Fun Holiday English and French Games and Activities To Engage Kids With Language

11/28/2021

Language Ideas for the holidays and seasons

The holiday season is here and kids are getting excited and restless. The weather is changing and winter is almost upon us. We need to find activities that capture the attention of our students while continuing to provide content and skill development. What better way to excite kids than to focus on the holidays with these activities.

There are many different subject areas that can be considered here. For now, I would like to focus on language arts. Being able to read, write, and speak well are goals that we would like to see achieved. This is a great time to focus on new activities that expand vocabulary and help with creating more detailed and descriptive oral and written experiences. Using games and other hands on activities will help to engage kids and motivate them to learn. For students learning a second language this is especially important.

For the purpose of this blog post, I will be focusing on French, but the concepts and ideas are appropriate for any second language.

Develo communication skills with language games

Why vocabulary development is so important for second language learners

Second language learners often feel tongue-tied when they start to learn a new language. They know what they want to say, but they don't have the words yet to say it. They struggle to make themselves understood as they attempt to use the limited vocabulary they have been given. They are self conscious and often afraid to speak out loud. Doing activities that help to broaden their vocabulary will help them with communication. Holiday vocabulary activities will work well for engaging them in the excitement of the season.

There are many different types of vocabulary activities, but I would suggest that they focus on fun and interactive games and activities. As they continue to develop their vocabulary skills, they will gain more confidence and begin to speak out more often. The more they speak, the more they get practice, and the more confident they become. The same goes for reading and writing. The more comfortable they become with the language and the vocabulary, the more they will use it. Win-win.

Use vocabulary games to develop communication skills in a second language

French/English resources for the holidays and seasons

I have been creating French resources for younger kids and for those going into late immersion. I created many of them in both French and English so that they could be used for those who might be learning English as well. They are also great for primary English classrooms.

Here are some resources that may help you through the next few months as your students continue to learn new vocabulary and develop their language skills.

le vocabulaire thématique/J'ai, qui a? combos
(les prépositions, les vêtements, les légumes et les fruits, les émotions, la météo, l'hygiène et la santé, les adjectifs opposés, les parties du corps, la cuisine rapide et la collation, la cuisine, le temps, le calendrier)

Themed vocabulary/I have, who has?? combos
(prepositions, clothing, vegetables and fruits, emotions, weather, hygiene and health, opposite adjectives, body parts, fast food and snacks, the kitchen, weather, calendar)

Merry Christmas Joyeux noel Holiday vocabulary games and activities

Here are some holiday vocabulary activities that will make learning fun.

le Noël des mots de vocabulaire - French Christmas Vocabulary Task Cards Activities and Games
le Noël des mots de vocabulaire - French Christmas Vocabulary Game I Have, Who Has? J'ai, Qui a?
le Noël Parts Of Speech Silly Sentences French Version
Christmas Vocabulary Task Cards Activities
Christmas Vocabulary Game - I Have, Who Has?
Christmas Parts of Speech Silly Sentences
l'hiver - le vocabulaire
l'hiver Parts Of Speech Silly Sentences French version
Winter Parts of Speech Silly Sentences
Winter Vocabulary Activities And Games
Winter Vocabulary Activity - I Have, Who Has?

For more French holiday resources, check out this blog post from another teacher with links to more resources that will help you make it through the Christmas season.

Preparing for a new year

If you are looking ahead for the new year, check out some of these resources and ideas. Click on the images to find out more.

Well, I hope you have found some helpful ideas and resources here. Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with as you continue to work with kids.