, suggestions. You know what’s best for your students, so feel free to adapt these learning activities however you see fit.