Grade 6 French
Course Outline
Dear Students and Parents,
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you back to a new school year and
to tell you about this year’s FSL program.
The FSL curriculum follows a thematic approach emphasizing comprehension,
communication, practical use of the language and a positive attitude.
“French as a Second Language (FSL) courses provide Alberta students and the
Canadian society in general, with definite benefits. By learning French, students gain
both personally and academically. Society, in turn, profits from the contributions of
citizens who are both bilingual and bicultural.” (Alberta Program of Studies)
Learning a second language offers benefits beyond communication and career
opportunities. It implies the learning of culture and, therefore, allows students to
recognize, understand and respect cultural diversity in our society and in others. It
also involves risk-taking and tolerating the unknown. As a result, second language
learners tend to be more flexible and adaptable to new situations which is an asset
in an ever-changing world. Research has shown that students studying a second
language perform better in other subject area, such as math and English language
arts because they also learn strategies that enable them to monitor, direct and
transfer their learning to new situations.
GENERAL PHILOSOPHY AND PRINCIPLES OF THE PROGRAM
1. Students will acquire various kinds of knowledge, skills and attitudes about
communication, culture, language and general language education.
2. Students will learn to communicate in French through oral, listening, reading
and writing activities.
3. Students will learn French by interacting with their own environment and by
using their personal experience.
4. Language learning is a gradual developmental process.
RESOURCES:
• Adventures 2 – text
• Teacher Created Materials and Units
• Other supplementary FSL resources (cahiers, texts, comics/books and internet
sites) will be used throughout the year as needed
• Program of Studies – French as a Second Language
THEMES TO BE TAUGHT THIS YEAR: (not in any specific order)
My Neighbourhood – In this unit the students will explore and learn vocabulary and
concepts in order to express ideas related to neighbourhood buildings, people in the
neighbourhood, a neighbourhood plan and neighourhood transportation.
My Health and Well-being - In this unit the students will explore and learn
vocabulary and concepts in order to express ideas related to healthy eating, express
feelings and emotions, express feeling well/feeling ill
and seasonal sports and physical activities.
The Environment – In this unit the students will explore and learn vocabulary and
concepts in order to express ideas related to natural environments and habitats,
dangers to the environment, endangered animals and protection of the
environment.
Alberta – My province - In this unit the students will explore and learn vocabulary
and concepts in order to express ideas related to location, landscapes, common wild
animals, communities and their festivals and its riches.
Le Carnaval de Québec* - In this unit the students will explore and learn vocabulary
and concepts in order to express ideas related to the location, date, symbols and
activities.
Four Holidays and Celebrations* - In this unit the students will explore and learn
vocabulary and concepts in order to express ideas related to the greetings, symbols
and colours associated with the four holidays
and celebrations.
*These fields of experience are to be integrated based on the calendar year
Expected Learner Outcomes:
1. Students will learn vocabulary, expressions and grammar structures in order
to comprehend simple messages while listening to and reading simple
passages.
2. Students will learn vocabulary, expressions and grammar structures in order
to create and produce simple messages orally and in writing.
3. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation for the
Francophone culture.
4. Students will develop a variety of language learning strategies such as:
comprehension and production, cognitive, metacognitive, socio-affective and
memory strategies.
SUPPLIES REQUIRED:
• Pencils/pens plus another colored pen for marking
• A hi-liter pen (would be useful but is optional)
• A 3-ring binder complete with loose-leaf paper (NO coil notebooks please)
• 3 dividers
• Q - cards
• A French/English dictionary
• Other supplies as needed
EVALUATION:
Students will receive a cumulative percentage mark based on the following criteria:
• All oral, written, listening and speaking activities (daily assignments, mini projects
and final unit projects)
• Quizzes and tests
• Effort (participation, comes prepared to class, completes assignments on time,
uses class time productively, demonstrates a positive attitude and demonstrates
appropriate classroom behavior)
• Group work and cooperation
Student Expectations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Be present in class daily.
Be on time for class with all of your materials ready to begin learning.
Complete all work to the best of your ability and hand it in on time.
Catch up on any work missed when absent.
Be an active participant in the class – ask questions, comment, discuss ideas,
answer questions.
Demonstrate a positive attitude and always challenge yourself to complete
your best work at all times.
Have an open mind and be willing to try new things.
Record your homework assignments and check the plone daily.
Check your grades on Powerschool regularly to chart your progress and
catch errors.
Note: Students will be expected to actively participate and make an effort to use the
language learned. Participation and effort are an essential part of any second
language class. Students must realize that a conscious effort is needed not only to
learn but also to risk using a second language. To make the most of a second
language course, students must motivate themselves to use the vocabulary they are
learning and already know and to create their own sentences to communicate an
idea. They must be risk takers and be willing to laugh at their mistakes and learn
from them.
ASSESSMENT:
Assignments and Project Work 60%
Quizzes and Tests 20%
Effort 20%
HOME STUDY HINTS:
1. It is important that all students develop a regular routine of weekly
reviewing unit vocabulary and concepts (2-3 times/week), as this will assist
in their success.
2. Parents can help their child at home by checking the agenda and plone to
become informed on the homework assignments and upcoming tests, having
regular discussions which reinforce positive attitudes about other cultures
and second language learning, the benefits of learning a second language and
their child’s feelings about his/her own learning and progress, and exposing
their child to as many cultural activities/events as possible.
3. Check Powerschool to see grades and missing work.
4. Any other questions? Please call me (preferred) 403-932-4457 or e-mail me:
[email protected]