French 1 and 2 Class Letter - 2013-2014
"One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way." -Frank Smith
Welcome to French class! I am looking forward to an enjoyable and productive year with you as you learn French and learn more about French-speaking cultures around the world. Even if you’ve never spoken a word of French before, by the end of this year you will have developed a rich French vocabulary and will be able to carry on French conversations. And as French 2 students, you will greatly expand your vocabulary and learn to communicate more complex ideas in conversation and writing.
Learning French will open many doors for you. You will understand more English vocabulary, perform better on standardized tests, learn other languages easier, be better prepared for work in our global society, be able to read world literature in the language it was written in; plus be better able to answer all those Knowledge Bowl and Jeopardy questions! Most importantly, you will be able to speak with locals when you travel in Canada, the Caribbean, Africa, France and multiple countries in Europe, and many other places in the world.These skills can greatly enhance your personal and professional lives.
In addition to learning from our text, Allez, Viens, and the accompanying Workbook, we will engage in abroad range of activities including reading French stories, comics, magazines, poetry, and proverbs; writing, performing and recording skits and puppet shows; watching French film and sitcoms; learning through computer activities and individual white board exercises; listening to French conversations and music; singing, recording oral productions, and celebrating French festivals and culinary traditions. It is my goal to make learning French varied, engaging, and fun, but it also requires time, effort, and a positive attitude by all students. Regular attendance, daily practice, and participation are vital in a foreign language class.To learn a language, it is essential to review new vocabulary everyday. Plan on spending fifteen minutes every day studying vocabulary or new grammar points. More time will be needed during the week to do homework assignments, study for quizzes and tests, or complete projects.
I have three classroom expectations:
1. Be Respectful: Be polite and respectful of fellow students and your teacher. Learning to speak another language involves risk-taking. We need to support and encourage each other.
2. Be Positive: Bring an open mind and be ready to learn.You will get out of the class what you put into it. Be responsible for your learning. Plan on doing daily homework.
3. Be Prepared: Come to class every day, on time, with book, workbook and French binder. Turn in homework on time. Talk to me if you have a problem with homework or will have an extended absence.
Note: Cell phones, i-Pods and other electronics cannot be used in class. If parents need to reach you during class time, please have themcall the office which will send a messenger to the classroom.
Assignments, Projects, Daily Homework and Participation: 45%
98-100 A+ 88-89 B+ 78-79 C+ 68-69 D+
93-97 A 83-87 B 73-77 C 63-67 D
90-92 A- 80-82 B- 70-72 C- 60-62 D-
Please note that in accordance with PTHS attendance policy, more than twelve absences per semester (aside from school-related activities) may result in loss of credit.
Supplies Needed:
French workbook, $4.00 (to be purchased from Jan in the office)
1 3-ring binder with supply of notebook paper
Or 1 section of your larger school 3-ring binder dedicated to French only
Optional: French-English dictionary and/or grammar sheet
(Can be purchased in office for $1.50 each)
You will find the atmosphere in my class to be orderly, yet open, tolerant, and fun. My hope is that you will feel comfortable enough with each other to express yourselves, ask questions, make mistakes, and learn from them.
I am in the classroom every day after school until 3:30 pm. I encourage you to come by during these office hours if you would like extra help or wish to discuss your progress. Please feel free to contact in person or by email if you have any questions or concerns. I do not check my classroom phone for messages, but I will do my best to respond to your email the same day. If there is an urgent matter, please call the office and they will contact me by classroom phone.
I am looking forward to working with you. We’re going to have a great year!
Sincerely, Teresa Janssen