French Level 1, Activity 11: Les animaux domestiques / Pets (Online)

Wrap-Up

Wrap-Up

1. If there is time left, explain some of the different French expressions using cats.

S’il reste du temps, expliquez différentes expressions françaises comprenant le mot chat.

2. After you go through them, have the students think of the different expressions in English that use cats or dogs.

Ensuite, demandez-leur de penser à différentes expressions en Anglais qui comprennent les mots chat et chien.

3. Go through the slides with the French expressions and have the students try and figure out what they mean. Then explain their translation and meaning.

French Idioms that include cats

-Il n'y a pas un chat: 

Translation:  There is not a cat (in sight).

Meaning: There is no one (or only a few people, but less than expected).

-Avoir d’autres chats à fouetter

Translation: To have other cats to whip

Meaning: To have bigger fish to fry

-Appeler un chat un chat 

Translation: To call a cat a cat

Meaning: To say things like they are

-Avoir un chat dans la gorge

Translation: To have a cat in the throat

Meaning: To have a sore throat/difficulty speaking

-Donner sa langue au chat

Translation: To give your tongue to the cat

Meaning: To not be able to guess

Cultural Notes

In France the most popular type of domestic animal are cats. Dogs come second, but most French prefer cats as a domestic animal. Cats are often seen in many French films and are frequently referenced in cultural works (film, art, literature, etc.)

End of Activity

  • Can-Do statement check-in... “Where are we?”
  • Read can-do statements and have students evaluate their confidence.
  • Encourage students to be honest in their self-evaluation
  • Pay attention, and try to use feedback for future activities!

NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements

  1. I can understand the role of pets in a French family.
  2. I can briefly describe my pet and what he/she likes to do.
  3. I can recognize cultural expressions used in everyday French.