Course Description
See Reviews of Instructor Sally Barstow
Studying another language is an exciting prospect. It’s like breaking a code and then learning how to use it to speak to people who may be different from you. Having a second language opens up new opportunities in life as well as develops areas of the brain that will help you in other fields. What ever your reason for learning a language, the benefits will be numerous.
This course is designed to build on foundations already established in the French language. Thematic units will be built around interactive communication, speaking and writing presentations as well as activities in reading and listening interpretation. While the textbook provides structure for the class as well a resource for the students, I incorporate many other tools to provide a broad experience for the students.
The class sizes are limited to 12 in order to allow for optimal communication within the classroom as well as teacher oversight on assignments. I believe that students are successful when they are comfortable and at ease. In French 3, live class time is used for speaking French as much as possible, with the teacher using exclusively French. Students are given structure and support to help them speak in French as much as possible.
Face-to face time is limited to one hour per week, therefore the weekly assignments are designed to keep students actively working with French during the week. I use lots of interactive videos, audio recordings and other authentic French resources to accomplish this. Developing accuracy in pronunciation and learning grammatical structures of the language are incorporated into the lessons and assignments. The course is rounded out by exploring the vast contributions the French have made in history, art, literature and culture and why it is spoken as a major language on every continent in the world.
Students will be given the opportunity to participate in ‘Le Grand Concours’ which is an annual ‘test/ competition’ among American French students sponsored by the AATF (American Association of Teachers of French) which takes place in March 2021.
Course Structure
The class is structured around the weekly face to face meeting. Students can anticipate having about 3-4 hours of homework each week. Five weekly assignments are posted that build on what was presented in class, preparing the student for the upcoming meeting. In class, students can anticipate needing to ask and answer questions based on the weekly assignments. Language structure is provided to guide the interaction in class. The units last 3-4 weeks with an assessment project/test at the end of each unit. In addition to regular weekly assignments, French 2 students and higher keep a weekly written journal. Here is a link to a sample lesson.
Who should enroll?
This class is for students 9th-12th who have completed the equivalent of French 1 and 2.
Technology Requirements:
- High speed, broadband Internet
- Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
- A scanner is helpful for turning in assignments
Evaluation and Feedback
Weekly assignments receive the complete score…unless some correcting is needed. So, if students do their work, including the corrections, they will get a perfect score for their weekly assignments. On the assessments, more details are taken into consideration. Again, if a student is working well and within their abilities, I give high marks. Most weekly homework is graded the week it is turned in. Unit projects sometimes take longer, but I am patient when students have technical difficulties (which often show up with the bigger projects). I do try to give feedback and corrections in French on the assignments. I also make myself available to my students during the week, should they have trouble with any assignments.
Communication
I encourage parents to reach out to me as they have concerns or questions. They can anticipate a note from me should their student get behind in their work. If I communicate with the student about their work, I will always copy the parent on the email so that they can keep up with how things are going. I will send out a progress report in the end of December and the final grade in May once the final test has been graded. I do have a website on Facebook where I post random information about French: All that’s French.
Anne W. (verified owner) –
This is my daughter’s third year with Mrs. Barstow. We have been very pleased with all 3 years. Mrs. Barstow creates a motivating atmosphere and is very creative in her choice of assignments. Mrs. Barstow is easy to work with and communicates well–questions are answered quickly. My daughter has made excellent progress with her speaking and reading skills. There is ample, but not overwhelming, work to do outside of class. We have also had two extended power outages due to storms and Mrs. Barstow has been flexible in allowing Sarah to make up work. I would highly recommend this class.
Deborah Kim (verified owner) –
My daughter, Olivia, has taken French 2 and 3 with Mrs.Barstow and has thoroughly enjoyed her instruction along the way. Mrs.Barstow is engaging and fun! Olivia is developing a beautiful French speaking voice and plans to take French 4/5 with Ms. Barstow.