French/English Elementary School

The emphasis in the 1st grade French language arts curriculum is on helping the children gain access to meaning by learning to read. Students continue adding to their basic vocabulary of high-frequency words begun during pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. They learn to grasp the relationship between oral and written forms of language, explicitly identifying the connections between and mastering the combinations of sounds and symbols. This allows them to decode text and recognize words.

Beginning in the 1st grade, teachers use methods and materials that combine phonics and whole language. Students are taught decoding skills in the context of a variety of challenging and enriching literary experiences. The 1st grade reading curriculum focuses on meeting the needs of all students at their various reading levels through small group instruction and appropriate material and support. Reading and writing are two inseparable activities in the curriculum. Students are encouraged beginning in 1st grade to produce neat, well-written texts.

The 2nd grade French reading curriculum focuses on teaching students how to master decoding mechanisms and techniques and generate an interest in reading. By the end of 2nd grade, students are able to read a short text out loud and demonstrate understanding by answering questions. Students also start to learn to compose short texts, practicing the basic structures most commonly used in oral expression.

The 3rd grade French curriculum emphasizes more extended oral activities -- oral book reports, skits, and improvisation requiring detailed recounting of experiences or opinions. Written expression focuses on grammar, rules, and the conjugation of verbs in the context of varied written assignments. Exercises are designed to develop a mastery of spelling, correct usage of grammar, and clear, neat handwriting.

Written expression is an important part of the 4th grade French curriculum, where spelling, grammar, vocabulary and verb conjugations are highly integrated. The emphasis on correct oral expression in French allows the students to read and express themselves with greater ease and confidence. The memorization of poems builds vocabulary and understanding of the structure of language. A variety of literary selections promotes the development of reading ability and an understanding of the French culture, and introduces a variety of formats: historical literature, short stories, novels, current events, and poems.

The 5th grade French curriculum seeks competency in written expression, mastery of a variety of rules of grammar and writing, and well-developed oral expression and comprehension. With basic elements of communication in place - speaking, listening, writing, and understanding - the student can interact to express feeling, share a story, question, argue, and give a speech or presentation to another individual or group.