The first day of French class can be extremely stressful, even for more experienced teachers. With new students, sometimes new classrooms, and/or a new school, it’s a lot to take in.
My goal today is to provide you with different materials for your toolkit, so you can pick and choose what works best for you. I hope in this post you can get some new ideas to make your first day or week with your French students less stressful.
Goals and expectations for the first day of French class
I have to say that I personally never have a rigid plan for my first week. I like having a bunch of tools and resources ready to go so that I can adapt to the energy of my class, level, personality, and other parameters. The first week is a good time, in my opinion, to try different approaches and see what your students respond best to. Some groups are a little too energetic to stay in their seats for a long period of time, while some groups are able to focus easier. It’s your job to determine what kind of learners you have in front of you.
first day of French class-Ice-Breakers
I’m not a huge fan of starting class with an explanation of class rules. Instead, I usually get to it at the end of the first class. Yes, rules are important but connecting with my students and getting to know them is my number one priority.
One of my favorite icebreakers is Toss-a-Name, which helps everyone learn each other’s names in a fun, interactive way. We all stand in a big circle. The first person holds a ball, says, “Je m’appelle…” and throws it to someone else, asking, “Et toi?” This continues until everyone has introduced themselves. It’s a low-pressure, energetic way to start learning names and getting everyone comfortable speaking French.
Explain why it’s important to learn French
This is a key part of the first day. I make it a priority to explain why learning French matters. I kick things off by asking students, “Why do you think learning French is important?” Their answers often reveal what excites or concerns them about the class. After that, I show them a world map and highlight all the places where French is spoken. Many students don’t realize that French isn’t just the language of France—it’s spoken on five continents, opening doors to new cultures, travel, and even career opportunities.
If you want some teaching material about this topic, make sure to check out my Why Learn French Bundle here!
French greetings and salutations on the first day of French class
Once we’ve talked about the importance of French, it’s time to dive into some essential vocabulary—starting with greetings and salutations. This is crucial, as it’s the first thing they’ll need when interacting in French. After introducing the vocabulary and practicing pronunciation, we jump into a “speed dating” activity (minus the dating, of course!). Students have timed conversations with different partners, practicing introductions and asking how their partner is doing. I also write key phrases on the board so they can refer back if needed. It’s quick, practical, and a great way to start speaking right away.
2 truths and a lie for intermediate and advanced French
For intermediate and advanced classes, there’s no need to spend too much time on greetings. Instead, I greet students in French and expect them to do the same. To make things more interesting, I start the year with 2 Truths and a Lie. This game not only encourages speaking but also gives me a glimpse into their personalities. Students take turns sharing two true statements about themselves and one lie, while the rest of the class tries to guess which is which. It’s always fun, and it helps build a sense of community early on.
Introducing rules on the first day of French class
Well, this one isn’t anyone’s favorite part of the beginning of the school year. That’s why I make it quick. However, I want to emphasize that although I’m not a control freak, I still want my students to learn in a safe, productive environment.
A few things to keep in mind:
Don’t overdo it. Keep it simple. If you have too many rules, students won’t remember them and will feel like they can’t do anything.
Don’t think that things that are common sense for you are for your students.
Try to limit the use of negative language. Talk about what your students should do instead of what they shouldn't do. Post the rules, if they are on the wall, it is easier to refer to them.
Some teachers like to create a list of rules with their students. If you don’t want to do that, click here to download a FREE rules poster for your French classroom.
Final Thoughts: Creating a Welcoming Environment in French Class from Day One
As you gear up for the first day of French class, focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that sets the tone for the year ahead. Prioritize building connections with your students, and give them the tools they need to start communicating in French right away. By doing this, you’ll create a strong foundation for a fun and engaging learning experience that will keep your students excited to come to class.