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Year 4 - French

My monster: numbers 1-12, 'des', 'combien'

Introductions: singular 'être', 'avoir', and regular adjectives

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils embed vowel and other sounds. They secure numbers 1-12 and essential verbs to be, to have and there are, describing themselves, friends and a monster. Pupils learn that 'avoir' also means 'be' for ages and states, enabling them to say with more precision how they feel.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use 'des' and numbers 1-12 with plural parts of the body to answer the question 'combien de ?'.

Key Notes

  • [(a)in] sounds like the 'ain' in the French word 'main', hand; [in] and [ain] sound the same.
  • Numbers 1-12 go before nouns to indicate how many there are.
  • Most numbers don't change their spelling for gender or number, apart from 'one' which can be 'un' or 'une'.
  • The indefinite article 'des' is the French word for the determiner 'some'.
  • 'Combien de ?' is how to ask 'how many?'

Vocabulary To Learn

  • [(a)in]: pronounced as in 'train'
  • des: plural indefinite article meaning 'some'
  • combien de: interrogative adverb meaning 'how much' or 'how many'

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The indefinite article 'des' changes based on gender as do the indefinite articles 'un' and 'une'.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain what you can now say or understand in this lesson.

[(a)in] sounds like the 'ain' in the French word 'main', hand; [in] and [ain] sound the same. Numbers 1-12 go before nouns to indicate how many there are.

2. Define this key language word and use it in context. '[(a)in]'

pronounced as in 'train'. Say or write it in a short sentence so you use the word actively.

3. Correct this common language-learning mistake.

Mistake: The indefinite article 'des' changes based on gender as do the indefinite articles 'un' and 'une'. Correction: The indefinite article 'des' does not change based on gender. 'Un pied' - 'des pieds'. 'Une main' - 'des mains'.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 French guide library.