French I is an introductory language course designed to develop students’ foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in French. Students begin building the ability to communicate in French in familiar, everyday situations while developing an appreciation for the diverse cultures of the Francophone world.
Instruction is conducted primarily in French and emphasizes communication, active participation, and learning through meaningful contexts. Students acquire vocabulary and grammar through conversations, stories, authentic resources, cultural exploration, and interactive activities rather than through memorization alone.
Throughout the course, students explore Francophone communities through music, film, literature, current events, traditions, geography, and other cultural resources. Students develop confidence using French while making connections between language, culture, and their own experiences.
Course Goals and Learning Outcomes
By the end of French I, students will be able to:
Communicate basic information about themselves, their families, interests, routines, and everyday experiences.
Understand and respond to familiar spoken, written, and visual texts in French.
Participate in simple conversations by asking and answering questions.
Write short messages, descriptions, and organized paragraphs using learned vocabulary and structures.
Develop understandable pronunciation and communication strategies.
Identify and compare cultural products, practices, and perspectives from Francophone communities.
Use French-language resources to expand their understanding of the world.
Develop confidence and independence as beginning language learners.
Students will work toward the ACTFL proficiency range of Novice High to Intermediate Low in speaking, writing, listening, and reading.
Course Themes
French I is organized around thematic units that allow students to learn language through meaningful communication and cultural exploration.
Identity and Connections
Essential Questions
How do we introduce ourselves and connect with others?
What makes each person unique?
Sample Topics
Greetings and introductions
Names and personal information
Likes and dislikes
Personality descriptions
Friends and relationships
Personal interests
Families and Communities
Essential Questions
How do families and communities influence our lives?
How are communities around the world similar and different?
Sample Topics
Family members
School life
Classroom communication
Celebrations and traditions
Francophone communities
Contemporary Life
Essential Questions
How do people spend their daily lives?
How do daily routines reflect culture?
Sample Topics
Daily routines
Food and meals
Activities and hobbies
Sports
Weather
Leisure activities
Shopping
Language and Culture
Essential Questions
How does language connect people?
What can learning French teach us about other cultures?
Sample Topics
The Francophone world
French-speaking countries and regions
Cultural traditions
Geography
Language differences
Communication across cultures
Art and Creativity
Essential Questions
How do people express themselves through creativity?
What can art teach us about a culture?
Sample Topics
Music
Stories
Film
Visual arts
Francophone artists and creators
Science, Technology, and Global Connections
Essential Questions
How does technology help people communicate?
How are young people connected around the world?
Sample Topics
Digital communication
Technology vocabulary
Environmental awareness
Global connections
Communication in French
French I focuses on developing the three modes of communication identified by the ACTFL World-Readiness Standards.
Interpretive Communication
Students develop strategies to understand spoken, written, and visual French through:
Short stories
Dialogues
Songs
Videos
Authentic cultural materials
Articles and classroom texts
Students learn to identify key words, main ideas, and important details.
Interpersonal Communication
Students practice communicating with others through:
Conversations
Partner activities
Interviews
Class discussions
Role plays
Collaborative tasks
Students learn to ask questions, exchange information, and express basic ideas in French.
Presentational Communication
Students develop the ability to communicate information through:
Short written descriptions
Presentations
Digital projects
Cultural comparisons
Creative writing activities
Language Development
Vocabulary and grammar are introduced and practiced through meaningful communication. Students develop the language skills needed to communicate about familiar topics and gradually expand their ability to express themselves.
Language topics may include:
French pronunciation and sound patterns
Greetings and introductions
Articles and noun agreement
Adjectives and descriptions
Present tense verbs
Common irregular verbs
Questions
Negation
Possession
Prepositions
Expressions of likes and preferences
Daily activities
Near future
Introduction to past tense
Grammar is a tool that supports communication and helps students express their ideas more clearly.
Learning Experiences
Students participate in a variety of activities designed to build confidence and proficiency, including:
Conversations and speaking activities
Storytelling
Partner and group activities
Cultural investigations
Reading activities
Listening activities
Songs and music activities
Short films and videos
Games and interactive practice
Journals and reflections
Creative projects
Presentations
Vocabulary development activities
Assessment
Student learning is assessed through a variety of activities that measure communication and growth.
Assessment may include:
Communication Mode Examples:
Interpretive
Reading comprehension, listening activities, interpretation of authentic resources
Interpersonal
Conversations, interviews, partner activities, discussions
Presentational
Writing assignments, presentations, projects, creative tasks
Additional assessments may include:
Vocabulary and grammar-in-context activities
Cultural projects
Performance tasks
Quizzes
Unit assessments
Midterm and final assessments
Instructional Resources
Students engage with a variety of instructional and authentic resources, including:
Voces digital resources
Stories and novels
Songs and music
Films and short films
Podcasts
Videos
Cultural texts
Teacher-created materials
Digital resources
Resources are selected to support course themes and may be updated throughout the school year. See Possible Sources Document
Technology
Technology is used to support communication, collaboration, creativity, and access to authentic French resources.
Students may use digital tools such as Google Classroom, Voces, Quizlet, Conjuguemos, Edpuzzle, Kami, Quizizz, Gimkit, Kahoot!, and other instructional platforms as appropriate.
Characteristics of Successful Language Learners
Successful French I students:
Participate even when French feels new or challenging.
Take risks and learn from mistakes.
Practice pronunciation and communication strategies.
Use French as much as possible during class.
Review vocabulary and concepts regularly.
Ask questions and seek help when needed.
Respect classmates and contribute positively.
Show curiosity about French language and Francophone cultures.
Academic Integrity and Responsible Use of Technology
Students are expected to submit work that reflects their own learning and understanding.
Translation tools, artificial intelligence, and other digital resources may only be used when permitted by the teacher. These tools should support learning and practice rather than replace a student's own language production.
Students should be prepared to explain and demonstrate their understanding of submitted work.
Course Policies
Detailed information regarding grading, late work, attendance, classroom procedures, and expectations is provided in the French I Grading Policy and Classroom Expectations documents.
This syllabus provides an overview of the course. Instructional materials, themes, assessments, and pacing may be adjusted throughout the school year to best support student learning.