Proposes some new approaches to teaching reading in the French classroom on the secondary level. (AM)

An activities module for high school students of advanced French as a second language focuses on the production of a newspaper. The module includes a teacher's guide, copies of sample French and English language newspapers, suggestions for conducting the activities, a bibliography, a vocabulary list, and an evaluation questionnaire. The objectives…

The information imparted on the covers of French novels can provide substantial insight into the works themselves and other literary matters, and can become the object of systematic study. Cover layout, illustrations, color, and commentary are all part of this "paratextual presentation." (MSE)

Compares the use of the third person direct object pronoun by native English-speaking students to use by 10 third-semester second-language (French) students. Suggests several instructional techniques. Examines the inconsistencies between first and second language reading ability to highlight the need for a sharing of information between the two…

Presents study designed to investigate effects of statements designed to activate scripts on measures of unfamiliar vocabulary with American college students reading in French and in English. Study revealed importance of preparing readers for what they are about to read. Teachers should keep background and present knowledge of students in mind…

Instructional materials from the Milwaukee Public School System's elementary school French immersion program are presented. The materials for the Multi-Language School-German/French, are as follows: (1) Summer Reading Booklet, First Grade French Immersion; (2) L'automne: Livret de la premiere annee; (3) L'Halloween: Livret de la premiere annee;…

It is suggested that what discourages students in reading literature in a foreign language is difficulty in comprehending literary language, making literature appreciation a scholarly pursuit. Techniques of looking at the novel and its construction that facilitate appreciation are outlined. (MSE)

The language classroom activities described include work with TV programs (interviews, cooking demonstrations, scenes without soundtrack); exercises with passe compose and passe simple verb tenses; descriptions of available French cassette programs; and use of texts on scientific subjects to build reading for meaning. (CNP)

A discussion of pre-reading exercises in second language reading instruction looks at the theoretical justification for advance organizers in particular, examines the types of background knowledge that fluid reading requires, and gives models for exercises designed to activate this knowledge. Examples are from French texts. (MSE)

Techniques for more effective use of foreign language periodicals intended for second language instruction are outlined from the point of view of those who prepare those publications. (MSE)

The Standards of Learning in this publication represent a major development in public education in Virginia. Adopted in February 2007 by the Virginia Board of Education, these standards emphasize the importance of foreign language instruction in the Commonwealth and, therefore, are an important part of Virginia's efforts to provide challenging…

There is a tendency for students studying a French lesson to lose the positive effects gained during the listening and speaking phase when they read the "Lecture" sections of their texts. A study of six beginning level French texts shows that the "Lecture" is difficult for students and not systematically graduated in difficulty. (PJM)

A variety of authentic materials drawn from explanatory texts or offering instructions for performing some daily or common task are presented, and classroom activities for building foreign language competence based on the materials are outlined. (MSE)

The Foreign Language Standards of Learning identify essential content, processes, and skills for each level of language learning in Virginia's secondary schools. Included are specific standards for levels I through IV of French, German, Spanish, and Latin, as well as generic standards adaptable for levels I through IV of other modern languages,…

A variety of classroom games and exercises are described for developing oral and reading skills in French. Included among the games are a giant advent calendar, a reading contest, description and identification games, questions and answers, guessing games, a trivia game, and a spelling exercise. (MSE)