10 Fun Games to Teach French to Kids

Introducing children to French through play is one of the most effective ways to ensure they enjoy learning the language. Games not only make learning fun but also enhance retention, improve pronunciation, and build confidence. Whether at home or in the classroom, these 10 engaging games will help kids develop their French skills in a lively and interactive way.

1. French Simon Says (Jacques a dit)

This classic game helps children learn and practice French vocabulary for body parts, actions, and commands.

How to Play:

• One child plays the role of “Jacques” (the French version of Simon).
• The leader gives commands such as “Jacques a dit, touchez votre tête” (Jacques says, touch your head).
• Players must only follow commands that begin with “Jacques a dit.”
• If the leader gives a command without saying “Jacques a dit,” and someone follows, they are out.

Skills Practiced: Listening, comprehension, and vocabulary retention.

2. Bingo with French Words

French Bingo is a fantastic way to practice new vocabulary while having fun. For more ideas on using games to boost foreign language skills, check out this helpful free resource: Boost Foreign Language Skills with 7 Simple Board Games.

How to Play:

• Create Bingo cards with French words or pictures related to a theme (animals, numbers, food, etc.).
• Call out the words in French.
• Kids mark the correct word or image on their cards.
• The first player to complete a row or column shouts “Bingo!” and wins.

Skills Practiced: Word recognition, listening, and pronunciation.

3. Guess the Word (Devine le mot)

This guessing game helps build vocabulary and critical thinking skills.

How to Play:

• Write down French words on index cards (one word per card).
• One player picks a card without looking at it and holds it up to their forehead.
• Other players give clues in French to help the player guess the word.
• The player keeps guessing until they get the correct answer or run out of time.

Skills Practiced: Speaking, listening, and critical thinking.

4. French Memory Match

A fun and visual way to learn French vocabulary.

How to Play:

• Create matching pairs of cards—one with a picture and the other with its corresponding French word.
• Lay the cards face down in a grid.
• Players take turns flipping two cards at a time to find a matching pair.
• The player with the most pairs at the end wins.

Skills Practiced: Word recognition and memory retention.

5. French Treasure Hunt (Chasse au trésor)

Turn learning into an adventure with a treasure hunt. For even more creative ways to make language learning fun, explore this free resource: 8 Ways to Boost Foreign Language Skills with Free Active Learning Treasure Hunts.

How to Play:

• Hide objects around the house or classroom.
• Give kids a list of items to find, written in French.
• They must search for the items and say the name in French when they find them.
• The first to find all the items wins.

Skills Practiced: Vocabulary recall, reading, and speaking.

6. Sing-Along with French Songs

Music is a fantastic way to reinforce language learning.

How to Play:

• Choose simple French songs such as “Frère Jacques” or “Alouette.”
• Encourage kids to sing along while following the lyrics.
• Add hand motions or dance moves to make it more engaging.

Skills Practiced: Pronunciation, rhythm, and listening comprehension.

7. French Charades

This game helps kids learn new words and expressions. For more engaging movement-based activities to boost language skills, take a look at this free resource: 5 Free Movement Games to Improve Foreign Language Skills.

How to Play:

• Write French words or phrases on slips of paper.
• One player draws a slip and acts out the word without speaking.
• The other players must guess the word in French.

Skills Practiced: Word association, comprehension, and confidence-building.

8. I Spy (Je vois…)

A simple yet effective game for learning new vocabulary.

How to Play:

• One player chooses an object in the room and says, “Je vois quelque chose de [color]” (“I see something [color]”).
• The others take turns guessing what the object is using French words.
• The first to guess correctly takes the next turn.

Skills Practiced: Observation, color recognition, and vocabulary expansion.

9. Storytelling with Pictures

Encourage creativity while building language skills.

How to Play:

• Show children a picture or a sequence of images.
• Ask them to create a story in French based on the images.
• They can take turns adding to the story.

Skills Practiced: Sentence formation, speaking, and imagination.

10. French Shopping Role-Play

A great way to practice everyday conversations in French. For more ideas on building vocabulary through play, explore this free resource: Boost Foreign Language Clothing Vocabulary with Dress-Up Bins.

How to Play:

• Set up a pretend store with labeled items in French (e.g., “une pomme” for an apple).
• One child plays the shopkeeper, and the others are customers.
• The customers must ask for items using French phrases like “Je voudrais une banane, s’il vous plaît.”
• The shopkeeper responds in French and gives the item.

Skills Practiced: Conversation skills, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating games into French lessons helps children stay engaged and excited about learning. By turning language practice into play, kids develop confidence and a natural love for French. Try these games at home or in the classroom, and watch your little learners thrive!

One Third Stories’ French story boxes make it even easier to bring interactive learning into your home or classroom. Each box includes engaging activities like songs, game cards, board games, or movement-based instructions—ensuring a fun and immersive experience that keeps kids excited about learning French.