In the classroom: 'ils' and 'elles' meaning 'they' for nouns
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write sentences describing nouns using the pronouns 'ils' and 'elles'.
Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons
Key learning points
- The sound [eu] can be pronounced as an open or closed vowel sound, like in 'peur' or 'un peu'.
- The closed [eu] is pronounced like 'un peu'; your tongue is near the top of your mouth.
- The open [eu] is pronounced like 'peur'; your tongue is near the bottom of your mouth. The mouth is more open.
- 'Il' is he and 'elle' is she. 'They' is 'ils' (a groups of boys, or boys and girls) and 'elles' (a group of girls).
- We can also use 'il' and 'elle' to mean 'it', and 'ils' and 'elles' to mean 'they' referring to both people and things.
Keywords
Closed [eu] - closed vowel SSC (sound-symbol correspondence) pronounced as in 'un peu'
Open [eu] - open vowel SSC (sound-symbol correspondence) pronounced as in 'peur'
Ils - French pronoun meaning 'they' used for masculine nouns
Elles - French pronoun meaning 'they' used for feminine nouns
Common misconception
There is only one way of saying 'they' in French.
There are in fact two ways of saying 'they' in French, depending on whether it is referring to a feminine (elles) or a masculine (ils) noun.
Teacher tip
Ask pupils to say sentences describing what is in their own classroom, using the pronouns 'ils' and 'elles' to refer to nouns.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which days that are at the weekend.
Q2.Match the French and the English.
Q3.Which of these words are feminine?
Q4.Which of these words are masculine?
Q5.How do you say 'they' if all the people are male?
Q6.How do you say 'they' if all the people are female?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Which sentence means 'They are (feminine)' in French?
Q2.Match the French nouns to their English translations.
Q3.Which of these has a closed [eu] sound?
Q4.Which sentence could mean: 'They are computers'?
Q5.There is only one way to say 'they' in French. True or false?
To help you plan your 5 French lesson on: In the classroom: 'ils' and 'elles' meaning 'they' for nouns, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 French lesson on: In the classroom: 'ils' and 'elles' meaning 'they' for nouns, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 French lessons from the Me and others: plural 'être' and regular adjectives unit, dive into the full primary French curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.