The French Curriculum

PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN

With both the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes, we focus on simple phrases and responses. The children learn numbers, colors, parts of the body, and days of the week through songs. The children are also exposed to geography through an imaginary trip to France where they learn about the French culture. The curriculum touches on the French painter, Claude Monet with a trip via video to Claude Monet’s Garden. The children create their own Monet painting. Additionally, movement and music are used in every class.

FIRST GRADE

First grade emphasizes daily exposure to a new language using oral practice and basic conversation. The curriculum focuses on listening, understanding, and repetition rather than reading and writing. Additionally, first graders strengthen their ability to memorize, to repeat and respond, and to develop an awareness of and tolerance for cultural differences.

SECOND GRADE

The second grade curriculum stresses the same goals and objectives as the first grade curriculum. The classroom teacher creates a non-threatening learning environment in which students respond without feeling self-conscious. The curriculum focuses on oral participation, listening, and light reading and writing. Students are encouraged to develop and establish an acceptable French accent and are introduced to basic grammatical concepts. Additionally, students are introduced to the use of the bilingual dictionary.

THIRD GRADE

The third grade curriculum emphasizes reading and translating simple paragraphs. Students answer questions in writing and the use of the bilingual dictionary is increased. The curriculum focuses more on grammatical concepts and introduces conjugation to students. Additionally, technology is integrated frequently. Students learn to speak with proper pronunciation and intonation through simple dialogues as well as class/individual oral participation.

FOURTH GRADE

The curriculum continues to focus mainly on speaking, listening and understanding French. Students are encouraged to strengthen their reading, comprehension and translation skills. Additionally, students are provided with ample time to practice writing simple sentences and paragraphs in French. Also, students are exposed more frequently to classic French literature and the integration of technology.

FIFTH GRADE

The fifth grade curriculum focuses on preparing students to enter middle school French classes. The curriculum stresses fluency, accent, reading, and writing. The class reviews and reinforces grammar and conjugation concepts. Additionally, the class completes supplemental units adding various aspects of French culture, literature, basic geography and some historical events and historical figures.