In the months leading up to the trip, students attended bi-weekly preparatory meetings after school where they selected two sites from the itinerary to research and prepare their contribution to a collaborative documentary film of our trip. These meetings were great opportunities for students to use their language skills in a more casual setting than their classroom as they shared their expectations and responsibilities during the Voyage. Throughout the year, I saw students from the Continuing and Late Immersion programs collaborating on their language learning.
While in Québec, students were excited when we arrived to their sites. They took ownership of asking for our Tour Director to wait a few minutes so that they could film their experience. They were able to speak, in perfect French, to the historical significance of their site.
During the many stops, tours, and meals together, students were independently speaking in French amongst each other, asking questions and for clarification of the tour guides, engaging in conversation with our very Francophone Tour Director and laughing at his very Francophone jokes.
A student summed up very eloquently what I had learned today...
“Mme, it felt good to use all of the French I have learned in a real French setting.”
Sheena (@MmeSheena) is a FI Teacher/LL, and an Apple Distinguished Educator. She is passionate about blending technology and language learning and offering students real-world language experiences.