Course Description
See Reviews of Instructor Sally Barstow
This course is structured around studying several in depth themes interspersed with shorter units of art or literature. Using themes from the AP French material, units are built around activities that guide the students to explore authentic material (blogs, infographics, videos, magazine and news articles) finding the language they need to know in order to respond to various prompts. Unit assessments include: Cooperative projects, video responses with replies, letter writing or created power point presentations. Students are able to develop and advance at their own pace. Grammar review is woven into the weekly assignments. Typically three levels of students might be in the class (French 3(advanced), 4/5 and higher). Each year is designed with new material allowing for students to continue taking this same course. The course is designed to prepare students to take the SAT subject test in French. Class size is limited to 12 to allow for optimal communication in class.
Students will be given the opportunity to compete in ‘Le Grand Concours’, a test/ competition offered by the AATF (American Association of Teachers of French) every year to American French students. This will take 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 6-9 weeks with an assessment project/test at the end of each unit. In addition to regular weekly assignments, students will keep a weekly written journal.
Who should enroll?
10th-12th graders Please contact teacher if you have any questions.
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.
Stacey Kelly –
If you are comparing French 4/5 classes available online, this class is the best one available-by far! Sally is an extremely patient and kind person, and this makes the students feel comfortable to practice their French. The custom curriculum she uses keeps the students engaged, and it encourages class interaction without fear. Sally’s French background has helped my daughter flourish this year. Don’t hesitate to sign up to take a class with Sally!