What to Expect from Your First French Class

May 28

Signing up for your first French class is an exciting step. Whether you're preparing for a trip to Paris, dreaming of reading Camus in the original, or simply exploring a new hobby, walking into your first French lesson can be both exhilarating and intimidating. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be nervous. Every fluent French speaker started where you are right now.

The idea of speaking French, a language synonymous with elegance, culture, and charm, might feel a little overwhelming at first. Maybe you’ve watched French films and marveled at the musicality of the dialogue, or perhaps you've sat at a café and wished you could confidently order a coffee in flawless French. The gap between admiration and action can seem huge, especially when you're just starting out. But what many beginners don't realize is that the first class is not about perfection—it’s about creating a welcoming, pressure-free space to explore the language and begin building your confidence from day one.

Your first French class is not a test. It’s not about being good or bad at languages, and it’s certainly not about impressing anyone. It’s an invitation into a new way of thinking, hearing, and speaking. You’re not just learning vocabulary or grammar; you’re starting to connect with an entire culture. And the beauty of that connection is that it begins with simple, human things: saying hello, introducing yourself, learning how to ask someone how they are.

This guide is designed to walk you through exactly what you can expect from your first French class. We'll cover the atmosphere, the types of activities you'll engage in, the skills you'll begin to develop, and how instructors support absolute beginners. We’ll also explore the emotional side—the nerves, the excitement, and the moments of surprise when you realize you already understand more than you thought. Whether your class is online or in person, you'll walk in with a clearer picture and walk out with more confidence.

By the end of this article, you’ll know that the hardest part isn’t conjugating verbs or mastering pronunciation. It’s showing up. Once you do, you’ll find that learning French is not only possible—it’s enjoyable, rewarding, and even fun.

Setting the Scene: What Your First Day Looks Like

Your first French class will likely be a mix of orientation, immersion, and gentle learning. You won’t be thrown into deep grammar or have to introduce yourself in perfect French. The goal is to make you feel at ease.

A Warm Welcome

Expect a friendly introduction from your instructor. They'll explain the structure of the course, the goals for the class, and what you can expect to learn over time. Don’t be surprised if they start speaking a little French right away—this is part of the immersion approach that helps you get used to the sound of the language.

You might also get a chance to learn about your instructor’s background—where they studied, what dialect of French they speak, and how long they’ve been teaching. This not only builds trust but helps you understand the unique flavor of the French you’ll be learning.

Meeting Fellow Learners

If you’re in a group class, you’ll also meet your classmates. This can be a huge confidence booster. Everyone will be in the same boat: excited, curious, and probably a bit unsure. Most first lessons include icebreakers that help you get to know each other and feel like part of a community. These interactions will become an essential part of your learning process.

The Basics Begin

Even in your first lesson, you'll start learning some French. Expect to cover:

Basic greetings: Bonjour, ça va ? Je m'appelle...
Essential classroom vocabulary: répétez, écoutez, lisez, regardez
How to say your name and ask someone theirs

These phrases may seem simple, but they’re the building blocks of real communication. You’ll listen, repeat, and maybe even try a mini conversation. Don’t be surprised if you leave the class already exchanging “bonjour”s confidently.

Your Instructor's Role

The instructor is your guide, not your judge. Their job is to:

Create a low-pressure environment
Model correct pronunciation
Encourage participation without forcing it
Give you feedback that builds confidence

Good instructors understand that the first step in language learning is psychological: building the belief that you can do it. They’re trained to watch for signs of hesitation or anxiety and guide you gently forward.

They might also share tips on how to study between classes, recommend media in French to start tuning your ear, or offer bonus materials for those who want to go deeper. Their role is both instructional and motivational.

Core Skills You'll Practice

You won’t be memorizing verb tables in your first class. Instead, you’ll start building the four core language skills in a natural way:

1. Listening

Your brain needs to get used to how French sounds. You'll listen to your teacher, audio recordings, or short dialogues. At first, it may sound fast or blurry. That’s normal. Your ear will adjust. You’ll learn to focus not on understanding every word, but on grasping the rhythm and key phrases.

2. Speaking

You’ll repeat after your teacher, practice key phrases, and try saying a few things out loud. Don’t worry if your accent isn’t perfect—this is about muscle memory and courage. You might even try saying your first sentence completely in French. It’s a thrilling moment.

3. Reading

You might read a simple dialogue, practice the alphabet, or label classroom items in French. This helps you connect written French to spoken sounds and builds early vocabulary. Reading in French uses different parts of your brain than speaking, and starting early helps both reinforce each other.

4. Writing

Writing often begins with copying words or completing short sentences. You may fill in the blank, write your name, or complete a greeting. Later, this evolves into creating sentences and keeping a French journal. But for now, it’s about laying the groundwork.

Common First-Day Topics

Here are some themes that typically come up in a first French class:

Alphabet and pronunciation: Understanding how French letters sound, especially tricky ones like "r" or "u"
Greetings and goodbyes: Salut, à bientôt, au revoir, bonne journée
Numbers 1–10: Un, deux, trois...
Classroom commands: Useful for following instructions in French
Simple questions: Comment tu t'appelles ? Tu es d’où ? Ça va ?

These topics may seem basic, but they create the framework for more complex conversations to come. Mastering them gives you confidence quickly.

You Don't Need to Know Anything Beforehand

A lot of beginners worry they need to study before the first class. That’s not true. You don’t need any French at all to get started. The class is designed for people with zero experience.

However, if you want to prepare, you can:

Listen to French music or podcasts
Watch a French film with subtitles
Learn how to say your name and where you're from
Familiarize yourself with common greetings

Even just 10 minutes of exposure beforehand can help ease nerves. But again, none of this is required. Your instructor will walk you through everything step by step.

What You Should Bring

Whether you’re learning online or in person, here are a few things that will make your first class smoother:

A notebook and pen (writing by hand boosts memory)
A water bottle (hydration helps concentration)
A sense of humor and patience (you’ll laugh at yourself—embrace it!)
An open mind (especially for pronunciation!)
Optional: index cards for flashcards or sticky notes for labeling objects at home

If it's an online class, make sure your internet is stable, your device is charged, and your microphone and camera are working. Sit somewhere quiet where you feel comfortable speaking out loud.

Managing Nerves and Expectations

It’s completely normal to feel nervous about speaking in front of others, mispronouncing words, or making mistakes. The key is to shift your mindset:

Mistakes are good. They’re how you learn.
No one is judging you. Everyone else is focused on their own learning.
You don’t have to understand everything. You just have to try.

Progress in language learning is never linear. Some things click instantly, others take weeks. What matters is showing up with curiosity and consistency.

The Power of Community

One of the most underrated parts of your first French class? The community.

When you learn in a group setting, you:

See that others struggle too (and that’s reassuring)
Hear different accents and learning styles
Gain encouragement from classmates
Form bonds that make learning more fun

Some learners even go on to form study groups or practice pairs. Having people to share your learning journey with makes a huge difference in staying motivated.

What Happens After the First Class?

After your first class, expect to:

Review vocabulary with short exercises or flashcards
Start noticing French words in real life (on menus, in movies)
Feel more confident about learning

You might get a short homework assignment, such as practicing greetings, listening to a short French audio clip, or preparing to introduce yourself again next time. The key is to stay engaged between classes.

As classes progress, you’ll move into:

Talking about family, hobbies, and food
Understanding sentence structure and verbs
Describing things around you

But all of that starts with this first step.

Final Thoughts: Your First Class Is Just the Beginning

Walking into your first French class is like walking into a whole new world. You’ll hear unfamiliar sounds, speak words you’ve never said before, and meet people who are on the same path as you. That mix of excitement and awkwardness? That’s part of the magic.

You won’t leave your first class fluent, and that’s okay. But you will leave with:

A handful of useful phrases
A sense of achievement
A clear idea of how you’ll keep improving
A connection to a new culture

The only thing you need to bring is a willingness to try. If you do that, you’re already on your way.

Ready to Get Started?

We’d love to help you take your first step.

👉 Check out our French classes at Polyglottist Language Academy

Whether you're learning for travel, work, or personal enrichment, our supportive and friendly instructors will help you feel confident from day one.

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Bienvenue dans l’aventure! Your French journey starts now.

Olga Sylvia