How to Get to Know Your Students in French Class: 5 Back-to-School Strategies That Work
The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to build strong relationships with your students and create a positive, welcoming classroom environment. In a French class, getting to know your students helps you tailor your lessons, increase student engagement, and set the tone for the rest of the year. Whether you teach Core French or French Immersion, these five strategies will help you build community from day one.
1. Fun Icebreaker Activities for French Class
Kick off your back-to-school French activities with engaging icebreakers! Games like "Two Truths and a Lie", "Human Bingo", or "Find Someone Who…" encourage students to interact and share personal details in a low-pressure, fun way. These activities reduce the first-day jitters and allow students to connect with their peers—and with you.
✅ Tip: Participate in the activity yourself to model openness and encourage students to be themselves.
👉 Read more: My 5 All-Time Favorite Icebreakers For The French Classroom
2. Student Surveys to Learn Interests & Learning Styles
Use student surveys to gather information about your learners’ hobbies, goals, and preferred learning styles. Knowing what your students enjoy—and what challenges they face—can help you plan French lessons that are both meaningful and motivating.
Questions to include:
What are your favorite hobbies?
What do you want to get better at this year?
How do you feel about learning French?
🎁 Download a FREE printable student survey here a to use on the first day of school.
3. Personalized Introductions That Build Connection
Start the year by introducing yourself in a way that feels authentic and personal. Share a few fun or surprising facts, and then invite students to do the same in small groups or as a class. When students see the human side of their teacher, they’re more likely to feel safe, seen, and supported.
🌟 Idea: Have students create mini “About Me” posters or slides in French with pictures and personal details.
📸 Want a creative twist? Try my French “About Me” Instagram Activity—a student favorite! It mimics a social media profile and encourages students to share their interests, fun facts, and goals in French. It’s the perfect back-to-school icebreaker that combines creativity, language use, and classroom connection.
👉 Check out the Instagram activity here
4. Meaningful Classroom Discussions
Use open-ended discussions in French or English (depending on the level) to learn more about your students' experiences and aspirations. Questions like:
What was the best part of your summer?
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
What do you want to learn in French class this year?
These conversations build trust and help you spot shared interests that can inspire future French projects or group activities.
5. Connect with Parents Early
Scheduling early parent-teacher meetings—even quick check-ins—can offer valuable insight into your students’ backgrounds and support systems. Understanding a child’s home environment helps you offer more personalized guidance and shows families that you’re invested in their child’s success.
📌 Consider sending a welcome letter in French and English to introduce yourself and invite collaboration.
Final Thoughts: Start the Year by Building Relationships
Taking time to truly get to know your students at the beginning of the school year lays the foundation for a classroom where everyone feels valued and motivated to learn. These back to school French class strategies—icebreakers, surveys, introductions, discussions, and parent communication—will help you build a connected, inclusive, and joyful learning environment.
✨ Whether you teach middle school Core French or high school immersion, starting the year with these intentional activities will set your students (and you!) up for success.