Parent Letter Request

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1. Jennifer Goldszmidt

   September 21, 2018 at 10:53 am

   This is what I used with the help of Jim Tripp:
   Course Syllabus – French II and II Honors Marriotts Ridge High School Jennifer Goldszmidt* 2018-19
   In French Two and French Two Honors, students will be immersed in comprehensible language so that the brain has the opportunity to unconsciously acquire, or “pick up”, what it can when it is ready. Students will acquire frequently used words and structures of the language by interacting daily with a competent French speaker (the teacher), and by reading often.
   “Language is acoustical, not intellectual” -Berty Segal
   LISTENING: Perhaps the most important and rewarding aspect of using another language is being able to understand what the other person is saying to you. In order for that to happen, one must hear lots and lots of comprehensible and interesting spoken language. I ask that students do their part to make stories and discussion lively and interesting by actively participating. I call this doing your 50%.
   “Reading is the most powerful tool we have in language education”-Stephen Krashen
   READING: We will read often in class from several sources. My goal is to provide students with a variety of comprehensible and interesting reading material. This will consist of jokes, song lyrics, text of stories we create in class, children’s books, newspapers, magazines, etc. We will read from the textbook, Bien Dit (online and in class). We will read individually, as a class, and in pairs. All students will read the following novels:
   Pauvre Anne (Ray) Le Voyage perdu (Ray)
   WRITING: There will be various other written assignments completed individually and in groups, such as Timed Writes to track improvement in writing fluency and Re-Writes of stories. Students may also write a children’s book.
   SPEAKING: Students will be encouraged in this course to speak French when they feel comfortable and ready to do so. Speaking English is strongly discouraged during class. There are a few exceptions to this rule however: asking for clarification, translating something from French, or answering a question asked in English.
   CULTURE: We will explore some cultural habits, traditions, and experiences of French-speaking people in order to better understand their worldview and in turn communicate more effectively. Cultural aspects that come up in class include geography, pop culture, history, recreation, high schools, family, festivals, shopping for food, and health and wellness.
   HOMEWORK – Reading: Students will read stories from class to their parents (the stories will be posted on Canvas). Students will use their first language to do this translation work. Parents are asked to confirm at parent conferences that this was done at home a few times each week. Look for one or two story translations from your child per week.
   HOMEWORK – Writing: Students do two ten-minute free writes per week and place in the class free-write folder. Free write rules are on Canvas.
   Grading Criteria Participation/Assignments – 40% Quizzes – 50%
   Students should expect very frequent assessments in class. We will assess student progress daily.
   Quarterly Exams/Midterm/Final – 10%
   We acquire language by actively trying to decode messages in the foreign language, repeatedly and consistently. When we read, we are acquiring language. When we listen to stories and conversation, we acquire language. By engaging in these activities day in and day out for the next nine months, we will reach our goal of developing long-term acquisition of French.
   I am more than happy to help answer any questions or concerns that may come up during the year. Also, parents are welcome to visit the classroom and experience firsthand what we are doing.
   I am easy to reach by email, so please do not hesitate to contact.
   Email: jgoldszmidt@hcpss.org School phone: 410-313-5568
   *adapted from Jim Tripp

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