Students begin to learn French with exposure in Kindergarten through Grade 5. We offer a content-based French Language (FLEX) exploratory program that focuses on developing oral and aural communication skills. An appreciation for francophone culture permeates the curriculum as students participate in interdisciplinary projects and cooking activities, hear guest speakers, and interact with various multimedia in the library and within the classroom. In Grade 6, students may choose to continue French or begin learning Spanish or Latin, continuing through Grade 9.
French is offered to students in grades K-9. The program is exploratory in nature with a focus in proficiency-based learning. Children are exposed to all countries and cultures where French is spoken. Through songs, dialog and meaningful vocabulary lessons, children begin to take risks speaking the language.
In the 6th Grade instructions and lessons are presented in the target language and English to allow students to develop a higher comprehension level. The course is designed so that students have completed half a year of level one French instruction by the end of their 6th grade year.
Highlights have included a visit by the 4th Grade to the International School of Boston (formerly the Ecole Bilinque) where students met children from Haiti, Canada, Quebec, France and Russia. The ISB is a French immersion school. The trip was designed to tie in with a 4th Grade unit on Immigration.
Lucie Therrien, a French Canadian artist and singer/song writer, visited Applewild for a weeklong workshop in Franco-American history and culture. Students learned traditional folk songs and the week culminated in a performance given by the Middle School students.
Both programs were possible in part by a generous grant provided by the Cadahemark Foundation.
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