Francais 3/4
Madame Verspieren
vverspie@fcusd.org
Vista Del Lago HS
www.fcusd.org/vdlhs
Term 2, 2014-2015 academic year
janvier 2015
Bienvenue à la classe de français 3 – 4 - AP!
Tips for success in French class:
Enthusiastically complete class activities – singing, speaking, reading, listening, drawing,
videos, partner conversations and anything else done in class
Do your homework everyday! Daily practice of the language in addition to class time is
essential to making progress. Homework is assigned from the T’es Branché workbook and is
posted weekly in class and on my web page.
Try to understand but don’t worry if you don’t understand everything I say. I conduct the
majority of the class in French. You will be surprised at how quickly you learn!
Use the textbook website (French/teb2014) and pretests posted on my teacher web page.
Listen and don’t speak when I am speaking. Do speak only in French when it is your turn to do
so. Write everything I write on the whiteboard in your notes.
Plug in to French media: download as much French music as possible on your ipod/computer/etc. so that you are hearing the language as much as possible. Watch French tv
(tv5, available on satellite and cable) Check websites such as French.about.com or culturebox.fr
daily. Add French language learning apps such as quizlet and mindsnacks on your phone! Set
your cellphone language to French!
PLEASE keep backpacks and purses on the floor and under your chair or desk at all times.
Keep all cellphones or other electronic devices out of reach (i.e. zipped in backpack) at all
times. Visible cellphones will go to the vice-principal’s office immediately.
No chewing gum or eating in class! Only water is allowed
Materials necessary for French class:
1. T’es Branché Fr. 3 textbook (provided)
2. T’es Branché workbook (to be purchased from student accounts - $18 check or cash; visible
on text website linked to my page)
3. 3-ring binder with dividers: divided into 7 sections: Classwork, unite 9 (français 2), unite 7
unite 8, unite 9 (Fr. 3), unité 10, Le Petit Prince.
4. 2 dry erase markers and an eraser (keep in binder)
5. 1 box of Kleenex, paper towels or pack of dry erase markers (store in classroom)
6. 3-hole notebook punch and stapler (keep in binder)
7. 2 red pens for correcting in addition to black or blue pens and pencils
Course Description:
This class focuses on developing a medium to high range of competency in all areas of the
French language: speaking, reading, listening and writing. An in-depth study of grammar will
be transferred from book exercises to daily conversations and writing. Reading will include
magazine articles and novel excerpts in addition to textbook material. The class is conducted
entirely in French with oral presentations and discussions in the target language to promote
progress in listening and speaking. In addition, students explore the culture of the country
through textbook and supplementary material, including movies and research.
Student grade is updated weekly on powerschool and will be based upon:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Exams (one per unit)- 20%
Quizzes - 20%
Final - 20%
Homework - 20%
Projects - 10%
Classwork/Participation - 10%
Quizzes and unit exams are given on a regular basis throughout the term.
Homework , posted in the classroom and on teacher web page, is assigned daily from the T’es
Branché textbook and must be completed by the beginning of the next class period for full
credit. Thereafter assignments may be submitted for half-credit until the end of the following
unit. If a student is absent, they must submit missing assignments within two days of returning
unless special arrangements have been made. All late work must be submitted by the Monday
before the final exam.
Songs: each week two students present a song or article and analysis from a French web site on
Tuesdays and Thursdays. You will be assigned a date to present your song/article.
Make-up work: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL MATERIAL COVERED IN CLASS.
This includes lectures, notes, homework, quizzes and exams, and future assignments. IF A
STUDENT MISSES A QUIZ OR EXAM, he or she is expected to take the quiz/exam within the
following week on advisory day, at lunch, or in class.
Tutoring: Please make an appointment to see me on during “B” lunch, before school or on
Wednesdays during advisory if you would like extra assistance.
Classwork: Students are expected to communicate actively in French in class work and
assignments, and to ask questions when in doubt. The classwork grade will reflect students'
contribution to and participation in individual, pair and group activities while speaking French.
Inattentiveness, speaking English, talking out of turn (i.e. when I am speaking to the class),
reading material from another class, not coming to class with completed assignments, etc. will
result in a lower classwork grade.
Tardiness: tardiness is not tolerated and will result in detentions per VDLHS policy.
ABSOLUTELY NO CELL PHONE USE OR CHEWING GUM OR ANY TYPE OF FOOD IS
PERMITTED IN CLASS. ONLY WATER is allowed in class; any other type of liquid will be
taken away. VISIBLE CELL PHONES will be confiscated and given to the appropriate viceprincipal.
Academic dishonesty: please be aware that cheating and plagiarism from any sources - and
especially the internet - constitute severe violations of school policies and will be treated
accordingly.
Please sign below to indicate that you have read and understood the course description for
French 3/4, Term 1, 2014-2015 academic year. Merci!
Student name __________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________ Parent signature __________ Date
________________________________________________Student signature ___________Date