French I
Course Description
Level I French focuses on the development of students’ communicative competence in French and their understanding of the culture(s) of francophone countries. Communicative competence is divided into three strands: speaking and writing as an interactive process in which students learn to communicate with another French speaker; reading and listening as a receptive process in which comprehension of French texts is developed; and speaking and writing in a presentational context in which students are focused on the 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. In order to develop the three areas of communicative competence, students are encouraged to use the French language as much as possible. Rather than isolating grammar in a separate strand, it is integrated into instruction according to the vocabulary and structures needed in the various situations in which students are required to function. Through the language learning process, students develop an understanding of how their own language is structured and how their own culture has unique aspects. An important component of French classes is the use of the French language beyond the classroom in order to apply knowledge of the language in the real world. In many cases, this is accomplished through the integration of technology into the classroom. Technology is an important tool in accessing authentic information in French and in providing students the opportunity to interact with native speakers of French.
Person-to-Person 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 questions and provide responses based on self and familiar material, such as family members, personal belongings, school and leisure activities, time, and weather.
FI.2 The student will demonstrate skills necessary to sustain brief oral and written exchanges in French using familiar phrases and sentences.
1. Initiate, participate in, and close a brief oral or written exchange in French with emphasis on the present time.
2. Use formal and informal forms of address in familiar situations in French.
3. Use gestures and simple paraphrasing to convey and comprehend messages.
Listening and Reading for Understanding
FI.3 The student will understand simple spoken and written French based on familiar topics that are presented through a variety of media.
1. Identify the main ideas and some details when reading and listening in French.
2. Comprehend simple, culturally authentic announcements, messages, and advertisements that use familiar vocabulary and grammatical structures in French.
3. Understand simple instructions in French, such as classroom procedures or basic computer terminology.
FI.4 The student will use verbal and non-verbal cues to understand simple spoken and written messages in French.
1. Differentiate among statements, questions, and exclamations.
2. Use basic gestures, body language, and intonation to clarify the message.
Oral and Written Presentation
FI.5 The student will present orally and in writing information in French that contains a variety of familiar vocabulary, phrases, and structural patterns.
1. Present in French information gathered from informal conversations, class presentations, interviews, readings, and/or a variety of media sources.
2. Describe in French basic familiar information, such as self, family members and others, events, interests, school, recreational activities, and personal belongings with emphasis on control of the present tense.
3. Demonstrate increasing attention to accuracy in intonation and pronunciation in French especially when presenting prepared material orally.
4. Demonstrate increasing attention to accuracy in word order, punctuation, accents and other diacritical marks, and spelling when writing in French.
FI.6 The student will present rehearsed material in French, including brief narratives, monologues, dialogues, poetry, and/or songs.
1. Use appropriate verbal and nonverbal techniques, such as voice inflection, gestures, and facial expression.
2. Communicate ideas in an organized manner using appropriate visual and/or technological support.
Cultural Perspectives, Practices, and Products
FI.7 The student will develop an awareness of perspectives, practices, and products of francophone cultures.
1. Identify some viewpoints of francophone cultures, such as those relating to time, education, transportation, and the role of family members.
2. Identify some customs and traditions of francophone cultures, such as greetings, celebrations, holiday practices, and forms of address that demonstrate politeness.
3. Identify some historical and contemporary individuals associated with important events from francophone cultures.
4. Identify some products of francophone cultures, such as natural and manufactured items, creative and fine arts, recreation and pastimes, dwellings, language, and symbols.
FI.8 The student will recognize that perspectives, practices and products of francophone cultures are interrelated.
1. Recognize that francophone cultures are shaped by viewpoints, customs/traditions, and products of speakers of French.
2. Identify major cities and geographical features and why they are significant in francophone cultures.
Making Connections through Language
FI.9 The student will recognize how information acquired in the study of French and information acquired in other subjects reinforce one another.
1. Identify examples of vocabulary, phrases, proverbs, and symbols from the French language that are used in other subjects.
2. Relate content from other subject areas to topics discussed in the French class, such as current events from francophone countries or the influence of French-speaking explorers and settlers on various regions of the United States.
Cultural and Linguistic Comparisons
FI.10 The student will demonstrate an 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 in the United States with those of francophone societies.
2. Demonstrate an awareness that social practices and personal interactions differ among cultures.
3. Demonstrate an awareness of unique elements of the student’s own culture.
FI.11 The student will compare basic elements of the French language to the English language.
1. Recognize differences in sound systems, writing systems, cognates, gender, and level-appropriate idioms.
2. Recognize basic sound distinctions and intonation patterns and their effect on communicating meaning.
Communication across Communities
FI.12 The student will identify situations in which French language skills and cultural knowledge may be applied beyond the classroom setting for recreational, educational, and occupational purposes.
1. Identify examples of the French language and the cultures of francophone countries that are evident in and through media, entertainment, and technology.
2. Identify resources, such as individuals and organizations accessible through the community or the Internet, that provide basic cultural information about the francophone world.
