Google Classroom

Parents, 

Students have recently been honest with me and have expressed that most do not check the blog on a regular basis. Because of this, I have been thinking of ways to engage students in their learning outside of the classroom and have decided to start a "Google Classroom" for each subject. Here, I will update their homework, add assignments (Some to be handed in online, others to me in person) and other updates. Students can also use this tool to interact with each other  (preferably in French) and ask questions , to me or to each other.  

If you are interested in getting updates for our google classrooms, please send me the preferred email to rcgallaway@edu.pe.ca. 

I have included a short video below for those who are not familiar with google classroom. 

Secret Santa- 7C

7C parents, 

In the past week, students have expressed interest in doing a secret santa gift exchange. They were given the option to take part or not- it was 100% optional. Today, the students who expressed interest picked names and, as a class, they agreed to a limit of $15.00. Students filled questionnaires to help their Secret Santa find them something within that limit. 

The gift exchange will take place next week, but I have told students they should come with their gifts Monday, December 16th. Most students decided to take part, but there were a few who opted out. 

I thought this would be a good way for students to unwind and have a bit of fun before the holidays and to celebrate all of their accomplishments this term. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 

Verb Quiz

I am very impressed with students so far this year. For the past week, we have been focusing on three very important verbs, "être (to be), aller (to go) et Avoir (to have)". Students should know what these mean and how to conjugate them in French (I go, you go , he/she goes, etc). We had a pop quiz today (this will not count for marks) so students have an idea what they need to improve on for their quiz Tuesday. 

We are also focusing on asking questions. At this point of the year, students should be asking all of their questions in French. Most are doing a great job with this! Keep up the great work. 

Les sons

Monday, students will have their second quiz on base sounds. All the sounds they are expected to know are in their French scribblers. The pronunciation of these sounds is a very important skill. I encourage you to quiz your child this weekend to see if they're ready for their quiz! 

How to use a dictionary

This week, students have been completing activities that are helping them learn how to properly use their dictionary. This is a very important skill to learn since their dictionary will be their new best friend over the next few years. I encourage you to discuss this at home with your child...maybe ask them if they can show you the new skill they have learned! Once they have looked up a word, students should be able to tell you whether a word is masculine or feminine and also be familiar with the class it falls under (verb, noun etc.). They will be quizzed on this next week, along with their base sounds. 

Quiz time!

Students and parents, 

A reminder that if you're checking for homework on my blog, please click on ''les devoirs'' at the top of the page. This will bring you to the homework section. Students have a couple of quizzes coming up this week. Please check the homework page for more details. Don't forget that extra help is always available! 

Les sons et l'alphabet

Students have been working very well learning the alphabet and base sounds. These things are an important foundation in learning the French language. 

Yesterday and today, they were asked to search in books, on posters and in their dictionaries to come up with words to go with each sound. I was very impressed with their desire to learn and great teamwork. 

Just a reminder, that although we do not have much written homework at this point of the year, it is very important that students be reviewing in each subject matter every evening. 

My hope for you

Parents and students, 

September is already upon us and I was so happy to see the many bright and eager faces this morning. My hope for my students this year is that they develop a passion for the French language. I hope that they do the best they can and that they are patient with themselves. Learning a new language can be challenging but with the right attitude, anything is possible.