Quick comprehension check. Ask yes/no and either/or questions of students to see if they comprehend the vocabulary. For example, hold 2 thumbs up to indicate “trèsbien,” and then ask students “c’est mal, ouiou non? c’estbienoutrèsbien?”Comment ça va?Comment vas-tu ?Comment allez-vous ?Ça va?Bien/très bienMalComme ci, comme çaMerci
Start by reviewing expressions with students. Ask several kids how they are and what their names are. Pretend that you’re upset no one has asked you how you are, or use another method to encourage a student to ask how you are. When a student uses the informal question with you, feign indignation at being asked in this informal way. Stress that you are an adult, a teacher, someone they don’t know very well, etc… and then teach the formal questions, “comment allez-vous,” and “comment vousappelez-vous?” Use symbols of authority, such as a crown, beret or other kind of designation, to demonstrate this idea of formal language. Give the symbol of authority to several kids and then ask students how to address them, “comment ça-va,” or “comment allez-vous.” Once students seem to have a grasp of the concept do a simple mixer whereby students mill about the room, asking each other their names and how they are, while using the appropriate address. Comment ça va?Comment vas-tu ?Comment allez-vous ?Ça va?Bien/très bienMalComme ci, comme çaMerci