Course Description
See Reviews of Instructor Lisa Reissig
Who doesn’t love a good story? How about a good story told in French? Believe it or not, you can understand stories with basic French vocabulary and images. Some prominent language researchers believe that the best way to help students to develop fluency and accuracy in a language is to expose them to large amounts of comprehensible input. Using this method called Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS), students listen and read stories with the intent to understand. When students do this with the intent to understand they acquire the language. The brain stores these words and structures (almost) effortlessly and permanently because stories generate multiple connections.
In this course, students will continue to listen and read novice level material. They will have repeated exposure to high-frequency vocabulary and structures making language acquisition more natural.
Each semester features different stories and a reader.
Course Structure
Our class time will feature lots of French. We’ll do pre-reading activities, listening activities, games, movie talks, reader’s theatre, and post-listening/reading activities. During the week, students will have websites to use to practice the vocabulary and read the stories. We will use an e-course for the chosen reader which provides not only the reader but also corresponding activities. Students will complete summarizing activities and several exercises related to the book to help maintain interest. A final, culminating project will be assigned to showcase their learning and their French.
Who should enroll?
Any student in grades 5-7 who likes to read and wants to learn some basic French is welcome to enroll. There are no prerequisites as all the stories used will be at the novice level.
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 will receive assignments in Canvas to help in the language acquisition process. They are encouraged to turn the work in for feedback and encouragement. Each student will also be asked to complete exercises in the e-course. There will be checkpoints to help students maintain their progress, and a final project at the end of the semester to synthesize their learning. While no final grade is given, students who complete at least 60% of the course are given 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 everyone be successful. Please email me so I can best serve you and your student.
Stephanie –
This class, added to our 2nd semester line-up at the last minute, was a surprise hit with my 11 year-old. She doesn’t have much experience with online classes and has some learning differences, so I was pleasantly surprised how much she enjoyed it, how much she learned, and how easily she ramped-up to full independence with the course. Rather than being extra work for me, it was one subject that I could leave entirely to her! The weekly live sessions were actually great fun for my student, and she’s been so motivated that she’s now doing daily French practice on Duolingo and using French closed-captioning when watching shows, all on her own without me even suggesting it. Madame. Reissig has lit a fire for French in my daughter. We’re both already looking forward to her Middle School French class next year!