FREE | Study Program Toolkit Sample | Middle & High School
Free
Description
Teach beginning English with this engaging ESL short story designed for ELL students using comprehensible input. This ready-to-use lesson includes an animated video, printable story, comprehension activities, vocabulary repetition, and story retell practice to help students build confidence while acquiring English naturally.
In this humorous story, Andy wants to find the perfect birthday gift for his mother. Unfortunately, every gift seems to go wrong. Will he finally discover the perfect present, or will his mother be disappointed? Students encounter three target structures repeatedly throughout the story, making new language easier to understand and remember.
Target structures
- the perfect gift
- he wants to give her
- in his pocket
The story is available as both a printable PDF and an animated MP4 video. A second version without on-screen text is perfect for story retells, speaking practice, and personalized discussions. The simple language works well for novice-low through novice-high learners, while more advanced students can retell or rewrite the story using different tenses.
Included in this ESL comprehensible input lesson:
- Animated video with text
- Animated video without text
- Printable PDF story
- Reading comprehension worksheet
- "Who Said It?" worksheet
- Story retell worksheet
- Answer key
Whether you're introducing comprehensible input for ESL students or expanding your collection of engaging beginning English stories, this lesson provides an easy way to build vocabulary, reading, listening, and speaking skills through meaningful repetition.
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Reviews
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For Claude Monet French Reading Comprehension Activities Impressionism
October 16, 2026My students were familiar with Claude Monet's work but didn't know much about his life, so this was useful info not in our textbook. I appreciated having the differentiated versions.
Learn M.
Grades taught: 9th, 10th, 12th
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For French Story Writing Framework Guided French storytelling planner and resources
October 14, 2026This was so much fun with my French 1 students once they had enough vocab to really tell a story. I will definitely use it again!
French T.
Grades taught: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
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For French reading comprehension activity & questions Coupe du Monde World Cup 2026
October 14, 2026For students who love soccer, and even those who don't, good readings in French on the WC. Thank you!
French T.
Grades taught: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
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For French Reflexive Verbs Song Lyrics Activity | Romeo kiffe Juliette French music
October 14, 2026Good use of an authentic text to work with students on reflexive verbs but also using something many of them are familiar with - R&J.
French T.
Grades taught: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
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For French Reflexive Verbs | Grammar Lesson, Readings & Worksheets
October 14, 2026Great way to use history to review reflexive verbs while not just focusing on daily routine - which let's be honest, is boring. Who talks about their daily routine on a regular basis? No one.
French T.
Grades taught: 10th, 9th
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For Les adjectifs possessifs French possessive adjectives digital games activity
October 13, 2026This was overall a great activity for students to learn and practice!
Laura C.
Grades taught: 8th, 1st, 2nd, 7th, 3rd
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For Les Animaux Reading Comprehension: 10 A2 French Animal Passages
October 10, 2026I left this as a packet for level 2 students in addition to other work when I was out for a few days due to surgery. I offered a few bonus points if they selected 2-3 readings to keep them busy when everything else was turned in. They loved learning about animals and many students who didn't have time while I was out chose to complete the entire packet on their own time for fun once I was back.
Victoria K.
Grades taught: 9th, 10th
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For The US Constitution game - US history escape room high school history activity
October 8, 2026I use these all the time in my courses, I love them. However, for this particular set there is no link in the 3/5ths clue.
Reply from Frenchified
Thank you for letting me know about the missing link - I've updated the image and it should be working now. You may have to F5/refresh to get the link to show properly (it covers the body of the statue).
Mr. R.
Grades taught: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
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For French Digital game Review Practice Game Regular Adjectives Gender and Plural
October 5, 2026Great activity for my grade 9s as practice for understanding adjectives
Laura C.
Grades taught: 8th, 1st, 2nd, 7th, 3rd
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For French Reading Comprehension activity Prehistoric Art Cave Paintings Lascaux
September 30, 2026I used this to support a unit focusing on la Nouvelle-Aquitaine and l'Occitanie (D'Accord series). It was a great addition to my resources, thank you!
Michelle Z.
Grades taught: 12th, 10th
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