Let’s be real, learning french verb conjugation can be one of the most tedious ways to learn the language. While rote memorization can be helpful for some students, it’s not the most effective way for all. I was first introduced to verb flashcards when learning Spanish in Mexico. My teacher used them in so many different ways and I fell in love with them! Below are some ways you can use flashcards to help students learn conjugation for French verbs.
Here is a FREE deck of French verb flashcards for you to try out!
Memorization Game
Put students into pairs or small groups and give them a deck that has only a picture of the verb in action, but does not have any text. Put the cards face down on the table and students take turns pulling the cards one by one. When they flip over a card they have to say what the verb is in the infinitive form. When a student correctly says the verb, they keep that card. If they forget what it is, they flip the card back over and it’s the other person’s turn. Keep going until there are no cards left – the person with the most cards at the end, wins!
Tip: Before playing this game with the students, go through the cards they will be seeing in a slideshow so they can hear you say the verb, learn what it means, and see what the corresponding picture it. All of my decks of flashcards come with a slideshow that matches the cards.
Charades
Use the cards to play charades. Students take turns pulling a card and then they have to act out that action while other students try to guess. To make it more fun, divide the class into two and make it a competition!
Memory Game
Print 2 copies of the deck. Students work in small groups or pairs and lay the cards out face down on the table. They take turns pulling two cards at a time to try and find a match. If they get one, they keep the cards, if not, they flip them back over. The person with the most pairs at the end wins! You can make this game more complicated by having them conjugate the verbs they flip in a verb tense of your choosing, or have them make full sentences.
Pictionary
Like charades, use the stack of French verb flashcards as a way to launch into a game of Pictionary. Students take turns pulling a card and then have to draw the French action for their team. If their team guesses right in the allotted amount of time, they get a point! 
Another fun way to play is Pictionary Races. Here are the instructions:
- Divide students into 2 teams.
- Put up two pieces of chart paper on opposite walls in the classroom (one for each team).
- Have students face only their own chart paper (looking at the other team’s is cheating!)
- Have your list of vocabulary words ready and a blank piece of paper as well. I like to pick 10 vocabulary words for each round.
- Cover up all the vocabulary words except the first one with your blank piece of paper.
- Call up the first two drawers for each team and show them both the first word at the same time.
- As soon as they’ve seen it, they go up to their chart paper and draw the word.
- Once someone guesses it (in French!) it is now this person’s turn to draw. They come up to the teacher and whisper the word so the teacher can ensure they got it right. If they didn’t, send them back to keep guessing. If they got it right, you can show them the next word to draw.
- Keep going until one team has successfully guessed all 10 words.
French verb conjugation + sentence creation
Okay, so this is the most traditional way to practice French verb conjugation, but it can still be engaging! In pairs or small groups, have students go through the cards (with text) and practice conjugating the verbs in whatever tense you choose (present, passé composé, futur proche etc). For a harder challenge, have them create full sentences.
Articulate
This might just be my most favourite game of all! It’s similar to charades and Pictionary, but instead of acting or drawing the French verb they pulled, students to describe the action to their teammates. Obviously they cannot say the verb itself or any conjugation of it. This game is better for slightly more advanced students as it requires spontaneous speaking in French.
Check out my pre-made French verb flashcards below!
