Overview
For over 60 years, French has been an integral part of what makes the Marion Cross School a special place. The mission of the elementary language programs in SAU 70 is to prepare students to communicate and express themselves organically and confidently in another language. We approach second language learning with the same elements that dominate first language acquisition: children hear the language before they begin to produce it themselves. We use stories, songs, props, and gestures to provide students with opportunities to hear the language. We immerse students in a language-rich environment to help students acquire vocabulary and simple phrases. Teachers present content with repetition, energy, and creativity, building our lessons around students’ interests; this allows us to meet the 90% target language use in the classroom goal per the ACTFL recommendation. As a result, students acquire vocabulary, grammar, and a technical understanding of the language in context. In all grades, teachers nurture an environment that encourages risk-taking, and instill in students a passion for language learning and cultural exploration that encourages them to explore our world.
Students in all grades at Marion Cross, from kindergarten through sixth grade, take French as a part of their regular program of study.
K and grades 1 and 2: 80 minutes/week
Grades 3 and 4: 3 x 30 min = 90 min/week
Grades 5 and 6: 4 x 45 min = 180 min/week
NB
Over the next few years, the Marion Cross School French curriculum will undergo significant changes as each class has more exposure to language than their older peers. We recognize, and hope you will understand, that any document or description we provide is subject to change. While all curricula should be living documents, we find ourselves in a unique position with the expansion of our language program and each year looking different from previous years. Nonetheless, our philosophy will remain consistent.
For over 60 years, French has been an integral part of what makes the Marion Cross School a special place. The mission of the elementary language programs in SAU 70 is to prepare students to communicate and express themselves organically and confidently in another language. We approach second language learning with the same elements that dominate first language acquisition: children hear the language before they begin to produce it themselves. We use stories, songs, props, and gestures to provide students with opportunities to hear the language. We immerse students in a language-rich environment to help students acquire vocabulary and simple phrases. Teachers present content with repetition, energy, and creativity, building our lessons around students’ interests; this allows us to meet the 90% target language use in the classroom goal per the ACTFL recommendation. As a result, students acquire vocabulary, grammar, and a technical understanding of the language in context. In all grades, teachers nurture an environment that encourages risk-taking, and instill in students a passion for language learning and cultural exploration that encourages them to explore our world.
Students in all grades at Marion Cross, from kindergarten through sixth grade, take French as a part of their regular program of study.
K and grades 1 and 2: 80 minutes/week
Grades 3 and 4: 3 x 30 min = 90 min/week
Grades 5 and 6: 4 x 45 min = 180 min/week
NB
Over the next few years, the Marion Cross School French curriculum will undergo significant changes as each class has more exposure to language than their older peers. We recognize, and hope you will understand, that any document or description we provide is subject to change. While all curricula should be living documents, we find ourselves in a unique position with the expansion of our language program and each year looking different from previous years. Nonetheless, our philosophy will remain consistent.
