How to Teach French Verb Conjugation

As teachers, we are always looking for
little activities that will help our students with concepts they might struggle
with, like to teach French Verb conjugation.

Many of my students find it tricky to
conjugate the verb in French.  I created
the French Verb Race Game to teach and practice
French verb conjugation.  This is a fun,
interactive game for my students to use as consolidation of the work learned. The
name for this activity was inspired by me frequently telling my students that
they ‘must ace grammar’ (well certain rules anyway).  And so, I used the play on words for
“MUST-ACE GRAMMAR” to name it MOUSTACHE GRAMMAIRE.

Must-Ace Grammar / Moustache Grammaire

How to play this game…

The aim of the game is to color as
many moustaches as possible.  Students do
this by conjugating the example called out by the teacher and finding it on
their page before their partner does. 
Let’s look at the instructions a little closer:

●       
Students are divided into pairs or groups of three. I
recommend you do not have larger groups than this, and pairs are ideal.

●       
Students choose a colored marker, highlighter or pen.

●       
The teacher then calls out the subject and infinitive,
either in French or in English. For example: “We + To Be” or “Nous + Être”

●       
Students race to find the correct conjugated verb on
the page. The first to find the word, colors the moustache in their color.

●       
What happens if they find the word at the same time? No
problem, each student colors half of the moustache in.

●       
Sometimes students are lucky to find two of the same
verbs, so they can each color a moustache in.

●       
Students count up their moustaches at the end of the
game to see who found the most.

It is so versatile…

This game is offered as a printable
resource as well as a digital resource which can be used in Google Slides,
Jamboard, and as a TpT Easel Activity. 
If used in a digital setting, this activity can be used as a whole class
game or in a breakout room in pairs or groups of three. This activity is perfect for in-person learning or hybrid
learning.

This is by far one of my students’
favorite games to review their grammar. 
Because it is fairly easy to prepare and quick to play, we can fit in a
game when there are only a few minutes to spare at the end of the lesson. This
keeps concepts fresh in their minds, despite it being taught in the past. I
hope your students will enjoy it as much as mine.

It is also useful  in the middle of the lesson to re-energize
students as they usually get very competitive during this highly engaging game.
Students love playing this game, so you can also use it as a reward.  This motivates students to work hard to complete
regular grammar worksheets first.

 Leave a comment below to share your
experiences with this game.

Check
Out these Engaging Games and Activities …
Be sure to check out the bundle of Essential Verbs in my French Verb Race Bundle 1

I have also created a range of Color by Verbs – Color by Conjugation for French
learners.  Check them out.