The Ultimate Guide to Using French IPAs for Sub Plans
- Karen Olson
- Jul 24, 2025
- 2 min read
As a French teacher, preparing for a substitute can be stressful—especially when you want your students to stay engaged and continue learning in your absence. That's where Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs) come in! IPAs are a game-changer for sub plans because they provide structured, standards-aligned tasks that don’t require extra prep from the sub or a disruption to your teaching flow.
In this guide, you'll discover how to effectively use French IPAs to create sub-plans that are both meaningful and hassle-free.
What is an IPA, and Why Use It for Sub Plans? An IPA includes three interconnected tasks:
Interpretive: Reading or listening comprehension activities.
Interpersonal: Speaking or written exchanges between students.
Presentational: A written or spoken presentation on a cultural topic.
Using IPAs as sub plans ensures students are practicing all communication modes while exploring rich cultural content—even when you're not there.
Benefits of Using IPAs for Sub Plans
No-Prep for the Substitute: Everything is ready to go, with clear instructions.
Student Independence: Tasks are scaffolded, allowing students to work autonomously.
Skill Building: Students practice listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Cultural Engagement: Authentic cultural topics keep students curious and motivated.
Standards-Aligned: Tasks support ACTFL communication standards.
How to Structure an IPA-Based Sub-Plan
Start with Interpretive Activities: Provide an audio clip, video, or reading text about a cultural topic (e.g., symbols of France or Quebec traditions). Include guiding questions or a worksheet.
Follow with an Interpersonal Task: Instruct students to work in pairs or small groups to discuss guided prompts. If the class can't engage verbally, adapt it to a written exchange.
Finish with a Presentational Task: Students create a short written paragraph, a mini poster, or a digital slide summarizing what they learned.
Pro Tip: Provide an example or template to guide them through the presentational task.
Tips for Success
Leave Clear Instructions for the Sub: Provide step-by-step directions for each task.
Include Vocabulary Support: A word bank helps students stay on task.
Time Management: Estimate how long each task should take to keep students paced.
Offer Choice: Let students pick between writing, drawing, or digital creations for the presentational piece.
Ready-to-Go IPA Resources for Subs If you're short on time, check out my collection of French IPA lessons that are sub-ready! Topics include:
These resources include audio, student worksheets, teacher guides, and answer keys—all prepared for smooth, independent learning.
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