Bring current events and authentic cultural discussion into your French classroom with this differentiated reading activity about the 2026 high school protests in France.

Students will learn why French high school students are protesting, including teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating school buildings, concerns about Parcoursup, and new restrictions on smartphone use. The readings also examine how the French government has responded through security measures and discussions with students, parents, and school staff.

Three versions of the reading are included, making it easy to use the same topic with students at different proficiency levels:

• Novice High

• Intermediate Low

• Intermediate Mid

Each reading includes helpful vocabulary support. The accompanying comprehension questions can be used with any of the three versions.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Three differentiated French readings

• Vocabulary support for each reading

• 10 true-or-false questions in English

• 10 vrai ou faux questions in French

• 5 short-answer questions in English

• 5 short-answer questions in French

• 10 multiple-choice questions in English

• 10 multiple-choice questions in French

• Complete answer key

• Links to related articles, official websites, and videos

• Photographs connected to the protests

• 19-page printable PDF

TOPICS COVERED

• Teacher and staff shortages

• Classes of 35–40 students

• Teachers who are not replaced

• Overheated and deteriorating school buildings

• The baccalauréat and Parcoursup

• Educational inequality

• Smartphone restrictions in French high schools

• Demonstrations, school blockades, and social media

• The government’s response to the protests

IDEAL FOR

• French 2, French 3, and French 4

• Novice High through Intermediate Mid learners

• High school French classes

• Current-events lessons

• French culture and society units

• Differentiated instruction

• Reading comprehension practice

• Sub plans or independent work

• Class discussion and comparison activities

Because all three readings address the same information, teachers can differentiate without assigning completely different activities. Students can complete the questions in either English or French, depending on their proficiency and the goals of the lesson.

Please note: This resource discusses demonstrations, vandalism, arrests, and confrontations with police in an age-appropriate, factual manner. It is best suited to secondary students.