Reminder - Parent-Teacher Conferences are THIS week on Thursday, December 11th from 3-5pm. If that time does not work for you, feel free to email me at michael.brundage@rcsdk12.org.
We are beginning our 3rd marking period this week. It is an excellent time to clean out lockers, re-organize folders and check supplies.
Seventh Grade
This week we are focusing on telling time, days of the week and dates. Students are using their numbers vocabulary, plus some new expressions:
Quelle heure est-il?
Il est une heure.
Il est une heure et quart.
Il est une heure et demie.
Il est deux heures moins le quart.
Il est trois heures dix.
Il est quatre heures vingt.
Les jours de la semaine (Days of the Week)
lundi
mardi
mercredi
jeudi
vendredi
samedi
dimanche
Eighth and Ninth Graders
We are working on definite and indefinite articles - including plural and in a negative sentence. We are using the verb AVOIR and the expressions "il y a" and "il n'y a pas".
Monday, December 8, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Week of November 17th - 21st
Bonjour -
Be sure to check out the post below regarding the Foreign Language Trip to Quebec!
Seventh Grade scholars are working on our FOOD unit, just in time to dazzle you at Thanksgiving with their new vocabulary. They are creating a mini-poster showing and labelling 10 items (plate, cups, napkin, silverware, food...). Some of the food vocabulary includes:
le poisson (fish)
le poulet (chicken)
le lait (milk)
un oeuf (an egg)
un crepe (flat pancake)
le fromage (cheese)
la pomme (apple)
la pomme de terre (potato.."apple of the earth")
la glace (ice cream)
le bonbon (candy)
**Also, we are coming to the end of the marking period (Dec 5th) and we will be having another notebook check. Be sure you are ready!
Eighth and Ninth Grade scholars are working on the unit "Ma Chambre" talking about items in the bedroom. We will be having our quiz this week on Thursday covering our new vocabulary, plus prepositions. They have a graphic organizer to help focus their efforts. Vocabulary includes:
une chambre (a bedroom)
une porte (door)
une fenetre (window)
un lit (a bed)
une chaise (chair)
plus possessions in their room such as:
un ordinateur (computer)
un baladeur (CD player)
un portable (cell phone)
un appareil-photo (camera)
un velo (bike)
un cahier (notebook)
une montre (watch)
**Also, we are coming to the end of the marking period (Dec 5th) and we will be having another notebook check. Be sure you are ready!
Be sure to check out the post below regarding the Foreign Language Trip to Quebec!
Seventh Grade scholars are working on our FOOD unit, just in time to dazzle you at Thanksgiving with their new vocabulary. They are creating a mini-poster showing and labelling 10 items (plate, cups, napkin, silverware, food...). Some of the food vocabulary includes:
le poisson (fish)
le poulet (chicken)
le lait (milk)
un oeuf (an egg)
un crepe (flat pancake)
le fromage (cheese)
la pomme (apple)
la pomme de terre (potato.."apple of the earth")
la glace (ice cream)
le bonbon (candy)
**Also, we are coming to the end of the marking period (Dec 5th) and we will be having another notebook check. Be sure you are ready!
Eighth and Ninth Grade scholars are working on the unit "Ma Chambre" talking about items in the bedroom. We will be having our quiz this week on Thursday covering our new vocabulary, plus prepositions. They have a graphic organizer to help focus their efforts. Vocabulary includes:
une chambre (a bedroom)
une porte (door)
une fenetre (window)
un lit (a bed)
une chaise (chair)
plus possessions in their room such as:
un ordinateur (computer)
un baladeur (CD player)
un portable (cell phone)
un appareil-photo (camera)
un velo (bike)
un cahier (notebook)
une montre (watch)
**Also, we are coming to the end of the marking period (Dec 5th) and we will be having another notebook check. Be sure you are ready!
Foreign Language Trip to Quebec, Canada
The Foreign Language Department seeks to provide opportunities for students to enrich appreciation and knowledge of other cultures. This year, we are planning a trip to Quebec, Canada during April 30th – May 3rd, 2009. This trip will be a combined adventure for those students taking Spanish or French. The tour company, which is organizing our trip, has scheduled several activities for both our French and Spanish students.
The cost of the trip is $455.00. This price includes a visit to Quebec, round trip motor coach transportation from Rochester to Quebec, hotel accommodation, night-time security in the hotel, 24 hour trained multilingual tour leader, admission to all services per itinerary, breakfast and dinners. (Lunches are the only expenses not included).
The following are the refund policies for this trip:
1. All applications for this trip are subject to approval by building administrators.
2. Since there is limited space, a $55.00 non-refundable down payment is required as soon as possible in order to secure a place on this trip. Spaces will be filled on a first come first served basis.
Cancellation Policy:
There is a trip cancellation insurance that you may purchase at an additional cost of $29.00. If you desire to purchase this insurance, it has to be paid at the time that the initial deposit is paid. (If you purchase this insurance and if the student is unable to travel, s/he will receive a full refund).
If you have not purchased the trip cancellation insurance and you cancel the trip after December 15th, 2008, there will be no refund unless you are able to find someone who might take that spot. (the tour company charges a fee of $55.00 per name change). If someone else is willing to go in your place, then we will be able to refund you everything minus the $55.00 fee.
Please remember that the tour price is based on 40 paying participants. If anyone backs out, after we have made a commitment with the company, it will affect the trip cost for the rest of the group.
Medical Insurance:
If a student does not have medical insurance, or if the current medical insurance does not cover him/her in Canada, then that student is required to purchase medical insurance for this trip at the cost of $20.00. This insurance may be purchased up to one week before departure.
Payment Schedule:
Our tour company requires all payments to be made 45 days before departure. In order to facilitate payment, please abide by the following schedule:
November 25, or ASAP $55.00 + $24.00 (optional -Trip cancellation insurance)
December 19, 2008 $100.00 January 22, 2009 $100.00
February 13, 2009 $100.00
March 13, 200 $100.00
Total: $455.00 + $24.00 Trip cancellation insurance (Optional)
Fund Raising
We will be working on fundraising, but we will not be able to fundraise for the entire amount. Students are encouraged to save their money, use the trip as a "Christmas/holiday/birthday" present and to earn money though odd jobs (raking leaves or shoveling snow for family or neighbors).
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at michael.brundage@rcsdk12.org
The cost of the trip is $455.00. This price includes a visit to Quebec, round trip motor coach transportation from Rochester to Quebec, hotel accommodation, night-time security in the hotel, 24 hour trained multilingual tour leader, admission to all services per itinerary, breakfast and dinners. (Lunches are the only expenses not included).
The following are the refund policies for this trip:
1. All applications for this trip are subject to approval by building administrators.
2. Since there is limited space, a $55.00 non-refundable down payment is required as soon as possible in order to secure a place on this trip. Spaces will be filled on a first come first served basis.
Cancellation Policy:
There is a trip cancellation insurance that you may purchase at an additional cost of $29.00. If you desire to purchase this insurance, it has to be paid at the time that the initial deposit is paid. (If you purchase this insurance and if the student is unable to travel, s/he will receive a full refund).
If you have not purchased the trip cancellation insurance and you cancel the trip after December 15th, 2008, there will be no refund unless you are able to find someone who might take that spot. (the tour company charges a fee of $55.00 per name change). If someone else is willing to go in your place, then we will be able to refund you everything minus the $55.00 fee.
Please remember that the tour price is based on 40 paying participants. If anyone backs out, after we have made a commitment with the company, it will affect the trip cost for the rest of the group.
Medical Insurance:
If a student does not have medical insurance, or if the current medical insurance does not cover him/her in Canada, then that student is required to purchase medical insurance for this trip at the cost of $20.00. This insurance may be purchased up to one week before departure.
Payment Schedule:
Our tour company requires all payments to be made 45 days before departure. In order to facilitate payment, please abide by the following schedule:
November 25, or ASAP $55.00 + $24.00 (optional -Trip cancellation insurance)
December 19, 2008 $100.00 January 22, 2009 $100.00
February 13, 2009 $100.00
March 13, 200 $100.00
Total: $455.00 + $24.00 Trip cancellation insurance (Optional)
Fund Raising
We will be working on fundraising, but we will not be able to fundraise for the entire amount. Students are encouraged to save their money, use the trip as a "Christmas/holiday/birthday" present and to earn money though odd jobs (raking leaves or shoveling snow for family or neighbors).
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at michael.brundage@rcsdk12.org
Monday, November 10, 2008
November 10th - 14th
Bonjour -
All 7th Grade scholars got a progress report from French class, AND their tests from Friday back. Each scholar has a graph in the front of his/her notebook to graph the test scores. This is a great tool for scholars to chart their progress.
This week in class we will be working on:
-ordering snacks and beverages in a cafe
-asking about prices and paying for the food/drink
-using French money
Some useful vocabulary:
j'ai faim...I'm hungry (literally - I have hunger)
tu as faim?....are you hungry?
Qu'est-ce que tu veux?...What do you want?
Donne-moi...Give me
S'il te plait...please (informal)
si'il vous plait...please (formal)
je voudrais (I would like)
merci..thank you
merci beaucoup...thank you very much
Eighth and Ninth Grade scholars are continuing to review their verbs (faire, etre, avoir and the -er verbs), plus question words with our new vocabulary. We are still working on our unit covering "Le monde personnel et familier" to be able to describe ourselves, describe friends, ages, describing a bedroom, and talking about and describing everyday objects.
All 7th Grade scholars got a progress report from French class, AND their tests from Friday back. Each scholar has a graph in the front of his/her notebook to graph the test scores. This is a great tool for scholars to chart their progress.
This week in class we will be working on:
-ordering snacks and beverages in a cafe
-asking about prices and paying for the food/drink
-using French money
Some useful vocabulary:
j'ai faim...I'm hungry (literally - I have hunger)
tu as faim?....are you hungry?
Qu'est-ce que tu veux?...What do you want?
Donne-moi...Give me
S'il te plait...please (informal)
si'il vous plait...please (formal)
je voudrais (I would like)
merci..thank you
merci beaucoup...thank you very much
Eighth and Ninth Grade scholars are continuing to review their verbs (faire, etre, avoir and the -er verbs), plus question words with our new vocabulary. We are still working on our unit covering "Le monde personnel et familier" to be able to describe ourselves, describe friends, ages, describing a bedroom, and talking about and describing everyday objects.
Monday, November 3, 2008
November 3rd - 7th
Bonjour -
Seventh Grade scholars will be using their number vocabulary (I hope you remember them!) to talk about people's ages. In French, like Spanish, talking about age uses the verb "to have". I "have" a certain age will be "J'ai vingt ans".
J'ai ________ ans. = I am/have ______ years old.
Il a ________ ans. = He is/has _______ years old.
Elle a ______ ans. = She is/has _______ years old.
We will be practicing ages with our conversations to focus on our listening and speaking skills.
The Eighth and Ninth Grade scholars had their test last Thursday about faire and question words. This week we will be starting a new unit covering "Le monde personnel et familier" to be able to describe ourselves, describe friends, ages, describing a bedroom, and talking about and describing everyday objects.
Seventh Grade scholars will be using their number vocabulary (I hope you remember them!) to talk about people's ages. In French, like Spanish, talking about age uses the verb "to have". I "have" a certain age will be "J'ai vingt ans".
J'ai ________ ans. = I am/have ______ years old.
Il a ________ ans. = He is/has _______ years old.
Elle a ______ ans. = She is/has _______ years old.
We will be practicing ages with our conversations to focus on our listening and speaking skills.
The Eighth and Ninth Grade scholars had their test last Thursday about faire and question words. This week we will be starting a new unit covering "Le monde personnel et familier" to be able to describe ourselves, describe friends, ages, describing a bedroom, and talking about and describing everyday objects.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Week of October 27th -30th
Bonjour -
Seventh Grade scholars are beginning our unit on La Famille (the family). We introduced words with our powerpoint featuring the Simpsons. Our new vocabulary includes:
une mère
un père
un frère
une soeur
une grandmère
un grandpère
un cousin
une cousine
un chien
un chat
*please note that the masculine words have the article "un" and the feminine words have "une".
This Thursday, Eighth and Ninth Grade scholars will be having our next test for French 1C and French I. Students will be reviewing this week. This test will cover:The verb faireExpressions using faireAsking questions using “est-ce que” and “est-ce qu’”Asking questions using inversion (flipping verb and subject)Question words including: où, quand, qui, avec qui, de qui, À qui, Pourquoi, comment, À quelle heure…Culture including Vietnam + schools and classes in France
Seventh Grade scholars are beginning our unit on La Famille (the family). We introduced words with our powerpoint featuring the Simpsons. Our new vocabulary includes:
une mère
un père
un frère
une soeur
une grandmère
un grandpère
un cousin
une cousine
un chien
un chat
*please note that the masculine words have the article "un" and the feminine words have "une".
This Thursday, Eighth and Ninth Grade scholars will be having our next test for French 1C and French I. Students will be reviewing this week. This test will cover:The verb faireExpressions using faireAsking questions using “est-ce que” and “est-ce qu’”Asking questions using inversion (flipping verb and subject)Question words including: où, quand, qui, avec qui, de qui, À qui, Pourquoi, comment, À quelle heure…Culture including Vietnam + schools and classes in France
Monday, October 20, 2008
Week of October 20th - 24th
What's Happening?
Seventh Grade scholars are getting their Marking Period 1 test back on Monday. Most students did a great job. This test included reading, listening, and writing in French. It is impressive how much these scholars have learning already!
This week we are working on some new vocabulary:
Tu connais..?
Il est...
Elle est...
Il s'appelle...
Elle s'appelle...
le
la
les
l'
cent
mille
Eighth and Ninth Grade scholars also got back their Marking Period 1 tests. Most of these scholars did a great job combining the review with the new vocabulary. We will continue to use the verbs être and avoir in our speaking, reading and writing, but we are also moving on to new and exciting verbs and vocabulary!
This week we are working on "Qu'est-ce que tu fais le weekend?" - looking at asking questions and responding to questions about activities using the verb faire. We are looking at different question works to determine the most logical responses.
qu'est-ce que
est-ce que
qui
à qui
avec qui
pour qui
où
pourquoi
combien
comment
quand
No homework?! Students should also be spending at least 10 minutes each night to review and practice vocabulary.
Seventh Grade scholars are getting their Marking Period 1 test back on Monday. Most students did a great job. This test included reading, listening, and writing in French. It is impressive how much these scholars have learning already!
This week we are working on some new vocabulary:
Tu connais..?
Il est...
Elle est...
Il s'appelle...
Elle s'appelle...
le
la
les
l'
cent
mille
Eighth and Ninth Grade scholars also got back their Marking Period 1 tests. Most of these scholars did a great job combining the review with the new vocabulary. We will continue to use the verbs être and avoir in our speaking, reading and writing, but we are also moving on to new and exciting verbs and vocabulary!
This week we are working on "Qu'est-ce que tu fais le weekend?" - looking at asking questions and responding to questions about activities using the verb faire. We are looking at different question works to determine the most logical responses.
qu'est-ce que
est-ce que
qui
à qui
avec qui
pour qui
où
pourquoi
combien
comment
quand
No homework?! Students should also be spending at least 10 minutes each night to review and practice vocabulary.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Week of October 14th - 17th
Bonjour!
Seventh Grade scholars are working on numbers 70-100, and looking at the articles un, une, le, la, les and l' this week.
**Seventh Grader scholars will be having a quiz this Friday. They will have a graphic organizer so they know what will be covered.
**Notebooks are also due. As we are focussing on organization, the notebook check is equal to a test grade for the 1st marking period. Scholars should have the following in their notebooks:
-Class Expectations
-Introduction conversation
-Why Learn French
-Colors
-Maps (France + Africa)
-Nationalities (masculine and feminine forms)
-Test Score graph
-un/une chart
-Numbers 0-69
-Telephone numbers
8th and 9th grade scholars will also be having a test this Thursday (jeudi). They have a graphic organizer to show what will be covered.
****Notebooks are also due. As we are focussing on organization, the notebook check is equal to a test grade for the 1st marking period. Scholars should check the list in class to be sure they have everything in their notebooks.
Seventh Grade scholars are working on numbers 70-100, and looking at the articles un, une, le, la, les and l' this week.
**Seventh Grader scholars will be having a quiz this Friday. They will have a graphic organizer so they know what will be covered.
**Notebooks are also due. As we are focussing on organization, the notebook check is equal to a test grade for the 1st marking period. Scholars should have the following in their notebooks:
-Class Expectations
-Introduction conversation
-Why Learn French
-Colors
-Maps (France + Africa)
-Nationalities (masculine and feminine forms)
-Test Score graph
-un/une chart
-Numbers 0-69
-Telephone numbers
8th and 9th grade scholars will also be having a test this Thursday (jeudi). They have a graphic organizer to show what will be covered.
****Notebooks are also due. As we are focussing on organization, the notebook check is equal to a test grade for the 1st marking period. Scholars should check the list in class to be sure they have everything in their notebooks.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Week of October 6th - 9th
Quoi de neuf? (What's new?)
French 1B (7th Graders ) are working on numbers (1-69), friends and family and using the articles un or une for a/an. Learning and using the correct articles will help students remember if the object/word is masculine or feminine which will help later with adjectives.
This week's vocabulary includes...
un ami
une amie
un copain
une copine
un garçon
une fille
un prof
une prof
Tiens!
Voici
Voilà
Qui-est-ce?
C'est...
.................................................
French 1C and French I (8th and 9th Graders) are working on regular -er verbs in the present tense. We are taking the infinitive (-er form), dropping the -er ending, and adding the correct ending depending on the subject/pronoun.
je parlE
tu parlES
il/elle parlE
nous parlONS
vous parlEZ
ils/elles parlENT.
* Rememember the pronunciations for the endings of je, tu, il, elle and ils/elles are identical.
** Also remember these forms have 3 meanings (I play, I do play, I am playing...).
Students should be reviewing the meanings of the pronouns, and continue to review the verbs etre and avoir.
French 1B (7th Graders ) are working on numbers (1-69), friends and family and using the articles un or une for a/an. Learning and using the correct articles will help students remember if the object/word is masculine or feminine which will help later with adjectives.
This week's vocabulary includes...
un ami
une amie
un copain
une copine
un garçon
une fille
un prof
une prof
Tiens!
Voici
Voilà
Qui-est-ce?
C'est...
.................................................
French 1C and French I (8th and 9th Graders) are working on regular -er verbs in the present tense. We are taking the infinitive (-er form), dropping the -er ending, and adding the correct ending depending on the subject/pronoun.
je parlE
tu parlES
il/elle parlE
nous parlONS
vous parlEZ
ils/elles parlENT.
* Rememember the pronunciations for the endings of je, tu, il, elle and ils/elles are identical.
** Also remember these forms have 3 meanings (I play, I do play, I am playing...).
Students should be reviewing the meanings of the pronouns, and continue to review the verbs etre and avoir.
Monday, September 29, 2008
September 29th - October 3
Quoi de neuf? (What's New?)
Seventh Grade (French 1B)
We are already working on conversations by answering the following questions:
What is your name? Je m'appelle _____________.
What is your nationality? Je suis _____________.
(remember masculine or feminine forms)
Where are you from? Je suis de ______________.
We will also be working on the numbers 11-20.
We will also be asking the question, "How are you?"
Comment vas-tu? (informal)
Comment ça-va? (informal)
Ça va? (informal)
Comment allez-vous? (formal)
with LOTS of different responses!
...........................................................................
French 1C and French 1 (Eighth and Ninth Grade)
We are working on conversations (speaking and listening) about different activities. We will be able to explain if we:
like (J'aime....)
dislike (je n'aime pas....)
prefer (Je préfère...)
these activities.
chanter
étudier
écouter la radio
travailler
voyager
jouer au foot
jouer au tennis
jouer au basket
jouer au jeux vidéo
parler français
parler anglais
parler espagnol
regarder la télé
téléphoner
danser
dîner au restaurant
manger
nager
How many can you identify?
Seventh Grade (French 1B)
We are already working on conversations by answering the following questions:
What is your name? Je m'appelle _____________.
What is your nationality? Je suis _____________.
(remember masculine or feminine forms)
Where are you from? Je suis de ______________.
We will also be working on the numbers 11-20.
We will also be asking the question, "How are you?"
Comment vas-tu? (informal)
Comment ça-va? (informal)
Ça va? (informal)
Comment allez-vous? (formal)
with LOTS of different responses!
...........................................................................
French 1C and French 1 (Eighth and Ninth Grade)
We are working on conversations (speaking and listening) about different activities. We will be able to explain if we:
like (J'aime....)
dislike (je n'aime pas....)
prefer (Je préfère...)
these activities.
chanter
étudier
écouter la radio
travailler
voyager
jouer au foot
jouer au tennis
jouer au basket
jouer au jeux vidéo
parler français
parler anglais
parler espagnol
regarder la télé
téléphoner
danser
dîner au restaurant
manger
nager
How many can you identify?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
September 22nd- 26th
What's New in French Class?
7th Grade
Seventh Graders have been reviewing colors and introductions, and learning nationalities (both masculine and feminine forms) and adjectives. This week's vocabulary:
français/française = French
anglais/anglaise = English
canadien/canadienne = Canadian
américain/américaine = American
oui = yes
non = no
et = and
ou = or
aussi = also
Je suis... = I am
Je suis de... = I am from
Tu es...? = You are...? or Are you...?
Tu es de..? Are you from...?
We will be having a quiz to review our new vocabulary this Friday! Bonne chance!
8th and 9th Graders
We reviewed vocabulary for body parts, food, pronouns, adjectives and introductions. We are continuing this week with verbs - etre and avoir. Students will be examining the differences between these two verbs in their writing and conversations.
7th Grade
Seventh Graders have been reviewing colors and introductions, and learning nationalities (both masculine and feminine forms) and adjectives. This week's vocabulary:
français/française = French
anglais/anglaise = English
canadien/canadienne = Canadian
américain/américaine = American
oui = yes
non = no
et = and
ou = or
aussi = also
Je suis... = I am
Je suis de... = I am from
Tu es...? = You are...? or Are you...?
Tu es de..? Are you from...?
We will be having a quiz to review our new vocabulary this Friday! Bonne chance!
8th and 9th Graders
We reviewed vocabulary for body parts, food, pronouns, adjectives and introductions. We are continuing this week with verbs - etre and avoir. Students will be examining the differences between these two verbs in their writing and conversations.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
September 15 - September 19
What are we doing?
French 1B has begun working with conversation - we worked on asking someone's name and introducing yourself.
Comment t'appelles-tu?
Je m'appelle ________. Et toi?
We are also finding out what counties are French-speaking. Scholars should be able to name at least 10 by now.
We are also working on colors. We are using the colors to describe the flags of the French-speaking countries.
rouge
bleu
jaune
blanc
noir
vert
orange
violet
...........................................................
French 1C and French I have been reviewing vocabulary from last year. We are working on telling time, including the "24 hour clock". They are looking at the difference between Quelle heure est-il? and À quelle heure est le film? We also reviewed colors, family, food and numbers.
As we are focussing on organization (making sure that scholars are keeping track of the new information in their notebook), please remind your child that each marking period, notebooks will be graded (20% ).
French 1B has begun working with conversation - we worked on asking someone's name and introducing yourself.
Comment t'appelles-tu?
Je m'appelle ________. Et toi?
We are also finding out what counties are French-speaking. Scholars should be able to name at least 10 by now.
We are also working on colors. We are using the colors to describe the flags of the French-speaking countries.
rouge
bleu
jaune
blanc
noir
vert
orange
violet
...........................................................
French 1C and French I have been reviewing vocabulary from last year. We are working on telling time, including the "24 hour clock". They are looking at the difference between Quelle heure est-il? and À quelle heure est le film? We also reviewed colors, family, food and numbers.
As we are focussing on organization (making sure that scholars are keeping track of the new information in their notebook), please remind your child that each marking period, notebooks will be graded (20% ).
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Open House
Our Open House at Wilson Foundation Academy will be Thursday, September 11th from 5-7pm. This is an excellent opportunity to share important information about your child’s French class including our curriculum, classroom procedures and expectations. Your child deserves the most positive educational climate possible, and I know that together we will make a difference in this process.
Looking forward to seeing you there-
Michael Brundage
Looking forward to seeing you there-
Michael Brundage
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Welcome to Wilson! Bienvenue à Wilson!
La Rentrée des classes
Welcome to a new school year, and for some, a new school! This blog is another opportunity to share important information about your child’s French class including our curriculum, classroom procedures and expectations.
For 7th Grade students, French 1B is an introduction to the French language and culture. We will focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing in the French language. We will learn about people, families, homes, school, foods, weather, hobbies, shopping, and more! Learning a second language requires on-going practice, so I recommend that students practice their vocabulary words for 10 minutes daily.
For 8th Grade students in French 1C, we will be reviewing last year’s vocabulary, plus describing the city, chores, clothing, health, sports/leisure activities plus adjectives and feelings. We will be practicing listening, speaking, reading and writing to help prepare for the NYS Proficiency Exam in June. To be successful, students should practice their vocabulary words for 10 minutes daily.
**8th Graders must pass the NYS French Proficiency Exam in June to receive credit for 1B and 1C and move to French II.
French I students will be re-cvoering the above information, but at a quicker pace in order to complete the 1B and 1C material in one year and pass the RCSD French I exam in June.
Since lifelong success depends on learning to make responsible choices, I have developed classroom procedures that guide students to make good decisions about behavior. Your child deserves the most positive educational climate possible, and I know that together we will make a difference in this process.
Sincerely,
Michael Brundage
Michael.Brundage@rcsdk12.org
Classroom Policies & Procedures:
Respect Yourself
(Be prepared, be on time, do your best)
Respect Others
(No bullying/put downs, raise your hand to speak, listen attentively)
Respect Property
(Ask permission if it doesn't belong to you, use resources wisely)
Supplies:
1 notebook (can be spiral, composition book or folder with attached paper)
1 sharpened pencil or pen (blue or black)
What will we cover?
French 1 B:
Meeting/Greeting People (Je m’appelle…)
Introducing self/others (être, avoir)
Family
Food
Time/Dates
Weather/Seasons
Daily Activities (faire)
The negative (ne…pas)
Question words
Physical description
House/Rooms
Possessions
French 1 C
Review the following:
Meeting/Greeting People (Je m’appelle…)
Introducing self/others (être, avoir)
Family
Food
Time/Dates
Weather/Seasons
Daily Activities (faire)
The negative (ne…pas)
Question words
Physical description
House/Rooms
Possessions
Learn the following:
Describing the city
Directions
Clothing
Health/Sports/Leisure Activities
Sequencing
Indirect objects
**8th Graders will take the NYS Proficiency Exam.
http://www.smithtown.k12.ny.us/lote/second_language_proficiency_exam.htm (expectations)
http://www.nysedregents.org/testing/loteslp/slpfrench.html (samples of past exams)
Welcome to a new school year, and for some, a new school! This blog is another opportunity to share important information about your child’s French class including our curriculum, classroom procedures and expectations.
For 7th Grade students, French 1B is an introduction to the French language and culture. We will focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing in the French language. We will learn about people, families, homes, school, foods, weather, hobbies, shopping, and more! Learning a second language requires on-going practice, so I recommend that students practice their vocabulary words for 10 minutes daily.
For 8th Grade students in French 1C, we will be reviewing last year’s vocabulary, plus describing the city, chores, clothing, health, sports/leisure activities plus adjectives and feelings. We will be practicing listening, speaking, reading and writing to help prepare for the NYS Proficiency Exam in June. To be successful, students should practice their vocabulary words for 10 minutes daily.
**8th Graders must pass the NYS French Proficiency Exam in June to receive credit for 1B and 1C and move to French II.
French I students will be re-cvoering the above information, but at a quicker pace in order to complete the 1B and 1C material in one year and pass the RCSD French I exam in June.
Since lifelong success depends on learning to make responsible choices, I have developed classroom procedures that guide students to make good decisions about behavior. Your child deserves the most positive educational climate possible, and I know that together we will make a difference in this process.
Sincerely,
Michael Brundage
Michael.Brundage@rcsdk12.org
Classroom Policies & Procedures:
Respect Yourself
(Be prepared, be on time, do your best)
Respect Others
(No bullying/put downs, raise your hand to speak, listen attentively)
Respect Property
(Ask permission if it doesn't belong to you, use resources wisely)
Supplies:
1 notebook (can be spiral, composition book or folder with attached paper)
1 sharpened pencil or pen (blue or black)
What will we cover?
French 1 B:
Meeting/Greeting People (Je m’appelle…)
Introducing self/others (être, avoir)
Family
Food
Time/Dates
Weather/Seasons
Daily Activities (faire)
The negative (ne…pas)
Question words
Physical description
House/Rooms
Possessions
French 1 C
Review the following:
Meeting/Greeting People (Je m’appelle…)
Introducing self/others (être, avoir)
Family
Food
Time/Dates
Weather/Seasons
Daily Activities (faire)
The negative (ne…pas)
Question words
Physical description
House/Rooms
Possessions
Learn the following:
Describing the city
Directions
Clothing
Health/Sports/Leisure Activities
Sequencing
Indirect objects
**8th Graders will take the NYS Proficiency Exam.
http://www.smithtown.k12.ny.us/lote/second_language_proficiency_exam.htm (expectations)
http://www.nysedregents.org/testing/loteslp/slpfrench.html (samples of past exams)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
May 27 - May 30th
Eighth Graders -
Countdown to NYS French Proficiency!
What is on the test?
Part 1A…..Informal Speaking……10 points
Part 1B…..Formal Speaking……….20 points (starting May 29st)
Part 2A….Listening questions in English….20 points
Part 2B….Listening questions in French….10 points
Part 2C….Listening answer in pictures….10 points
Part 3…..Reading……20 points
Part 4….Writing…….10 points
**You need to pass this test to get credit for French 1 (1B and 1C)**
What do I do for the formal speaking?
The Formal Speaking portion of the test consists of communication tasks to be performed by the student with the teacher. Each task deals with a simulated conversation.
What are the conversations (tasks) about?
Can we talk about anything?
The tasks are divided into FOUR categories:
v Socializing
v Providing and Getting Information
v Expressing Personal Feelings
v Persuasion
How will I be scored?
Students will receive ONE credit for each of the four “utterances” (responses) that are comprehensible and appropriate. Students can receive a total of 5 points for each category.
No credit given for:
Ø Yes/No…Oui, Non responses
Ø Restatement of all or main parts of what the teacher said
Ø Proper names used alone
Ø Socializing phrases like Bonjour, Ça va? (except in socializing task)
How can I prepare for the speaking?
o Be in class to prepare
o Listen and participate in class
o Review/study phrases and vocabulary at home
o Practice conversations with classmates/friends to prepare
o Review the “Useful Phrases Sheet”
o Be ON TIME to the testing location for Speaking portion
o Do your best
Seventh Graders -
We are still working on our Body and Clothing Unit. Last week's quiz was on the Body Vocabulary, and this week's quiz on Friday (5/30) will cover the clothing vocabulary. Use your bellwork, the powerpoint information and the packet pictures/visuals to help you study. Flashcards help too - and check out the links to the right - especially Quia and select Clothing (you don't have to pay to use this site).
Countdown to NYS French Proficiency!
What is on the test?
Part 1A…..Informal Speaking……10 points
Part 1B…..Formal Speaking……….20 points (starting May 29st)
Part 2A….Listening questions in English….20 points
Part 2B….Listening questions in French….10 points
Part 2C….Listening answer in pictures….10 points
Part 3…..Reading……20 points
Part 4….Writing…….10 points
**You need to pass this test to get credit for French 1 (1B and 1C)**
What do I do for the formal speaking?
The Formal Speaking portion of the test consists of communication tasks to be performed by the student with the teacher. Each task deals with a simulated conversation.
What are the conversations (tasks) about?
Can we talk about anything?
The tasks are divided into FOUR categories:
v Socializing
v Providing and Getting Information
v Expressing Personal Feelings
v Persuasion
How will I be scored?
Students will receive ONE credit for each of the four “utterances” (responses) that are comprehensible and appropriate. Students can receive a total of 5 points for each category.
No credit given for:
Ø Yes/No…Oui, Non responses
Ø Restatement of all or main parts of what the teacher said
Ø Proper names used alone
Ø Socializing phrases like Bonjour, Ça va? (except in socializing task)
How can I prepare for the speaking?
o Be in class to prepare
o Listen and participate in class
o Review/study phrases and vocabulary at home
o Practice conversations with classmates/friends to prepare
o Review the “Useful Phrases Sheet”
o Be ON TIME to the testing location for Speaking portion
o Do your best
Seventh Graders -
We are still working on our Body and Clothing Unit. Last week's quiz was on the Body Vocabulary, and this week's quiz on Friday (5/30) will cover the clothing vocabulary. Use your bellwork, the powerpoint information and the packet pictures/visuals to help you study. Flashcards help too - and check out the links to the right - especially Quia and select Clothing (you don't have to pay to use this site).
Monday, May 12, 2008
May 12th - May 16th
7th Grade Scholars are beginning a new unit on Le Corps and Les Vêtements covering body vocabulary and clothing. We will use our verb AVOIR (to have) plus our masculine and feminine adjectives to describe clothing and body parts that people have (example: I have brown eyes, but she has green eyes) to show the difference in the forms of the verb avoir. Reminder that students need to continue to review at home, especially the verb forms.
We are also having a notebook check at the end of the marking period worth ONE TEST GRADE. This is an effort to encourage students to be more organized with their notebook this marking period. If students are absent, they are expected to complete the work/notebook with the necessary information. They can use the chart in class to see what needs to be added to the notebook.
8th Grade Scholars are reviewing for the Proficiency Test (see last week's information). Classes are competing to see which class will have ALL scholars in their class pass the test - to see which class will share Mr. Brundage's head! It will take reviewing and studying - but it will be worth it!
The 8th Graders' Movie Reviews (in French, of course) are on display in the hallway on the 2nd floor. It is great to see students excited about their work and showing their friends!
Several students also had the opportunity to see the movie Persepolis at the Cinema Theatre. It was a great movie (in French) based on a graphic novel about a young girl growing up in Iran during the revolution.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
May 5th - 9th
Important Reminder for 8th Grade Scholars
***NYS Proficiency ***
Although we practice speaking/writing/listening/reading French in class, your child should review for ten minutes each night. If he/she has not yet begun to review, perhaps you can have him/her show you the work from class. You, as well as a classmate or older sibling, can review with him/her.
The individual speaking part of the exam (20% of the total test grade) will be administered at the end of May and/or early June. Your child will be scheduled for one day during school, on a one-on-one basis, to take the speaking part of the exam. Each student will be tested on four different conversations with the teacher. Please be on the look out for the dates as it is essential that your child attends school on the testing date scheduled.
The remainder of the final will be given on Monday, June 23th for grade 8. Please send the required blue or black pen with your student. It is a State Exam: “students must be present and on time.” If a student is absent from the test there is no makeup.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Week of April 7th - 10th
Hello -
April already!
7th Grade scholars will be having their test on Unit 3 this week on Wednesday. They should use their graphic organizer to focus their efforts. It will cover our verbs (meanings plus the correct forms for etre and the regular -er verbs), plus putting sentences in the negative form, plus places, people and the prepositions to connect them all. Bonne Chance!
Here are some more movie reviews from the 8th grade scholars. Great work!
Dream Girls est un très bon film avec les actrices Jennifer Hudson et Beyonce Knowles, et les acteurs Eddie Murphy et Jamie Foxx , et des autres. Ca dure pour deux heurs et dix- sept minutes. Je recommende ce film pour les adolescences et adultes. Je ne recommende pas pour les enfants parce que il y a des drogues. Il s’agit de trois femmes qui veulent a convenir célèbre. J’aime la musique excellent et les chansons. Le film est magnifique! Allez aujourd'hui et voyez soi même!
- Jenna Hofmann
- Jenna Hofmann
Pirates des Caraibes: Le Secret Du Coffre Maudit- c’est un très bon film! C’est une aventure. Johnny Depp et Orlando Bloom sont les acteurs dans ce film. Keira Knightley est l’actrice dans ce film. Le film est deux heures et demie. Le film est pour tout le monde. Il s’agit des pirates pénible à rassembler une-cent essences. J’aime la musique, les acteurs, la comédie, et l’action. C’est le meilleur film parce que Johnny Depp est Beau!
Erica Mason
Erica Mason
Monday, March 31, 2008
Our Movie Reviews
The 8th Grade scholars have done a "magnifique" job with their movie reviews. Scholars wrote a brief summary of their movie without giving away the ending, they described actors, actresses, settings, and used persuasive language to explain why their film is the best! Check these out...and be sure to check the site next week for more!
Will your movie review be next?
Little Man
by Hanan Allen
J’aime le film l’histoire de Little Man. C’est un comédie. Le Wayan Brothers sont les acteurs dans ce film. Le film est une heure et demie. Le film est pour tout le monde. Ils s’agit un petit homme qui vole un diamant de $10,000. J’aime cette comédie. C’est un bon film parce que c’est très amusant.
J’aime le film l’histoire de Little Man. C’est un comédie. Le Wayan Brothers sont les acteurs dans ce film. Le film est une heure et demie. Le film est pour tout le monde. Ils s’agit un petit homme qui vole un diamant de $10,000. J’aime cette comédie. C’est un bon film parce que c’est très amusant.
♥♥♥L’amour et le Basket♥♥♥
de Ashlee Henderson
Mon film est L’Amour et le Basket. C’est un film d’amour, de comedie, et du drame. Les acteurs sont Omar Epps, Sanaa Lathan et Kyla Pratt. Le film est une heure et demie. C’est pour les adultes. Il s’agit de l’amour, le basket, le travail au lycée. J’aime regarder ce film avec les acteurs jouent au basket. C’est le meilleur film parce que les acteurs et les actrices sont magnifiques et c’est amusant.
de Ashlee HendersonMon film est L’Amour et le Basket. C’est un film d’amour, de comedie, et du drame. Les acteurs sont Omar Epps, Sanaa Lathan et Kyla Pratt. Le film est une heure et demie. C’est pour les adultes. Il s’agit de l’amour, le basket, le travail au lycée. J’aime regarder ce film avec les acteurs jouent au basket. C’est le meilleur film parce que les acteurs et les actrices sont magnifiques et c’est amusant.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Week of March 24th-March 28th
Bonjour!
8th Grade scholars are writing movie reviews. We discussed different genres/types of movies:
This week, 7th Grade scholars are continuing to use the regular -er verbs with the correct endings. We are focussing on conversation (listening & speaking), using our -er verbs and our question words.
Do you know what ALL these words mean?
Do you know what ALL these words mean?
où
quand
à quelle heure
comment
quand
à quelle heure
comment
pourquoi
parce que
parce que
8th Grade scholars are writing movie reviews. We discussed different genres/types of movies:
les films d'action
les comédies
les films romantique
les dessin animés
les comédies
les films romantique
les dessin animés
aventure (yup, no "d")
and les acteurs et les actrices.
Now they are writing a persuasive movie review about a film of their choice - in French! Look for their completed work in our hallway!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Surrealism and Rene Magritte
Bonjour- Several students were so impressed and interested in our artist of the month, Belgium painter Rene Magritte, that they found more information about Magritte on the internet. They found one clip with more of his art work set to music http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7lr0SYUfEo&feature=related, and two others showing "Magritte in motion", http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlfJJsXpCM0&feature=related and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qCVIelcIYE&feature=related. It is great to have such dedicated and interested learners in our class. Thank you for sharing!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Week of March 17th-21st
A short week with lots of activity!
Homebase 249 had perfect attendance BOTH days for the NYS Math Exam and won the raffle for the pizza party. Pizza details to follow!
Attendance is not only key to winning a pizza party, but obviously key to academic performance. Attendance is a critical component our scholars must be committed to EVERYDAY to be successful at Wilson, later in college and the workplace. Please continue to reinforce this habit with your child.
7th Grade scholars are working on regular -er verbs. We know what they mean already, but now they will be using them in their reading, speaking and writing. In English, we conjugate verbs all the time, but in French we are taking it step by step. These verbs all follow the same pattern:
-Start with the infinitive (- er form)
-Take off the -er to create a "stem"
-Attach the correct ending to the stem (depending on the subject)
For the verb parler, create the stem parl- to create...
je parle
tu parles
il/elle parle
nous parlons
vous parlez
ils/elles parlent
Now students can take any -er verb and use it correctly! Students can access the Quia link to the right for extra practice.
8th Grade scholars are creating flip-charts to help them master expressions using à and de.
All French 1 scholars will be looking into our artist of the month, surrealist painter, Rene Magritte. They will viewing a powerpoint (created by their peers) and creating a graphic organizer to organize their new information. What French-speaking country was he from? What is surrealism?
Ask your child about this fascinating artist!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Week of March 10th-14th
Bonjour -
All French 1B and 1C scholars received progress reports before the February break, along with any missing work. Scholars have been encouraged to complete the work, both for the independent practice, and to improve their grades. Remember that Friday, March 14th, is the last day of this marking period!
Ask your child about Tatie Danielle. We watched part of a French comedy about a cantankerous woman who torments everyone around her.
This week, 7th Graders are working with the regular -er verbs such as parler, manger, travailler and voyager. They will be using the correct endings depending on the pronouns. Students are expected to review these endings at home. The links to the QUIA games are a great way students to get extra practice.
Last week, 7th Graders had a re-quiz on pronouns, the forms of the verb être and different prepositions. We worked with memory cards showing equations with matching answers in French (example: 2x=10, and to solve for x, the answer would be "cinq"). This was a great way for scholars to review their vocabulary and numbers, while preparing for the NYS Math Exam.
8th Graders also had a test last week covering the verb aller, family members, the forms of à and de, and the possessives. We will spend more time reviewing this week, both in class and at home. Then scholars who scored below a 90% will take a re-test on Thursday.
All French 1B and 1C scholars received progress reports before the February break, along with any missing work. Scholars have been encouraged to complete the work, both for the independent practice, and to improve their grades. Remember that Friday, March 14th, is the last day of this marking period!
Ask your child about Tatie Danielle. We watched part of a French comedy about a cantankerous woman who torments everyone around her.This week, 7th Graders are working with the regular -er verbs such as parler, manger, travailler and voyager. They will be using the correct endings depending on the pronouns. Students are expected to review these endings at home. The links to the QUIA games are a great way students to get extra practice.
Last week, 7th Graders had a re-quiz on pronouns, the forms of the verb être and different prepositions. We worked with memory cards showing equations with matching answers in French (example: 2x=10, and to solve for x, the answer would be "cinq"). This was a great way for scholars to review their vocabulary and numbers, while preparing for the NYS Math Exam.
8th Graders also had a test last week covering the verb aller, family members, the forms of à and de, and the possessives. We will spend more time reviewing this week, both in class and at home. Then scholars who scored below a 90% will take a re-test on Thursday.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Week of February 25th - 29th
Welcome Back!
Congratulations to Marion Cotillard, the French actress from the movie La Vie en Rose about the French singer Edith Piaf who won the Oscar for Best Actress!
Last week, ALL Seventh and Eighth Grade French students received progress reports. This is the mid-way point for this marking period, so it was a great chance for students to see their success and brag about their progress at home (à la maison) or complete any missing work/assignments. We have been having homework in French class every Wednesday night. It has been a great opportunity for students to practice and master new skills and vocabulary.
This week, Seventh Graders will be working on new verbs. They SHOULD know the verb etre and the different forms already. We are moving to the next step using the same pronouns with regular -er verbs in our reading and writing.
Eighth Grade scholars are working on possessives (my, his, your...) remembering the different ending for masculine, feminine and plural objects. We will also be looking at a clip from the movie, La Vie en Rose, about Edith Piaf and analyzing the vocabulary and themes of several of her songs such as "Je ne regrette rien" and "La vie en rose". You can see clips of her singing these on http://www.youtube.com/ and search "Edith Piaf". What a great opportunity to hear her sing and learn a bit more about French culture!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Week of February 11th -15th
All Students -
Be sure to check out the new French-speaking Country-of-the-Month. Watch the bulletin board for more information! Can you tell which country it is? Can you locate it on a map? Bonne chance!
Seventh Graders are going places this week. They will be using their new prepositions (à, de, et, ou, avec, pour, mais) in their writing with the correct forms of être to describe various locations.
Students - Impress your parents with the sentences below. Can you read them correctly? Do you know what they mean?
Je suis en classe.
Tu es en vacances?
Il est au café.
Elle est à la maison.
Nous sommes en ville.
Vous êtes au cinéma.
Ils sont ici.
Elles ne sont pas ici.
Eighth Graders are looking at the difference between expression with jouer à and jouer de. Can you explain the difference? We are looking inside "un immeuble" to see and describe families and neighbors, occupations/hobbies, and the floor where they live. We are making "des comparaisons culturelles" as we examine how French and American people label or number floors in a building.
Students - Impress your parents with the sentences below. Can you read them correctly? Do you know what they mean?
Je suis en classe.
Tu es en vacances?
Il est au café.
Elle est à la maison.
Nous sommes en ville.
Vous êtes au cinéma.
Ils sont ici.
Elles ne sont pas ici.
Eighth Graders are looking at the difference between expression with jouer à and jouer de. Can you explain the difference? We are looking inside "un immeuble" to see and describe families and neighbors, occupations/hobbies, and the floor where they live. We are making "des comparaisons culturelles" as we examine how French and American people label or number floors in a building.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Week of February 4-8th
This week in French class, Seventh and Eighth Grade students will be learning about Canada, our francophone country of the month. As one of our LOTE Standards is Culture, students will learn about the culture of Canada with a powerpoint slide show that their peers researched and created. Students should have their Canada Graphic organizer in their notebooks (some scholars still need to bring their notebooks to class). Ask your child about the capital city of Canada, or about their government, about a famous Canadian, or about Canada Day.
Seventh and Eighth Grade scholars will also be learning about Mardi Gras this week through another powerpoint slide show. Ask your child about what "Mardi Gras" means, or the origins of the celebration, or the official Mardi Gras colors and their meanings. Again, this is a great opportunity to learn about the celebrations as part of culture in French-speaking countries. "Laissez les bon temps roller!"
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Week of 1/28/08- 2/1/08
Seventh Grade: They are working with the expressions:
"j'aime..." (I like...)
"je n'aime pas..." (I don't like...)
"je veux..." (I want...)
"je ne veux pas..." (I don't want...).
Seventh Grade students are including these expressions with their writing and speaking along with the following new vocabulary about a variety of activities. They also are working with making sentences negative (NOT) by placing ne...pas around the verb.
manger
travailler
voyager
jouer
ecouter
chanter
danser
etudier
telephoner
parler
diner
regarder
Eighth Grade: We are beginning with a new verb: ALLER (to go). Students need to continue to review the forms of the other verbs (ETRE, FAIRE, AVOIR, -ER verbs). We will have a quiz on Friday on the forms of ALLER.
je vais
tu vas
il/elle va
nous allons
vous allez
ils/elles vont
Seventh Grade: They are working with the expressions:
"j'aime..." (I like...)
"je n'aime pas..." (I don't like...)
"je veux..." (I want...)
"je ne veux pas..." (I don't want...).
Seventh Grade students are including these expressions with their writing and speaking along with the following new vocabulary about a variety of activities. They also are working with making sentences negative (NOT) by placing ne...pas around the verb.
manger
travailler
voyager
jouer
ecouter
chanter
danser
etudier
telephoner
parler
diner
regarder
Eighth Grade: We are beginning with a new verb: ALLER (to go). Students need to continue to review the forms of the other verbs (ETRE, FAIRE, AVOIR, -ER verbs). We will have a quiz on Friday on the forms of ALLER.
je vais
tu vas
il/elle va
nous allons
vous allez
ils/elles vont
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