Last updated on 13 September 2025
‘Madam, I don’t understand the … fractions’ ‘Sir, what is the compound past already?’ When students drop out of class or have difficulty understanding a notion, how can they be given a boost? Well, the Canopy Network has a simple and free answer: The Fundamentals. These are short animated videos that explain, in a few minutes, key points of the primary school curriculum. An already old resource, probably known by many of you. If you don’t, don’t miss it.
➡ Now let's look in more detail at what the platform offers and how to use it effectively in the classroom.
Table of Contents
"The Fundamentals": a library of videos to learn differently
Fractions, the compound past, the rules of grammar … These are not always obvious subjects to explain to children. "Les Fondamentaux" comes as a reinforcement, with more than 600 animated videos that cover the essential notions of the program.
Each video focuses on a specific point, in a simple and fun way. Rather than long theoretical explanations, these animations tell small stories that help students understand and memorize more easily.
A varied and well-organized content
Videos are classified into several categories for easy access:
English: grammar, conjugation, spelling, reading …
Mathematics: numbers, calculations, geometry, … problems
Science and technology: life, matter, technical objects …
Moral and civic education: values of the Republic, respect for other …
Modern languages: first steps in English, German and regional languages.
🎯 The goal? Make learning more concrete by using image and storytelling to better understand and remember.
How to use "Les Fondamentaux" in class?
Watching a video is good. But using it smartly in a course is even better! Here are some ideas to get the most out of it in class.
Before the lesson: a catch-the-eye catcher
Before explaining a new concept, a video can help to attract curiosity and set the context.
Before a lesson on fractions, show an animation where friends share a pizza in equal parts. To introduce the agreement of the past participle, project a mini-history where words discuss their ending.
💡 With a visual setting, students understand faster and are more receptive.
During the lesson: a support to illustrate an explanation
A video can also complement a course by staging a notion in a more concrete way. Does a student have trouble with decimal numbers? A well-chosen animation can help them to better visualise and understand.
💡 Short tip: after viewing, ask a few questions to see if everyone understood correctly.
After the lesson: a clever tool to revise
At the end of the session, a video can serve as a summary and allow students to set important points.
Some ideas: A small quiz to check the achievements. An exchange in class to reformulate the notion with his own words. A drawing or staging inspired by the content of the video.
Practical resources for teachers, but also for parents
Videos don't come alone! To make the best use of them, pedagogical sheets are available and offer avenues for activities to deepen the concepts discussed.
Materials to organize a structured course
Each video is accompanied by a sheet with:
Ideas for using it before, during or after the lesson. Of exercises and activities to go further. A direct link to school curricula for consistent use.
Tips for learning at home too
Parents are not forgotten. Simplified factsheets give them ideas to help their children revise:
💡 How to explain a notion with simple words? What games or playful exercises propose? How can the concepts seen in the classroom be integrated into everyday life?
Spotlight: two series that stand out
Of the many series available, I have selected two:
‘Learn English with Essie’ perfectly illustrates the strength of the "Les Fondamentaux" format. This collection demonstrates how a well-designed video can transform an often complex learning experience into a playful moment.
The series follows Essie, an endearing little girl who lives everyday situations in English. This makes it an excellent example of how to use Fundamentals:
Concrete scenarios: situations are directly transposable in class
Optimal format: 2-3 minutes are enough to present and practice a notion
Active pedagogy: students are invited to repeat and interact during the video
Living in Europe: understanding the European Union
Another interesting series, Living in Europe, helps students discover the European Union in a concrete and accessible way. A useful collection to tackle European citizenship education.
Daily topics that speak to children:
How do we travel in Europe?
What do we eat in other countries?
What languages do we speak in our neighbours?
How Europe protects our environment ?
💡 The pedagogical trick: These videos make it possible to tackle complex concepts (such as the single market or Schengen) through concrete situations that students can easily understand.
How to access the series "Les Fondamentaux"?
Good news: everything is free for teachers and families.
Online is super simple: Direct streaming on lesfondamentaux.network-canope.fr. Download pedagogical sheets. Search for videos by level or by subject.
📌 Small plus: creating a free account allows you to save your favorite videos for faster use.
In class, several options: With a video projector or an interactive board for collective broadcast. On tablets or computers for independent work. At home to review notions and progress at your own pace
What about schools abroad? Access may require a subscription, but specific offers exist.
The word of the end
The Fundamentals, This is proof that you can learn seriously while having fun! These small videos produced by Canopé transform complex notions into fun and effective moments of discovery.
💡 Want to try? Directorate lesfondamentaux.network-canope.fr !
You are already using these videos in class? Share your tips and feedback in comments.
💡 Key points to bear in mind:
Content:
- More than 600 videos covering the entire primary curriculum
- Short format (2-3 minutes) and dynamic
- Narrative approach that combines pedagogy and entertainment
Educational resources:
- Detailed sheets for teachers
- Simplified Guides for Parents
- Practical activities for each concept
Accessibility:
- Free in France for teachers and families
- Intuitive interface with search engine
- Usable in class and at home
- Compatible with different media (TNI, tablets, computers)
English