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French words and phrases for the classroom

 I often suggest that that 'ritual' use of target language in the classroom, for example phrases and sentences for giving instructions, making requests and maintaining good order, is not the most important role target language plays. I have seen teachers use such language, then happily use English a lot during interactions about a text, for example. I actually think it should be the other way round. Try to use target language as much as possible when doing conversational work, sentence builders, Powerpoints and texts, and don't worry so much about giving instructions in English, especially for complex activities. Always keep in the back of your mind the basics of second language acquisition - comprehensible input and interaction. Try to maximise both while keeping all the class on board. That said, if students get used to hearing and using 'ritual' language in class, it all highlights the importance of TL use and gets students used to the idea that it's the norm
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