th
Teacher: Monsieur Cohoon
e-mail: cohoonr@charleston.k12.il.us
Extension: 5077
Website : http://www.charleston.k12.il.us/chs/teachers/cohoonr/exploratory/
Course description: This semester-long course is designed to provide a general introduction to the study of the French language and culture through a variety of communicative and cultural topics. It is NOT meant to replace the first semester of high school French I, which is more fastpaced and in depth. However, taking this course is a great boost toward learning French at the high school level.
My availability:
Required course materials to be brought to class EVERY day
Pen or pencil
3-ring binder with loose-leaf triple-hole-punched paper
Grading
Grades are earned by accumulation of points with the following scale making up the final grade:
100-90% (A) 89-80%(B) 79-70%(C) 69-60% (D) Below 60% (F)
Earning your grade
The following types of grades will be taken:
Binder checks: Notes, handouts, quizzes, etc.
Quizzes (some spoken, some written usually 10 points each)
Projects (2 projects 50 points each)
2 Tests (2 mid-term exams 50 points each)
Participation (1 point per day you are present and actively engaged)

1.
Be courteous to yourself, classmates and teacher at all times by using appropriate language, by listening when another person is talking and by respecting each student’s right to learn.
2.
Be punctual to class. Being constantly late is a sign of disrespect and rudeness. It sends the message that you do not value the time of the other students or of the teacher. It is also distracting to everyone in the room. Please be in your seat when the bell rings and ready to learn more about French.
3.
Try your best! We will be doing a lot of engaging activities this nine weeks. You will do fine if you try something new each day, even if it seems a bit awkward or scary at first.
Disciplinary Consequences
Since exploratory teachers are not members of one set 8 th
grade team, I have developed the following disciplinary policy for 8 th grade exploratory. The system is based on the 20 point system used at the High School.
Misbehavior
Returning to locker for materials
Tardy
Class disruption for talking or bothering others and/or insubordination
Inappropriate or offensive language
3 points per instance
Possible Consequence
3 points per instance; detention assigned at 4 th
tardy; detentions double thereafter
Verbal warning followed by 5 points per instance
5-20 points depending upon the severity, intent and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Possible detention and/or referral to office. Parents will be contacted.
10 points: Student is assigned a detention and parent is notified
15 points: Parent, teacher, administrator conference to be held; potential in-school suspension recommended (except in case of tardies)
20 points: Student may be removed from classroom setting
Make-Up Work and Late Work
Participation-If you miss a day of class and wish to make up that participation point, you must complete one of the participation make up activities listed on the class website.

Quizzes and Tests-You may NOT make up missed quizzes and tests during class time. Your options are during your Homebase, during chorus or academic literacy/numeracy (only with permission of your teacher) or during lunch through the office.
Student will be able to:
1.
Recite the French alphabet
2.
Recognize the accent marks used in French
3.
Greet a classmate (express name, ask how someone is doing)
4.
Recognize the need for formal and informal address
5.
Count from 1-50
6.
Express the day and date
7.
Express the time
8.
Express the weather
9.
Talk about various French foods
10.
Describe one’s immediate family
11.
Talk about classroom objects
12.
Conjugate the verb ETRE
13.
Conjugate the verb AVOIR
14.
Identify French words for colors
15.
Express what one is wearing
Cultural exploration topics include…
1.
Impressionism
2.
French eating customs
3.
The euro as currency
4.
French music and influential musicians
5.
French fashion and shopping for clothes