French Program
Bonjour! The BFCCPS French program begins in Kindergarten and concludes in
the 8th grade with students earning the equivalent of a High School French 1
credit. Students should be able to take French II Honor when they leave BFCCPS.
Grade School (K-5)
In Kindergarten, French is a weekly fun and active introduction to French
language and culture. Students learn French songs and are introduced to basic
vocabulary, including numbers, colors, and greetings.
In grade one, students continue their introduction to French language and
culture through games, songs, artwork and the language video program, "Muzzy."
Grades three through five are transition years, preparing students for the
more rigorous language study they’ll encounter in grades 6-8. Students complete
two books --Promenades I and Promenades II -- during these three years.
Promenades is a developmentally appropriate French text that includes several
puzzles and activities while focusing on speaking, listening, reading and
writing, with a strong emphasis on auditory discrimination, listening
comprehension, pronunciation and oral competence. In addition, an aspect of
French and Canadian history or geography, customs or culture is presented each
month. Classes meet weekly and include homework assignments.
In 2008 students in Grade 5 French will meet twice a week so that the
transition to Grade 6 is not too sudden and students will be better prepared.
Middle School (6-8)
In grade 6, French classes meet three times a week and they use the Horizon
1 program. Grades 7 and 8 meet 4 times a week and they use Allez-viens! Book 1.
Grade 6
This year serves as a transition to a more rigorous approach toward learning
French, stressing the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading,
and writing. Each unit begins with an oral presentation of the new material. The
vocabulary is then presented in small, manageable segments, permitting the
students to master the new material. Students begin to learn grammar rules such
as verb endings, subject-verb agreement, negation, and articles.
The French program works with the 6th grade Core Knowledge curriculum to
supplement topics students are studying in science and humanities, including
astronomy and the French Revolution.
In addition, students learn about French and Canadian culture.
Students in Grade 6 are encouraged to participate in Le Grand Concours called
FLES (French Language in Elementary School). This is a test organized by the
American Association of Teachers of French. Our students do very well and are
very excited to participate. Every year we have had many students making it to
the finals and have received bronze and silver medals. This is not a mandatory
contest; it is considered an incentive. We found that many students enjoy
participating in it.
Grades 7 and 8
The primary goal of these grades is for students to learn how to communicate
effectively and confidently in the 4 language skills, Speaking, Writing, Reading
and Listening. Each unit focuses on a set of communication goals. Grammar and
vocabulary lessons are redesigned to help students achieve those goals. The
Allez-viens program offers a video and audio programs to supplement each unit.
Students continue to learn about French history and culture through songs,
stories, biography, and French films. Classes are conducted as much as possible
in the target language so students can be immersed in the language.
In addition, each spring the 7th grade visits Quebec City for an intensive,
experiential study of French and the French-Canadian culture. This is an
immersion trip and it is aimed to get the students motivated to speak French and
to understand another culture.
In Grade 8, students have been invited among other immersion schools to
Milton High School for a French performance. The French Consul General has been
impressed by our French program here at BFCCPS and has funded that visit to
Milton High School for the last 2 years. This visit celebrates the French
Speaking World “La Francophonie”.
In Grade 7 and 8 students are encouraged to take part in Le Grand Concours
which is organized by the AATF. This consists of 70 questions and it is one hour
long. It is a listening and a written exam. Our students have done very well and
have obtained Bronze and Silver medals. This exam is not mandatory; on the
contrary it is an incentive.
We are very proud of our French program here at BFCCPS.
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