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 new student is reticent to verbally show what they know, that is okay because I give lots of non-verbal opportunities. Encourage your child to watch me closely, since I will be speaking with gestures and pointing to visuals and posters in the classroom. Learning a second or third language is just like learning the first one. Babies, toddlers, and young children observe and make connections with what people say and do around them. Then, they start using language themselves. This is what we want to replicate. Effort is the key. Graded work:I will average graded work and daily participation points for each quarter. As foreign language is considered a core academic by Atlanta Public Schools, this grade will go on your child's report card. Please be aware that a low A average may be a signal that your child could be trying harder in class.(nota bene - Examples are always provided on board; instructions with gestures and visuals are always provided; appropriate time is provided for completion for all students, given that they are focused and work diligently; students are encouraged to ask me for help.) 1st grade:Participation 50%Classwork 30%Projects 20%2nd and 3rd grades:Participation 50%Classwork 20%Projects 20%Quizzes 10%4th and 5th grades:Participation 50%Classwork 20%Projects 15%Quizzes/Tests 15%Back to Top
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 new student is reticent to verbally show what they know, that is okay because I give lots of non-verbal opportunities. Encourage your child to watch me closely, since I will be speaking with gestures and pointing to visuals and posters in the classroom. Learning a second or third language is just like learning the first one. Babies, toddlers, and young children observe and make connections with what people say and do around them. Then, they start using language themselves. This is what we want to replicate. Effort is the key. Graded work:I will average graded work and daily participation points for each quarter. As foreign language is considered a core academic by Atlanta Public Schools, this grade will go on your child's report card. Please be aware that a low A average may be a signal that your child could be trying harder in class.(nota bene - Examples are always provided on board; instructions with gestures and visuals are always provided; appropriate time is provided for completion for all students, given that they are focused and work diligently; students are encouraged to ask me for help.) 1st grade:Participation 50%Classwork 30%Projects 20%2nd and 3rd grades:Participation 50%Classwork 20%Projects 20%Quizzes 10%4th and 5th grades:Participation 50%Classwork 20%Projects 15%Quizzes/Tests 15%
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!Back to Top
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!
Where can I find more information on learning another language?
Center for Applied Linguisticswww.cal.org/earlylang/benefits/a_case_for_foreign_languages.htmlMy Web Links pageBack to Top
Center for Applied Linguisticswww.cal.org/earlylang/benefits/a_case_for_foreign_languages.htmlMy Web Links page