Course Description
See Reviews of Instructor Lisa Reissig
First semester
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, more formal, language study. Starting a language at a young age helps the brain assimilate 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 also reinforce learning, students will be adding information as the course progresses about their pet snail so that they have a finished product in French at the close of 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.
Second semester
Fascinating places, interesting people, delicious food. . . curiosity piqued? In this second semester interdisciplinary course, we will use the Carole Marsh mystery, The Mystery at the Eiffel Tower, as a starting point to learn about French culture. As we read about the adventure, we will encounter famous people in French history, visit well-known places in France, and experience the food and arts of France.
While this course focuses on the culture of France, students will learn French to perform basic functions. You do need French when traveling to France. We will review some of the French learned in the previous semester, but second semester students are welcome to join and will learn as we review. In addition to the French language, students will virtually visit famous places as they learn the history and distinctive characteristics of famous French icons. Along our journey, we will “meet” some famed French people. No trip would be complete with the arts including edible “art” also known as food.
Course Structure
Our weekly meetings will consist of learning the French needed for our trip. Such topics will include personal information, weather, clothing, descriptions, etc. Class time will be the perfect time to practice speaking with classmates. We’ll also spend time reviewing the book and looking at cultural aspects as we travel the country. There will be time for students to share their projects and what they’ve learned. By the end of our trip, students will be able to speak basic French, locate cities, offer details on famous monuments and people, and describe cultural aspects of art, music and food.
Assignments
Students will keep a travel journal that details what they’ve learned on their trip. The travel journal will include at least the following entries:
A passport
Clothing to bring
A weather map
Places visited with pictures and descriptions
Famous people
Art, Music, Food
Students will be asked to do some research on people and places. Other assignments will include preparing and serving food as well as some art projects related to our studies. All assignments will have instructions and some assignments will allow for student choice. While this is a non-graded course, students are asked to share their work. I will give encouragement and feedback. If projects are longer than one week, students will be given possible steps to break down and plan their work. Students completing at least 60% of the course will receive a certificate.
Who should enroll?
4th-6th grades who want to learn some basic French. Students do not need to complete the first semester of An Introduction to French in order to register for 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
Each week students are giving practice activities to reinforce the material. I encourage students to complete and turn in the work as practice, and I can give feedback and encouragement. Students will present their work to the class at the end of each semester. No formal grades will be 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. I encourage both students and parents to let me know as soon as possible if there are any questions or concerns. I want to see everyone be successful, and keeping an open line of communication is essential. Please email me so I can best serve you and your student.
Parent –
Mme Reissig is very interactive and kind to her students. Her enthusiasm for this course is observed each week and is seen and felt by each student. She has been very willing to accommodate individually. Thank you;) This course is exactly as stated and a great introduction for new french students 🙂
Parent –
Madame Reissig captivates her students with enthusiasm, clean jokes and puns, and engaging weekly assignments with the escargo. She communicates well through email messages and encouraging comments regarding assignments. The varied activities to review weekly material is also helpful.
Harrison A. –
I liked the one where i made my snail meet something and they asked each other Ou habites tu? I really enjoy your class and think you should keep it the way it is.
Sloan W. –
Well, I love picking out things for my snails house that go with what theme it is! Like whatever the theme is that week! Its really fun!!!! I think this class is amazing for anyone who is interested in taking french! Madame you are super nice! You will work with anyone who is having tech issues or who just need help! I think you are doing this job perfectly!