Survival French Slides
Français Débutant • A1 Review Hebdomadaire • Weekly Content
Survie en Classe
Classroom Survival
Les Phrases Clés
Master the essential daily phrases to ask questions, request permissions, and communicate in French during class.
Pronunciation & Meaning • Partner Speed Drill
Ready? C'est parti !
Objectifs de la Séance • Learning Goals
Today's Mission & Can-Do Objectives
Can-Do #1
Ask for Words
I can ask how to say any unknown English word in French using « Comment dit-on... ? »
Can-Do #2
Clarify & Regulate Speed
I can politely ask the teacher or a peer to repeat or slow down when I do not understand.
Can-Do #3
Request Permissions
I can ask for water and bathroom passes in complete, polite French sentences with « S'il vous plaît ».
Can-Do #4
Rapid Partner Drill
I can quickly exchange prompts and answers in two facing rows without using English!
Success Criteria: Speak clearly, listen actively, and support your partner! Objectives
Expression #1 • Asking for Vocabulary
How do you say [ ___ ] in French?
La Phrase Essentielle
« Comment dit-on _____ en français ? »
[ koh-mahn dee-tohn _____ ahn frahn-seh ]
Literal translation: "How does one say _____ in French?"
Teacher's Answer / Modèle
« On dit : _____. »
You say: [Word in French].
Quick Mini-Practice
"book" → un livre
"pencil" → un crayon
Pro-tip: Insert any English word into the blank space! 1 / 7
Expressions #2 & #3 • Listening Support
Can you repeat? & Can you say this slowly?
Can you repeat, please?
« Pouvez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît ? »
Short form: « Répétez, s'il vous plaît ! »
[ poo-vay voo ray-pay-tay seel-voo-pleh ]
Use when: The teacher or classmate spoke clearly, but you missed a word.
Can you speak slowly, please?
« Plus lentement, s'il vous plaît ! »
Full: « Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement ? »
[ ploo lahn-tuh-mahn seel-voo-pleh ]
Use when: The audio or teacher is speaking at native French speed!
Both expressions always end with the polite formula: S'il vous plaît. 2 & 3 / 7
Expressions #4 & #5 • Clarification & Courtesy
I don't understand & Please
Honest & Direct Communication
« Je ne comprends pas. »
"I do not understand."
[ zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah ]
Never stay silent! If you are lost, raising your hand and saying this immediately signals the teacher to help you.
The Golden Words
« S'il vous plaît »
S'il vous plaît (SVP)
Formal / To adults & teacher [seel voo pleh]
S'il te plaît (STP)
Informal / To a classmate/friend [seel tuh pleh]
Always add: « Merci ! » (Thank you!)
Remember: French teachers appreciate polite attempts over perfection! 4 & 5 / 7
Expressions #6 & #7 • Requesting Permission
Water & Bathroom Requests
Bathroom Permission
« Est-ce que je peux aller aux toilettes, s'il vous plaît ? »
[ ess-kuh zhuh puh ah-lay oh twah-let, seel-voo-pleh ]
English: Can I go to the bathroom, please?
Water Permission
« Est-ce que je peux aller boire de l'eau, s'il vous plaît ? »
[ ess-kuh zhuh puh ah-lay bwar duh low, seel-voo-pleh ]
English: Can I go get water, please?
Teacher's typical answers: « Oui, bien sûr ! » (Yes, of course!) | « Prends le passe. » (Take the hall pass.) | « Attends deux minutes. » (Wait 2 minutes.)
Survival Cheatsheet
All 7 Expressions at a Glance
Review Before Practice
Comment dit-on _____ en français ?
How do you say _____ in French?
Répétez, s'il vous plaît !
Can you repeat, please?
Plus lentement, s'il vous plaît !
Can you say this slowly, please?
Je ne comprends pas.
I do not understand.
Est-ce que je peux aller aux toilettes ?
Can I go to the bathroom, please?
Est-ce que je peux aller boire de l'eau ?
Can I go get water, please?
Key magic formula: « S'il vous plaît » (Please) Next: Speed Dating Exercise Setup →
Activity Instructions • Activité Orale
Le Speed Dating Drill (Two Facing Rows)
1
Make Two Rows
Stand in two lines in the center of the room, facing your partner directly.
2
Check Your Worksheet
Row A and Row B have different prompts and answer keys!
3
Speak & Respond
Student 1 prompts in English or French; Student 2 answers using survival expressions.
The Rotation Rule
When the teacher calls
« CHANGEZ ! »
Row A: Stay in place! (Anchor line)
Row B: Take one step to your right!
The person at the end loops around to the start!
Goal: Speak clearly, listen actively, and help your partner without English! Drill Setup
En Action • Speed Drill in Progress
Listen for: « CHANGEZ ! »
Ligne A • Row A Stay in place
Your Mission:
- Read Prompt #1 on your worksheet.
- Listen to your partner's French response.
- Confirm or help with pronunciation.
If partner is fast: Say « Plus lentement ! »
Ligne B • Row B Rotate right on call
Your Mission:
- Answer Row A in French using complete phrases.
- Ask Question #2 on your sheet back to Row A!
- Always say « S'il vous plaît »!
If you didn't hear: Say « Répétez, SVP ! »
Need help? « Comment dit-on _____ ? » • « Je ne comprends pas. » • « Répétez, s'il vous plaît ! »
Le Bilan • Wrap-Up
Bravo tout le monde ! 👏
Félicitations ! You survived the
French Speed Drill !
Weekly Challenge
No English for Essentials!
From today forward, only use French when asking for the bathroom, water, or to repeat!
Self-Check
Reflect with Your Partner
Which expression felt most natural? Which one will you practice twice before tomorrow?
Classroom French • Français Débutant À bientôt et bon travail !
