Course Descriptions

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

The Foreign Language program focuses on communication. The development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills is based upon useful situations in practical settings. Active class participation and completion of assignments contribute to success in Lake George's foreign language program. Components of the textbook series include audio tapes, videocassettes and computer CD ROM software.

French 7 & French 8 | French 9 | French 10 | French 11 | French 12/221

French 7 & French 8

Students must pass the Second Language Proficiency Exam
in French or Spanish at the end of the 8th grade. This is a new graduation requirement.

Junior High French

The French language program focuses on communication. The development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills is based upon useful situations in practical settings. Active class participation and completion of assignments contribute to success in the French program.

French 7 is an introductory course which instructs students in the basics of the French language. French 8 is a continuation and explores each unit in more depth. Most of the class work involves speaking and listening skills as the emphasis of the course is on communication in real-life situations. Practical topics are the focus of each unit of study. Speaking and listening skills are emphasized as students become more familiar with the pronunciation and sound structure of French. Reading skills are practiced with authentic materials such as menus, newspaper ads, recipes, and television listings. Writing practice begins with simple lists and progresses to short notes. Students learn about the cultures of France, Quebec, and French-speaking countries around the world. Songs, games, and videos are used to practice vocabulary and structure.

Curriculum outline:

1. Oral Skills:

A. Intensive oral practice of realistic situations for proficiency
B. Oral drills in class for pronunciation and sound structure
C. Question-answer drills to teach conversational phrases
D. Songs and word games for oral and vocabulary practice
E. Daily oral recitation by whole class, small groups, and individually

2. Reading Skills:

A. Introduced gradually
B. Re-combinations and different presentations of familiar material
C. Combined listening and reading comprehension exercises
D. Use of authentic materials - menus, travel brochures, weather reports, ads, recipes, travel schedules, etc.

3. Writing Skills:

A. Guided writing practice to reinforce oral structures and vocabulary
B. Writing lists (example: You are going on a skiing vacation. List four things you would pack)
C. Writing notes (example: You're going to the movies with friends. Write a note to your host mother explaining why you'll be home late.

4. Culture:

A. Cultural material integrated with course material and student interests with special attention to explaining cross-cultural differences
B. Specific unit on geography of France

5. Topics:

A. Family/Family Life
B. School/Education
C. Personal Identification
D. Clothing/Colors/Shopping
E. House/Home
F. Telling Time
G. Health/Parts of the Body
H. Days/Months/Seasons
I. Physical Environment/Weather
J. Community and Neighborhood
K. Meals/Food and Drink

6. Grading:

A student's grade consists of an average of test grades, homework grades, and class participation. Students can expect one exam per week.
Homework is assigned almost daily so that students have an opportunity to practice the language outside of the classroom. Assignments reinforce the work being done in class. Homework is reviewed or collected.
Extra grade points are also given for class participation.

French 9 One credit

Grammar, vocabulary, and oral practice of basic grammatical structures and conversational phrases. Conversational structures and practice emphasize regional use helpful to tourism industry. Class work includes both individual and group exercises. Reading skills introduced gradually. Cultural material is integrated into the course with special attention paid to cross-cultural differences. Specific culture units include Quebec and Her People and French Geography. Songs, games, and videos stimulate vocabulary development. Homework 3-4 times per week, and average of 1 quiz per week, and a Final Exam in June given.

French 10 One credit
Recommended: French 9

Students expand on and add to their knowledge of French with emphasis on communication. This approach has been developed to enable students to communicate in real-life situations. To become proficient, students will learn vocabulary and grammar, and also apply what they learn. Authentic materials and documents are used to practice reading skills. Students begin to write compositions, notes, and letters, based on practical situations. Cultural material is integrated into the course including an extensive unit on Paris. Topics of study include: personal identification, leisure activities, food and drink, and entertainment. Homework 3-4 times per week; one quiz or test per week.

French 11 One credit
Recommended: French 10

The class is conducted mostly in French. Students continue to develop conversation and oral skills as well as reading and writing. Realistic situations are intensively practiced in order to gain proficiency in the language. Supplemental reading texts, including short stories and authentic materials are used to practice reading comprehension. Writing, in the form of stories and letters, includes more complex structures. Class work includes more grammar study than in previous levels. Cultural material is integrated into the course. Topics of study include: daily routine, cinema, house/home, food, travel, holidays/celebrations, health, professions, sports, and hobbies. Homework 3-4 times per week; one quiz or test per week. (New York State Regents Exam given in June.)

French 12/French 221 University in High School 1 local credit or up to 4 college credits
Recommended: French 11

Students successfully passing French 11 will be offered the opportunity to continue their foreign language learning by choosing to take either French 12 for local credit, or French 221 with college bearing credit from SUNY Albany. The same teacher will hold both courses during the same 40-minute class period. This course is a completely integrated program addressing all skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) presenting grammatical structures in context while also promoting cultural awareness. While this course includes a continuation of instruction in advanced grammar and culture, there will also be systematic training and frequent practice in the appropriate use of the basic elements of the French language. There are varied readings, including short stories, poems, articles and current events. The study of civilization and socio-cultural awareness is incorporated via music and film with an emphasis on oral communication. Students taking the course for college credit will be assessed differently. The University at Albany will award college credit for a passing grade of C, which a student must maintain to stay in the program. A fee of $100 is required for the French 221 course ONLY, which is handled by SUNY Albany. A reduced price is possible if certain conditions are met. Check with your Guidance Counselor to see if you qualify.