teacher5etoiles

by Pamela Pascal, proud member of the #teacher5etoiles squad

What could be better after a long week of work than spending Friday night in the comfort of our favorite TV shows? As we all know, weekends are crucial to get our energy up and start a new week in our French immersion classes. So sit back, relax and turn on your TVs to enjoy these four 100% French series!

1. Caméra Café

If you need to have a good laugh and listen to a light-hearted show, Caméra Café (Quebec version) is for you! Featuring some of the biggest names on the Quebec scene, such as Martin Matte and Antoine Bertrand, this show is sure to entertain young and old alike.

The original TV series is available for purchase in several online stores.

3. Marianne

If you are a thrill-seeker and like to be scared, this French series available on the Netflix platform as well is for you. It will certainly keep you awake for a night or two, if you don’t spend those nights listening to all eight episodes in a row!

4. Les pays d’en haut

You love vintage series and want to learn more about the history of Quebec? Then the series Les Pays d’en haut, available on the tou.tv platform, could become your new favorite show! A new adaptation of Un homme et son péché, a classic series of the time, it will present you the Quebec of the 1880s with realism.

As a bonus, the series has even developed a webdocumentary. Covering topics such as the status of women, period occupations and political and religious climate, this webdoc is perfect for the classroom!

French immersion doesn’t have to be done only in the classroom. All means are good to learn a new language and TV series are an excellent way to learn while being entertained. Enjoy watching!

Other readings that might interest you:

Three French songs to play in your French immersion class

7 suggestions de romans pour pratiquer son français

by Mélanie Latreille, proud member of the #teacher5etoiles squad

As French immersion teachers and students, we have a very busy schedule: lesson plans, parent meetings, corrections and extracurricular activities. How do we have time to do activities for ourselves? My answer: we need to prioritize our well-being and plan time for ourselves. So I would like to share my favorite activities in nature.

A hike in the mountains

This activity offers a satisfying workout while being surrounded by the beauty of the forest. Why not step out of your comfort zone and try something new?

A bike ride

What I like about cycling is that there are so many trails and you can determine your speed. Road bike, mountain bike: it is up to you!

A day on the water in a kayak

In the summer, kayaking is definitely one of my favorite activities to get away and enjoy the peace and quiet on the lake.    

A weekend of downhill or cross-country skiing

Do you find winter long? Skiing is definitly a nice activity to enjoy the winter landscape and to feel the fresh air.

A short jog or walk by the water

Need a study or a work break? I think this is the perfect solution! Did you know that you can also do meditation while walking? Yes it’s true! You focus on your senses; what you see, hear, feel and taste. This seems simple but that effective exercise encourages focus and gives you an opportunity to appreciate life’s simple moments. Need a little help? Try a meditation app!

Other ideas for your daily routine

• Plants in the office, or classroom!
• Study outside
• Open a window

These activities allow me to appreciate the beautiful moments and regain my energy before the week. Afterwards, I am more alert, patient and ready to help my students and colleagues.

Other readings that might interest you:

4 French-speaking countries to visit to practice your French

Find you passion in your profession

by Mélanie Latreille, proud member of #teacher5etoiles squad

What better way to learn and practice French than travel? Traveling allows us to experience immersion to its fullest potential. At the same time, we can learn about different cultures, foods and lifestyles. Did you know that there are nearly 112 French-speaking countries in the world?

Dreaming of Canadian adventures

One of my biggest dreams is to go study or teach in British Columbia. Of course, it’s a place with a multitude of outdoor activities and magical views. Plus, it’s a great place to teach French immersion, as the Teacher 5 étoiles interactive map of Canada shows.

Practicing French overseas

In my opinion, the best way to learn a language is to practice it every day. For those who dream of studying elsewhere to practice or learn French in a unique way, here are some good countries to visit:

1. France

Without a doubt, France offers a multicultural environment where you can learn many different dialects in French. In addition, the country’s largest city, Paris, can charm you with the magic of its lights!

2. Switzerland 

Do you love the mountains? Located near the water and the Alps, Switzerland is unique for its traditional charm as well as the many activities available to you. In addition, there are three languages in Switzerland, so you can enjoy a multicultural and enriching experience.

3. Belgium

Similar to Switzerland, three languages are spoken in Belgium. If you like historical architecture and mountainous landscapes, Belgium is the place to visit!

4. Luxembourg 

A small country bordered by Belgium, France and Germany, it is best known for its unique music and entertainment, Luxembourg offers a multicultural experience where you can learn about art and architecture.

I hope these travel suggestions have inspired you to go on an adventure and practice your French!

Other readings that might interest you:

My second language: a global passport!

The logbook of the Teacher 5 étoiles Canadian Great Tour