Course Description

Ever think about adopting a snail or escargot as the French call it? Well, here is your chance. Come learn some basic French while having fun and taking care of your new escargot. Ok, it’s just the shell. It will be up to you to create a persona in French, of course, for your new pet.

This course will introduce students to the basics of the French language and culture in a fun, engaging manner. Students will adopt a snail (just the shell) and personify their pet all in French. By learning basic vocabulary (colors, activities, food, clothing, etc.), students will create a home and document the life of their snail. Additionally, students will learn to speak some basic phrases and talk about their pet. The course aims to lay the groundwork for later, for more formal language study. Starting a language at a young age helps the brain assimilate the language better.

Course Structure

The live class will be dedicated to learning and practicing the course material. We’ll use games, songs, and roleplays to make our time together interactive. I will upload documents and provide links for extra practice. To reinforce learning throughout the course, students will also be adding information about their pet snail so that they have a finished product in French at the close of the first semester. In addition to creating their snail’s home, students will be given pages for a book to create “Mon escargot et moi” for additional practice with the material. Students should expect no more than an hour of work during the week.

Who should enroll?

Students in 4th-6th grades who want to learn some basic French are welcome to enroll. They do not need to complete the first semester of An Introduction to French in order to register for the second semester.

Technology Requirements

High speed, broadband Internet
Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)
Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
Scanner
Printer

Evaluation and Feedback

Students are given weekly practice activities to reinforce the class material. I encourage students to complete and turn in the work as practice, and I can give feedback and encouragement. At the end of each semester, students will present their work to the class. No formal grades are given, but upon completion of at least 60% of the course work, students will receive a certificate.

Communication

I believe communication is important for success in an online learning environment. Both students and parents are encouraged to let me know as soon as possible if there are any questions or concerns. Keeping an open line of communication is essential; I want to see all students succeed. Please email me so I can best serve you and your student.