Orientation to
French
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS SHE
SAYING?
You’ll be hearing a lot of French the first
few weeks. You are NOT expected to
understand every word. In fact, at the start
you may not actually “understand” ANY of
the words. You’re simply becoming used to
the sounds of the language. That’s how you
started learning English (or other native
language).
WHAT THE HECK IS SHE DOING?
Your job is to relax, watch, listen, and when
asked, repeat. Your teacher will act out things,
hold up objects, point, or write the English
equivalent on the board. You’ll probably be doing
a lot of “guessing.” That’s okay. It’s better than
asking someone next to you, because you don’t
want to miss the next thing. Some of the words
you may not understand in spite of all the hints.
That’s okay. You’ll have many more
opportunities.
THIS IS WEIRD!
Sometimes you may feel strange. You’ll be
asked to make sounds you’ve never made
before. Take a chance. We’re all in this
together. We’ll often laugh together, but
we’ll never ridicule one another.
I WONDER WHY...
During the period, you will become curious about
many things: the new language we’re speaking,
the people who speak French, even the methods
we are using. These questions will stimulate
many interesting discussions throughout the year
that are a valuable part of the course. At the end
of the period or in the middle, as a break, I will
provide opportunities for these questions by
saying “Des questions?” (Any questions).
Please wait until these opportunities.
BUT WE DID THIS YESTERDAY
In a foreign language class, there is much
repetition. Every day we’ll be reviewing
some things as well as adding new material.
Everyone learns at a different pace. If
you’ve already mastered something we are
reviewing, go along with it anyway. In a
few minutes we’ll get to something harder.
MAY WE...
Students often have good suggestions. Tell
me about them after class. Be as specific as
possible. If you volunteer to help with the
idea, that’s even better.
WHAT ARE WE DOING NOW?
A typical class: greeting in French, warm
up, review homework, new material, use
textbook, writing practice, des questions?
homework assignment. You are expected to
work up until you are dismissed.
OOPS! I FORGOT MY BOOK.
Students are expected to bring their
notebooks, homework, paper, pen (or
pencil) to class every day. Without the
proper materials, you cannot perform or
produce work. This could lead to a 0 for the
class period.
X
BUT I WASN’T HERE
YESTERDAY.
Except in cases of severe or prolonged
illness, students are expected to meet
deadlines on assignments, quizzes and tests.
Major projects and unit tests will be
announced well in advance. Take your
notebook home every day. Within the first
week of school get the number of one or
two classmates to call to find out the
assignment when you have missed school.
I DON’T FEEL WELL
You need a signed pass to go to the health room.
Neither the nurse nor the teachers are allowed to
distribute anything to the students. When you are
in class you are expected to participate fully. If
you feel too ill to respond actively, but do not
want to miss class, you might write me a little note
to that effect and pass it to me at the beginning of
the class. That way I will understand you are not
at your best.
I HAVE TO GO TO THE REST ROOM.
Normally students are expected to go to the
bathroom or water fountain between classes
or during their lunch period.
THIS HOMEWORK IS TOO EASY!
At beginning levels, world language
homework is often doing an exercise to
which you already know the answers. You
are practicing writing and spelling correctly.
Sometimes, you are asked to simply copy
words from your book/vocab list. This is
NOT busy work.
THIS ISN’T HOMEWORK!
Often your homework is to practice saying a
dialog or a list of words at home. Though
you will not be turning in a piece of paper,
it will be evident whether or not you did the
work. This is a very important type of
assignment.
FRENCH, FRENCH, FRENCH
Language classes are participation classes.
Only French materials will be on your desk.
Other materials may be removed by the
teacher and returned at the end of the period
or day.
STUDY EACH NIGHT
The only way to be successful in learning a
new language is to practice it every day. It is
important to at least review your vocabulary
lists or flashcards or even play games on my
website and do your homework. Studying for
at least 5-10 minutes every day will ensure
success in the language!