Français I
BIENVENUE À LA CLASSE DE FRANÇAIS
Français I
I. Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the French language which stresses the basic elements of the language. Vocabulary and grammar are studied as students develop the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. French I begins with an introduction of the Francophone World . The comprehension of new content is facilitated by the constant re-entry of previously learned material. Cultural information is integrated into the learning experience through cultural readings in the text and through a variety of supplemental materials. We will also study some aspects of art, music, history, geography and customs in the French speaking world.
II. Course Length:
This is a year long course which meets every day.
III. Textbook:
Discovering French Today (bleu) by Jean-Paul and Rebecca Valette.
IV. Overview:
Approximately 15-20 school days will be devoted to each chapter. Adherence to this time line is, of course, dependent on class ability levels. Throughout each chapter, homework and conversations will be assigned and quizzes on vocabulary, listening comprehension, grammar and culture will be given. A test comprised of listening, reading and writing components will follow the completion of each chapter. Tests may also be given periodically on specific areas of study within each chapter. A Tests de contrôle or review section, which follows every three or four chapters, helps students review the content of previous chapters. Since language acquisition is a skill-building subject, students can expect to observe vocabulary and grammar learned in the beginning of the year being constantly reintegrated and reinforced throughout the length of the course. It is very important to study, starting with the first day of class, so that the foundation will be strong enough to support future skills. Students will learn about French culture by reading and translating the lectures, cultural readings and selected reading material of the course.
V. Course Requirements:
Students are required to keep an up to date notebook containing class notes, handouts, workbook pages and homework assignments. All papers in the notebook should be dated. Students are advised to purchase or borrow a French/English dictionary for use away from the French classroom. Students are expected to complete ALL homework assignments carefully and neatly.
VI. Grading:
Grades in French I, like all grades at Lower Dauphin High School, are based on percentages.
Their letter grade equivalents are as follows:
90% - 100% = A
85% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 59% = F
Evaluation procedures include:
Non-written homework: studying vocabulary spelling and meaning, memorizing
sentence patterns, verb endings and other similar activities serve as a foundation for
class participation and may be evaluated as a grade.
Written homework: preparing homework is an integral part of the course and is an aid to daily class activities. Homework assignments are always checked, recorded as part of a grade and corrected to further stress daily practice in the language. Missed homework, due to an excused absence, is required to be made up in accordance to the guidelines set up in the high school handbook.
Recitations: vocabulary lists, grammar terms and rules, songs and short poems are frequently
assigned and graded. Length of the recitation will determine how much time is given for preparation.
Conversations: at times, text conversations, which appear in each chapter, are assigned to be memorized. Students generally work with one or two partners. Additional conversations, created by students, are also assigned to promote creative self expression.
Notebook: includes all handouts, beginning with the course syllabus, the component parts of
each chapter and any notes taken in class. The notebook is cumulative from the beginning of
the year to the end of the year.
Projects: several will be assigned. The number of major projects depends on time availability and class readiness.
Quizzes: teacher-generated and/or textbook-published quizzes are regularly given on vocabulary and small sections of grammar or culture. Quizzes are always announced in advance and can involve listening skills, speaking skills, reading skills or writing skills or any combination of these. Students are accountable for the correct spelling of French words, spelling counts!
Tests/Exams: teacher-generated and/or textbook-published tests are given at the end of each chapter and/or after each unit of work. Tests are always announced several days in advance. Tests/Exams are comprehensive in nature and will include listening, speaking, reading and writing components. A midterm exam will be given in January covering material from the first half of the year and a Final Exam will be given in June and cover material from the second half of the year.
Class participation: each student automatically receives the maximum value of class participation points at the beginning of each marking period. Points are then either maintained or deducted based on the individual student’s behavior in and preparation for class. Criteria used in class participation includes: 1) the student’s use of French in the classroom, 2) the student’s willingness to contribute to class activities, 3) the student’s cooperation in group and pair work, 4) having all materials (text book, notebook, pencil, etc.) readily available and 5) the student’s positive attitude toward the class and his/her peers.
All students are encouraged to write assignments in a school planner.
VII. Classroom Expectations: Students should ………………………………
1) attend class regularly. Frequent absences affect mastery of skills needed to progress through subsequent lessons.
2) complete homework as it is assigned. Homework is viewed as a tool to practice and reinforce what has been introduced in class. It is, therefore, an extension of the learning process.
3) be on time with all materials ready. You will need your textbook, notebook, writing utensils and component parts of the lesson with you every day.
4) complete any missed homework, quizzes, tests, lesson information, recitations, etc. in accordance with the policy listed in the student handbook.
5) not have their cell phones out in class unless Madame Klein asks for it.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: Academic integrity: Students are held to a high standard of academic integrity. Copying and/or sharing another student’s answers on any assessment, homework or project is not allowed. Collaborating with others unless specifically requested on an assignment or discussion is considered cheating. Using online translators or receiving translation help from a friend/relative is strongly discouraged. Students are to demonstrate mastery of material based on their own effort.
Additional help: It is the responsibility of the student to come ask for help. I also welcome students to email me (aklein@ldsd.org or via Canvas) with any questions. If absent, it is recommended that a student email me the day of their absence to obtain the notes and work missed. French tutoring is offered after school weekly. The days will be posted on the backboard at the start of each week.
Important Reminder: French is cumulative and requires students to study material daily. It is comparable to mathematics in that each concept builds on the previous concept learned. A student’s performance this year directly impacts how well he/she will do next year.