Having taught for nearly a decade, I have come to learn that teaching French as a Second Language is no easy feat. When I transferred to Toronto, I was surprised to learn that Core French begins as early as Grade 1 in our board. It's a great age because they absorb everything like a sponge. The focus is on oral communication up until Grade 3 when reading and writing are introduced. I love these early years because the students are still eager to learn and participate in French class. Once they hit the junior years, however, I've noticed that things start to change.
By the time students enter the intermediate division, they are even less likely to show any enthusiasm at all. Therein lies one of the greatest challenges of a Core French teacher. How do you gain and maintain the attention of pre-teens and teens who would much rather be listening to their iPods? The answer, I discovered, is quite simple: Introduce them to the music of one of Canada's Favourite Children's Artist - Étienne.
- Friday, December 30, 2011
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