French Curriculum

French is taught daily from JK to grade 6, by our two wonderful French teachers. Sunnybrook students are keen learners of French. We believe that learning French will enhance the students’ awareness of language, culture and their own Canadian heritage.

In order to maximize the learning, we have adopted an approach to French instruction, called Histoires en Action! This method of second language instruction is based upon the use of stories and music for the teaching of French. It also allows language development to be supported and nurtured within the familiar, predictable context of a story that is the focus for the unit’s work. Music, dance and art are integrated in each unit, and students perform a play in French. The vocabulary taught through this method has been selected as essential vocabulary for students during the initial stages of their language learning. oiAnother component of this program is the Gesture Approach, a technique that uses hand signs to help students learn and remember this important vocabulary found in the plays, songs, and other activities. Activities are varied so that students have the opportunity to work individually, in partners, in small groups, and as a whole class.

Where appropriate, connections are made with the Programme of Inquiry. Through various means, our students begin to speak the language and are well prepared for a full middle school French programme.