1. How important is participation in my child's grade?
2. Why should my child learn another language?
3. Where can I find more information on learning another language?
4. Help! My student has never had French before!
5. How can my student get extra help in French?

How important is participation in my child's grade?

Very important!  It is the best way that I can tell if your child is on the
right page and for him/her to practice the language. If at first, your student
is reticent to verbally show what they know, that is okay because I give lots
of non-verbal opportunities.  Effort is the key. 

1st grade:
Participation 50%
Classwork 30%
Projects 20%

5th grade:
Participation 50%
Classwork 20%
Projects 15%
Quizzes/Tests 15%

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Why should my child learn another language?

At Sarah Smith Elementary, we are committed to developing tolerant and curious
global citizens.  One way in which we do this is by learning about other
countries and cultures through the French language.  In addition to broadening
your child's horizon, there are many academic advantages to learning another
language. Statistically, children who study a second language score higher on
verbal standardized tests conducted in English.  
Language students also perform better in math and logic skills than children
with just one language.  Natural absorption of another language occurs before
children reach puberty. So now is the time to build a strong base for learning
many more foreign languages!

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Where can I find more information on learning another language?

Parent's Press
www.parentspress.com/edulanguage.html

Center for Applied Linguistics
www.cal.org/earlylang/benefits/a_case_for_foreign_languages.html

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Help! My student has never had French before!

Don't worry.  A positive attitude goes a long way.  Although the class is
taught completely in the target language, almost everything I say is
complemented with gestures and/or visuals.  By being an active participant in
class, looking and listening to what is going on, and taking a few risks in
speaking, your child will catch up amazingly fast.

It should be noted that he/she will evaluated based on their individual
levels.  A new student to 5th grade, for example, will be evaluated at the
novice low level whereas a child that began in 1st grade should be performing
at a novice high/intermediate low level.

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How can my student get extra help in French?

I will be offering tutoring on Wednesdays from 2:30-3:30.  Typically, I will
invite students that are new to French or those who need a little extra
support before a quiz/test.  If you feel that your child would benefit from
tutoring, please let me know.

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