FRENCH
The Middle School French program recognizes language as an instrument of culture, a tool for people and societies to communicate, connect and participate in a world beyond themselves. It is true that language starts with culture.
As such, this curriculum aims to transform the classroom environment into an immersive experience. Students acknowledge francophone language and culture in context; they see themselves as participants in a living, ever changing culture rather than as passive observers of a far off world. By assuming responsibility and acknowledging their role in the learning process, students actively drive their own learning. Additionally, constant communication in French motivates students to gain knowledge, learn about distant cultures, make comparisons, foster connections and increase their understanding of people around the world. As explorers and anthropologists, they develop a sense of cultural sensibility for the worldwide francophone community and nurture a life-long desire for learning about diverse cultures and peoples.
6th GRADE
The 6th grade curriculum ventures beyond the fundamentals of functional linguistics and basic aspects of French culture. Students continue consistent practice of oral communication in the classroom and integrate their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar to create written and oral compositions of their own. They are expected to read short passages and literary works created by others, both aloud and silently. Students are comfortable presenting, acting, and offering responses in the target language to the best of their ability. Simultaneously, continuous study of French regions and people increase their awareness of French culture.
By the end of 6th grade, students are able to accomplish the following in French:
• Communicate information regarding daily routines, time and place
• Compose grammatically correct sentences (oral and written) using both present and near future tenses
• Use appropriate vocabulary in all forms of communication
• Construct simple dialogue between two people
• Perform short dialogues and skits in small groups or in front of the class
• Ask and answer interrogative questions in varied forms, both affirmative and negative.
• Describe people, places and things with correct vocabulary and proper adjectives
• Read sentences and short passages, both orally and silently
• Compare various regions of France and identify their unique qualities
• Illustrate the achievements of French people, both past and present
7th GRADE
The 7th grade curriculum expands the scope and expectations upon the students to include all aspects of oral and written communication. Immersive experiences based upon real to life concepts of francophone culture engage students in driving their own learning. By assuming a role as social scientist, explorer and anthropologist, they sharpen their understanding and fluency in constant diligence to attain global awareness.
By the end of 7th grade, students are able to accomplish the following in French:
• Communicate orally in a clear, precise manner
• Compose grammatically correct sentences (oral and written)
• Use appropriate and varied vocabulary in all forms of communication
• Write a complete, grammatically correct paragraph or letter on diverse topics (of their choosing as well as that of the teacher)
• Create and perform dialogues in small groups or in front of the class
• Ask and answer interrogative questions in varied forms, both affirmative and negative.
• Read short and long passages of varying formats (newspaper article, interview, advertisement, review), both orally and silently
• Compare France to other francophone cultures around the world, and explain how they are both alike and different
• Analyze the achievements of francophone people, both past and present
• Describe the importance of sports in French culture
8th GRADE
In preparation for the French foreign language proficiency exam and rigorous high school foreign language curricula, students are expected to adhere to a high standard. They aspire for this seamless transition between the read, heard, spoken and written word by striving to communicate with the teacher and other students in French at all times. In a trusting and supportive learning space, students equally contribute and develop greater linguistic proficiency. Simultaneously, students absorb the unique timbre, rhythm and cadence of the French language, commit vital lexicon to memory, and realize important grammatical concepts to become more fluent and confident linguists. Further, their linguistic knowledge provides the opportunity for actively discovering other cultures with which they are not intimately familiar.
By the end of 8th grade, students are able to accomplish the following in French:
• Communicate orally in a clear, precise, confident manner
• Compose grammatically correct sentences (oral and written) using past, present and future tenses
• Use appropriate and varied vocabulary in all forms of communication
• Create and perform conversations between at least two people, in small groups or in front of the class
• Examine short and long passages of varying length and format (newspaper article, interview, advertisement, review), both orally and silently
• Extrapolate key details from passages (oral and written) of varying length and format in order to extract meaning and purpose
• Answer questions related to passages read by themselves or the teacher.
• Write detailed, grammatically correct paragraphs of varying length and format on diverse topics (of their choosing as well as that of the teacher)
• Express likes, dislikes, opinions and characteristics through written communication with francophone students of the same age
• Contrast likes, dislikes, opinions and characteristics with francophone students of another culture