New French Program

Bonjour les parents! This fall, your child began a new French program, called Histoires en action! This program has proven to be a revolutionary new approach to second language instruction. It is based upon the use of stories and music for the teaching of French. Specifically designed stories that are written in the form of plays become the focus for a range of motivating language activities that help students develop confidence and competence in the French language as they progress through each story unit.

This approach allows language development to be supported and nurtured within the familiar, predictable context of a story that is the focus for the unit's work. Music is integrated with the story, and in each unit of this program, students will learn to perform a play and a dance to accompany that play. The vocabulary that is taught in this method has been carefully selected as essential vocabulary for students during the initial stages of their language learning. Another component of this program is the Gesture Approach, a technique that uses hand signs to help students learn and remember this important vocabulary found in the plays, songs and other activities. There is an equally, strong emphasis on the development of all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) thus meeting the needs of all language learners and their learning styles. Activities are varied, so that students have the opportunity to work individually, in partners, in small groups, and as a whole class.

In order to do well in French this year, your child will need to:

• participate actively in class, in French only;
• memorize the play;
• work co-operatively within a small group while practising the play;
• work co-operatively with others in the class while answering questions, both orally and in written form;
• learn the gestures covered in class;
• learn the gesture associations;
• participate in songs, dances, and games with enthusiasm;
• complete class work and hand it in on time;
• keep corrections up-to-date;
• Homework In order to support the work covered in class, and to ensure student success and independence, much of the homework will consist of practising the gestures. Please see the school website for the list of words/gestures already learned and have your child try to teach them to you!

Homework: In order to support the work covered in class, and to ensure student success and independence, much of the homework will consist of practising the gestures. Please see the school website for the list of words/gestures already learned and have your child try to teach them to you!

Assessment Students will be assessed on their ability to:

• identify the words associated with gestures covered;
• use French spontaneously, both with the teacher and with peers;
• pronounce words correctly;
• answer questions both orally and in writing;
• re-tell the play, both orally and in writing (later this year);
• memorize the play;
• perform the play;
• listen well;
• learn to refine their language skills as they progress through the program;
• co-operate with peers while working with a partner or in their play group;
• participate with enthusiasm;
• complete work on time;
• stay focused and productive in class.

Materials

• A double-sided pocket folder (provided)
• Student video/DVD for home use is available to order. If you wish to have a copy of this video, please enclose $20.00 in an envelope clearly marked AIM DVD and drop it off at the office. I will send the order in two weeks after this notice has been sent home.

I am looking forward to working with your child. Please don't hesitate to call if you have any questions regarding this outline or your child's progress. Please encourage your child to share with you what and how s/he is learning in French class. Establishing a link between home and school is a very important aspect of this French program, and we hope that you will enjoy it. In the following weeks, letters will be sent to you describing aspects of the program, such as the at-home support for your child which is available on video/DVD.

Sincerely, Lori Karwandy