Putting French reflexive verbs in the passé composé isn’t hard, but man, it’s long. To help students manage this cumbersome structure, I created an acronym: PREPP.
I say: It’s not hard, but you do have to PREPP yourself to put reflexives in the passé composé!*
PR = Pronom Réfléchi
You have to start with the pronom réfléchi.
Example: se laver
E = Forme du verbe ÊTRE
After the reflexive pronoun comes a conjugated form of the verb être.
PP = Participe Passé
The last piece is adding the past participle of the verb.
* = remember the (agreement) rule about ETRE!
When I break down the passé composé, I remind kids: when you use êêêêêêtre there’s an eeeeextra step! And what’s that eeeeextra step? It’s making sure everything agrees. (The only exception here is if the reflexive verb in the passé composé has a direct object. Then there’s no agreement. For example: Elle s’est brossé les dents NOT Elle s’est brossée les dents.)
So, there you have it, short and sweet: Always remember to PREPP* yourself to take on reflexives in the passé composé. I hope this little acronym helps both you and your students.