What should happen in a Basic French classroom?
Basic French should be much more than grammar drills and translation exercises. Learning activities should balance listening, speaking, reading and writing. In the beginning, the curriculum emphasizes listening and speaking. Later, the emphasis on and reading and writing increases. Students should actively participate in tasks and projects. The curriculum should be based on fields of experience or “themes” that consider the learners’ life experiences, intellectual development, and interests. The curriculum should also integrate learning about Francophone culture, with an emphasis on French-speaking Canada, especially in the beginning. Teachers should encourage students to think about ethnic diversity and stereotypes. Programs should also include student reflection on their learning, self-and peer-evaluation, and strategies to enrich learning and communication.
