Category Archives: Uncategorized

This is a cultural activity and PowerPoint I created. The slides are in English, but the activity can be conducted in French with intermediate students. This activity teaches a valuable lesson: knowing the translation of a word does not mean understanding a concept, or what that word might mean for someone from a different culture.Continue reading “Translating Words vs. Concepts”

When, where: Class observed October 24, 2016, at Syracuse University. Class theme: Introducing students to the challenging Plus-que-parfait conjugation structure. Material made: PowerPoint presentation: Slideshow – Plus-que-parfait ‘Find-someone-who’ handout: Find Someone Who… – pdf

21st Century French Pop – YouTube As instructors, we all know that songs in the target language are a fun and efficient way to introduce students to new words and cultural aspects. They’re also a great way to set a mood as students walk into class. Yet, many of us do not know where toContinue reading “The French Playlist”

Link – Vimeo.com Password: llvalentin When, where: Class observed during Winter quarter 2014 at Kalamazoo College, during my first year of teaching. Class theme: Playing Family Feud (Une famille en or) and discussing stereotypes about French culture. https://vimeo.com/86023351  

Course description: This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to practice and improve their communication skills in French. Emphasis is placed on informal conversation in a variety of contexts, as well as discussions and debates of current events within Francophone culture. Learning outcomes: During discussions students improve their vocabulary and grammar and learn to paraphrase and use circumlocutionsContinue reading “French 210 (Conversation French) – Fall 2016 to Fall 2017”