French Classroom Holiday Decoration
Get ready to add a French twist to your holiday decorations this year! If you're looking for ideas to decorate your classroom there are plenty of ways to incorporate French culture into your holiday décor. From French-themed ornaments and paper snowflakes to French holiday books and a festive advent calendar, these ideas will help you create a festive and welcoming atmosphere that your students will love. Plus, we've got some fun ideas for decorating the door of your French classroom to really get in the holiday spirit. So grab some hot cocoa, put on your favorite French holiday tunes, and let's get decorating!
French-themed Christmas ornaments
Incorporate the French language into your decorations by adding French-themed ornaments to your Christmas tree or even walls. You can find ornaments with French words and phrases, such as "Joyeux Noël" or "Bonnes Fêtes", or ornaments shaped like French landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame.
I also got a 3D Christmas Ornament Writing Prompt Activity here if you’re interested. Choose from 10 different decorative ornament templates in either medium or large sizes. Customize your ornament further with one of the 8 French prompt templates available.
It is fun and easy:
Print the templates
write a few paragraphs (using the prompts: Pour Nöel j’aime manger..., Pour Nöel j’aime être avec..., Mon film de Nöel préféré est…, Ma chanson de Nöel prérérée est…)
Color, cut and glue et voilà!
This craft is suitable for all levels of French, from beginner to advanced. It's a great way to get your students engaged in the holiday spirit while also practicing their language skills. Whether they're just starting out or have been learning French for years, everyone can benefit from this activity.
Paper snowflakes for your French Classroom
Add a touch of winter to your classroom by hanging paper snowflakes from the ceiling. You can make these yourself with white paper and scissors, or you can purchase pre-made snowflakes from a craft store.
Advent calendar that your French students will love
Create an advent calendar for your students to count down the days until Christmas. You can use a traditional calendar with small gifts or treats for each day, or you can create a French-themed calendar with cultural facts or phrases for each day.
French holiday books
Display French holiday books in your classroom for your students to read during their free time. This is a great way to introduce them to French holiday traditions and vocabulary.
If you are looking for some great books to read during the Christmas season to your French beginners, there are plenty of options available that can help you improve their language skills while also getting into the festive spirit. Here are a few suggestions:
"Le Noël de Petit Loup" by Marie Aubinais - This charming children's book tells the story of a little wolf who wants to give his friends the perfect Christmas gift. With simple vocabulary and colorful illustrations, it's a great choice for beginners.
"Joyeux Noël, Splat!" by Rob Scotton - Another children's book, this one features the lovable cat Splat as he prepares for Christmas with his family. The language is straightforward and easy to understand, making it a good choice for those just starting to learn French.
"Contes de Noël" by Guy de Maupassant - If you're looking for something a bit more advanced, this collection of Christmas stories by French author Guy de Maupassant could be a good option. The language is more challenging, but the stories are engaging and offer a glimpse into French culture and traditions.
"Un Noël à New York" by Anne-Gaëlle Balpe - This book tells the story of two French children who travel to New York City for Christmas, and their adventures as they explore the city. The language is geared towards intermediate learners, but the story is engaging and offers a fun way to practice your French.
No matter which book you choose, reading in French is a great way to improve language skills and immerse students in the culture.
Christmas pennant: A letter to santa in your pocket
Perfect for French learners of all levels, this project involves selecting a festive template, writing a letter to Santa in French, and then getting creative with decorations to make the pennant truly unique.
But this Christmas craft isn't just about having fun - it's also an opportunity for students to focus on writing wishes that can help make the world a better place. Whether they're hoping for peace on earth or wishing for love and kindness to spread throughout their communities, this activity encourages young learners to think critically about the world around them and to consider how their actions can make a difference.
And when this French Christmas activity is complete, these beautiful pennants can be used to decorate your classroom.
Decorating the door of your French classroom to get in the holiday spirit
Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Create a winter wonderland: Cover the door in white paper or fabric to create a snowy backdrop. Add snowflakes, icicles, and snowmen made out of paper or craft materials.
Make a giant Christmas tree: Cut a large tree shape out of green paper or fabric and attach it to the door. Decorate the tree with ornaments made out of paper, felt, or other materials.
Use a holiday theme: Choose a favorite holiday movie, book, or character and create a door decoration based on that theme. For example, you could create a Grinch-themed door with a green handprint wreath and a "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" sign.
Create a festive wreath: Make a wreath out of real or fake greenery and add ornaments, bows, and other decorations. Hang the wreath on the door with a festive ribbon.
Use lights: Add strands of Christmas lights to the door for a fun and festive touch. You could even create a shape or pattern with the lights, such as a star or a Christmas tree.
Remember to involve your students in the decorating process if possible, as it can be a fun way to build classroom community and get everyone excited for the holiday season!