• updated May, 2014:

    French I

     

    In French I, students begin to develop communicative competence in French and expand their understanding of the culture(s) of francophone countries. Communicative competence is divided into three strands:

     

    ·         Interpersonal speaking and writing as interactive processes in which students learn to communicate with another French speaker

    ·         Interpretive listening and reading as receptive processes in which students develop comprehension of French

    ·         Presentational speaking and writing in which students focus on organization of thoughts and awareness of their audience in delivering information.

     

    In level I French classes, students learn to communicate in real-life contexts about topics that are meaningful to them. To develop students’ communicative competence, emphasis is placed on use of French in the classroom as exclusively as possibleand on use of authentic materials to learn about the language and culture. Grammar is integrated into instruction according to the vocabulary and structures needed in the various situations in which students are required to communicate. Through the language learning process, students develop a greater understanding of the structure of their own language and the unique aspects of their own culture. An important component of learning French is using the language in the real world beyond the classroom setting.   One way this can be accomplished isthrough integration of technology into the classroom, as technology is an important means of accessing authentic information in French and in providing students the opportunity to interact with other French speakers.

    Interpersonal Communication

    FI.1                 The student will exchange simple spoken and written information in French.

    1.  Use basic greetings, farewells, and expressions of courtesy both orally and in writing.

    2.  Express likes and dislikes, requests, descriptions, and directions.

    3.   Ask and answer questions about familiar topics.

     

    FI.2                 The student will sustain brief oral and written exchanges in French, using familiar phrases and sentences.

    1.  Initiate, sustain, and close brief oral and written exchanges with emphasis on the present time.

    2.   Use proper formal and informal forms of address in familiar situations.

    3.   Use nonverbal communication and simple paraphrasing to convey and comprehend messages.

    Interpretive Communication: Listening and Reading for Understanding

    FI.3                 The student will understand simple spoken and written French presented through a variety of media and based on familiar topics.

     

     

    1.      Identify key words, cognates and some formulaic expressionswhen listening and reading.

     

    2.   Comprehend simple, culturally authentic oral and written materials that use familiar vocabulary and formulaic expressions with significant contextual support.

    3.   Follow simple instructions, such as classroom procedures or directions for using computers and other classroom technology.

     

    FI.4                 The student will use verbal and nonverbal cues to understand simple spoken and written messages in French.

    1.   Differentiate among basic types of statements, questions, and exclamations.

    2.   Use basic culturally appropriate gestures, body language, and intonation to clarify the message.

    Presentational Communication: Speaking and Writing

    FI.5                 The student will present information orally and in writing in French, using a           variety of familiar vocabulary, phrases, and structural patterns.

           1.   Present basic information gathered from informal conversations, class   presentations, interviews, readings, and a variety of media sources.

           2.   Present basic information about topics such as self, family members and others, events, interests, school, recreational activities, and personal belongings with emphasis on present time.

          3.   Demonstrate increasing attention to accurate intonation and pronunciation.

           4.   Demonstrate increasing attention to accurate word order, punctuation, accents             and other diacritical marks, and spelling.

           5.   Write simple sentences on familiar topics in short paragraph style.

     

    FI.6                 The student will present rehearsed material in French, including brief narratives, monologues, dialogues, poetry, and songs.

    1.   Use appropriate verbal and nonverbal techniques, such as voice inflection, gestures, and facial expressions.

    2.   Communicate coherent ideas using appropriate visual and technological support.

    Cultural Perspectives, Practices, and Products

    FI.7                 The student will develop an awareness of commonperspectives, practices, and products of francophone cultures.

    1.   Identify main viewpoints of francophone cultures, such as those relating to the concept of time, education, transportation, and the roles of family members.

     

    2.   Identify key customs and traditions of the cultures, such as greetings, celebrations, holiday practices, and forms of address that demonstrate politeness.

    3.   Identify important historical and contemporary individuals and groupsassociated with significant events from the cultures.

    4.   Identify some products of francophone cultures, which may include natural and manufactured items, creative and fine arts, forms of recreation,  pastimes, dwellings, regionally-specific language, and symbols.

     

    FI.8                 The student will recognize that perspectives, practices, and products of the cultures studied are interrelated.

    1.   Recognize that the viewpoints, customs and traditions, and products of French speakers shape francophone cultures.

    2.   Identify major cities, regions, and geographical features in francophone countries and the reasons they are significant in the cultures of those countries.

    Making Connections through Language

    FI.9                 The student will connect information about French and francophone culture(s) with concepts studied in other subject areas.

    1.   Identify the use of French and francophone cultures in other subject areas.

    2.   Relate content from other subject areas to topics discussed in French class, such as current and historical events from francophone countries to those in the United States.

     Linguistic and Cultural Comparisons

    FI.10           The student will compare basic elements of French to those of English and other languages.

    1.   Recognize cognates, genders, level-appropriate idioms, and differences in writing systems.

    2.   Recognize differences in sound systems including basic sound distinctions and intonation patterns and their effects on the communication of meaning.

     

    FI.11               The student will demonstrate understanding of the significance of culture through              comparisons between francophone cultures and the cultures of the United States.

    1.   Compare patterns of behavior and interaction found in the United States with those found in francophone cultures.

    2.   Recognize differences in social practices and personal interactions among cultures.

    3.   Recognize differences in the unique elements of the student’s own culture.

     

     

     

    Interacting in School and Global Communities

    FI.12               The student will explore situations in which to use French language skills and cultural knowledge beyond the classroom setting for recreational, educational, and occupational purposes.

    1.   Find and present examples of the French language and francophone cultures gathered from interaction with target language speakers, and authentic media or technology.

    2.   Use resources, such as individuals and organizations in the community or technology, to gain information about the cultures studied.