By: Merci beaucoup,
Mlle. C. Schrader, French 6-8
In French 8, students started off the year examining the benefits of being bilingual (or in their case, possibly tri-lingual!). We looked at a TEDTalk video of the “Benefits of a Bilingual Brain” and had a fruitful discussion through a Graffiti Walk activity, comparing the points made in the video to an article read for homework about American language learning.
In French 7, we started off the year with a mini-cultural unit on France, more specifically Paris. Students were introduced to Paris through a PowerPoint presentation in class and read a cultural packet about France that outlined the more prominent cities, river and attractions in the country. Students also got a glimpse into the similarities between the French and Spanish languages by working first-hand with several cognates that exist between the two languages.
In French 6, students started the year by putting their language learning into perspective. We discussed “10 Good Reasons to Learn French,” we looked at the similarities between the French and Spanish languages by working with several cognates, and we introduced ourselves to the Francophone world, as the French language and cultural influence exists other places besides France itself! Students currently are getting their first glimpse into the French alphabet and pronunciation, as well how to begin a basic conversation in French and determining what is considered a formal vs. informal conversation and why.
Lastly, I have included two examples of student work from French 7 and French 8’s most recent project “Talking Heads.”