Bonjour! Welcome to a great year at Spring High School. In class this year, I expect my students to have a great experience learning how to communicate in French. We're going to work hard and have lots of fun!

French I is a proficiency-based course, which develops the basic skills of oral, listening and written comprehension and self-expression. Grammar and vocabulary are presented in a manner enabling students to enjoy communicating in authentic everyday French. From the very first days of class, students will have the opportunity to practice French in controlled oral and written activities with the teacher, a partner and in small groups. In addition to the emphasis on vocabulary, oral and listening comprehension skills, a thorough study of basic grammar is an integral part of this course. Through the video program, the students are introduced to the francophone world.

French II, while expanding the basic skills begun in French I, continues its emphasis as a proficiency-based class whose goal is the acquisition of meaningful, everyday language. By broadening their vocabulary and the complexity of their grammar capabilities, students are expected to be able to use their new knowledge to express themselves both orally and in writing in French. Memorization of isolated vocabulary words and grammar rules is insufficient for success. Students are expected to "put it all together" in order to communicate in controlled situations appropriate to their level.

This intermediate level of French provides the opportunity for students to practice their language skills with a partner and in groups in a highly relevant way. Upon successful completion of French III, students are able to handle a variety of communicative tasks and social situations in a culturally correct manner. Sample functions they review and learn include: introducing, inviting, asking and answering questions, telling stories, expressing their feelings, complaining, and asking and giving permission. While working on oral and written activities related to real life situations, the students review and expand the grammar, vocabulary and culture covered in the first two years. They also read excerpts of French literature to prepare for the reading in level four French. Class is conducted mostly in French, therefore students must be able to understand the teacher's directions and explanations in French. Students are also expected to speak French to the teacher and their fellow classmates. By the fourth quarter the teacher and students will be speaking only French.

This high-intermediate level of French continues to improve students' functional language skills while working toward the goal of proficiency, i.e. the ability to demonstrate practical and meaningful use of the French language in a variety of situations. In addition to enhancing students'oral skills, French IV includes reading of French history and selections of French literature, vocabulary study based on the readings, and the expansion of students' composition skills, enabling them to meet most writing needs upon successful completion of the class. An intensive review and continued study of advanced grammar is an integral part of the course. The class is conducted completely in French. Students are expected to speak French at all times.