In this circle-time style beginning French class, students will be immersed in the French language through stuffed animals, stories, drawing, modeling dough, movement, songs, and lots of repetition. This class is for beginners, but it is taught in French using pictures, props, repetition, and other comprehension strategies.*

*I do use English to verify name pronunciations, to explain to students that I will be speaking in French so they might not know the words I'm saying, and to clarify instructions, but I want them to watch and repeat when they can. I may also switch to English if I need to help a student, redirect, or otherwise make sure we have a smooth class.


CLASS STRUCTURE

Each week, we will start with greetings. Students will practice saying hello and answering the question “How are you?” in French. I will guide students in telling us their names each week by speaking to them one by one and having them repeat after me. 

After greetings, students will be introduced to the vocabulary through pictures, storytelling, and/or our stuffed animals.  Students will practice by using lots of repetition speaking the words and acting things out to help them absorb the vocabulary. I will also work in discussions about colors, numbers, and the alphabet.

Then, we will complete an art-based activity on the topic. We will rotate between drawing and modeling dough, and I will complete the activity along with the students. I will narrate what I'm doing, as well as let students share and comment on their work. Students are able to share in English when needed. 

Finally, students will have a short show and tell that relates to our theme. They are able to bring anything that they can show on the screen that is classroom appropriate. They can tell us a little about it, and I'll have them repeat a few related words in French as well.