4th Grade Foreign Language

Fourth Grade is a great year for observing how the students "play" with language in order to convey meaning and they show confidence in their understanding of how much French/Spanish is spoken in class. With these strengths, I hope that your child will become a greater risk taker when practicing his/her French/Spanish both in the classroom as well as outside of school.

Click the following links for more information below:

Respect in the Classroom

Respect is first and foremost. We are all learners of language in my classroom. I have a safe environment in my class that encourages even the shyest of students to feel as though they can take a risk when expressing themselves in French. If we make mistakes then we will help each other to fix those mistakes. I will do my part in making French/Spanish a supportive, collaborative and engaging class. I expect all my students to do the same with each other.

Homework

Most written/artistic work we will try to complete in the classroom. However, some unfinished work may need to be completed for homework, which will most likely not happen more than about three times a month. I expect homework assignments to be completed promptly, and I ask you to be a part of the process so that we can work together on teaching your child the importance of meeting deadlines. Also, by being involved in the homework process, you can share language learning with your child. They enjoy showing off what they are learning! Please click on this link to find out what we are studying in class and encourage your child to share what he/she is learning. You will find a list of the units for the school year and the vocabulary learned in each unit. There are a series of activities the students can practice at home. Although this is not mandatory, it is encouraged.

Effort and Participation

Your child's French/Spanish class takes place three times a week for 45 minute blocks of time. French/Spanish is taught in an interactive, authentic, audio-visual way that completely engages the students in their learning of foreign language. In order to find success in French/Spanish, I expect your son/daughter to come to class each day to do his/her best. The primary reason we learn another language is so that we can communicate with others; therefore I expect my students to be active and engaged learners. As I tell all of my students the first week of school, I will do the very best I can to teach them French/Spanish, and I expect them to do their best to learn it.

Grades

Grades are given three times a year. Student performance is based on the following: participation, effort, oral work, written work and self-control. Each of these areas is modeled throughout the school year so that students have a clear understanding of how they can achieve success in French/Spanish.

As your child's teacher, I will strive to be fair, consistent and supportive to ensure the strongest foundations possible for his/her growth and understanding of the French/Spanish language. I am passionate about teaching French/Spanish and hope that your child will develop the same interest. I look forward to getting to know your child and helping him/her understand the advantages, satisfaction and excitement of speaking a foreign language in today's society.