1 - Welcome Bird Watchers
Have you ever watched birds flying overhead or spotted colourful ones in a park? Today we're becoming French bird experts! France has amazing birds from elegant swans on rivers to bright flamingos in the Camargue wetlands.
Bird watching is popular in France - people take binoculars and spot different species. You'll learn to name 8 beautiful French birds and even practise describing them to a partner!
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Name 8 different birds in French
- Spot birds from pictures and say their names
- Chat about birds with a partner in French
2 - Meet the Birds
Here are today's new French bird words. Click each one to hear the pronunciation, then say it out loud. Notice how most birds are masculine so they use 'le' - except for 'L'aigle' which uses 'l'' because the word starts with a vowel.
Some words might look familiar - 'pingouin' looks like 'penguin'! These cognates help us remember. Others like 'flamant rose' (flamingo) tell us exactly what they look like - pink flamingo!
How to Use This Activity:
Option 1: Digital Reference (Interactive)
- Display the Word Table on the whiteboard or let students access on their devices.
- Click/tap words to hear pronunciation - great for listening and speaking practice.
- Go through each word together, practising pronunciation as a class.
Option 2: Printed Reference Sheet
Download Vocabulary Sheet (PDF)
- Print the vocabulary reference sheet for students to keep as a study aid.
- Great for homework, revision, or as a take-home reference.
- Students can use it alongside the interactive activity.
3 - Spin the Bird Wheel
Time for some bird wheel excitement! Spin the wheel to land on a bird - can you say its French name before it reveals the answer? This is perfect practice for quick recall.
How to Use This Activity:
Option 1: Students on Devices
- Students complete the Spin the Wheel activity on their own laptop or tablet.
- Students spin the wheel and practise saying the vocabulary word that lands. Great for random selection and speaking practice.
- Walk around the room to monitor progress and assist students who need help.
Option 2: Teacher-Led (Whiteboard/Projector)
- Display the activity on your interactive whiteboard or projector.
- Spin the wheel on the whiteboard and have students call out the word together. Use it to pick random students or vocabulary items.
- Invite students up to interact with the board, or have them call out answers from their desks.
4 - Label the Birds
Look carefully at each bird picture and click the correct French name from the options. Some birds have very distinctive colours and shapes - use these clues to help you choose!
How to Use This Activity:
Option 1: Students on Devices
- Students complete the Label the Image activity on their own laptop or tablet.
- Students see an image and select the correct word from multiple choices. Good for visual learners.
- Walk around the room to monitor progress and assist students who need help.
Option 2: Teacher-Led (Whiteboard/Projector)
- Display the activity on your interactive whiteboard or projector.
- Show the image and have students write their answer on mini whiteboards before revealing options.
- Invite students up to interact with the board, or have them call out answers from their desks.
5 - Bird Labelling Sheet
Your teacher will hand out worksheets with bird pictures. Look at each one and write the correct French name underneath from the wordbank. Double-check your spelling using the pronunciation guides!
Worksheet Instructions:
- Print copies of this worksheet for your students before the lesson.
- Worksheets can be done during class time or for homework.
- Distribute one copy per student (or pair for collaborative work).
- The answer key is included at the end of the PDF - this is for teacher reference only.
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This lesson is copyright of Coding Ireland 2017 - 2025. Unauthorised use, copying or distribution is not allowed.
