Course Description
See Reviews of Instructor Sally Barstow
This class is taught at an advanced level of French, incorporating literature and authentic sources.
Students in French 4/5 can look forward to reading and studying authentic materials designed to continue building their skills and competencies in French. Units are created using authentic documents, interactive videos and other resources based around AP themes with project based outcomes. Language structure is reinforced and reviewed as we study these themes. The course is designed to prepare students to take the SAT subject test in French. Class size is limited to 10 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 2020.
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 5-7 weeks are built around AP themes. In addition to regular weekly assignments, students keep a weekly written journal.
Who should enroll?
This class is open to students who have successfully completed a French 3 level class or the equivalent. This class will change from year to year allowing students to take the class two years if they need a French 5 class. Students should be in the 11th or 12th grade. Please contact Mme Barstow if you have questions about your students level.
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
My family laughs at me because I say ‘I’m an easy ‘A’. 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. On the assessments, I grade more on the details. 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.
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