The AFEI Program: Curriculum

The pedagogical program is intended to be a comprehensive introduction to French and Francophone linguistics and cultures, adaptable to students in grades 3-5. Students selected for the program benefit from 90 minutes of French instruction per week (45 minutes twice a week).

The pedagogical content targets three major objectives to be achieved by students upon the completion of the program:

A. Basic proficiency in French language

Curriculum overview : Pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, syntax, conjugations.

Teaching is conducted exclusively in French.

Emphasis is put on listening comprehension and speaking proficiency through use of repetition and transformation drills, games and songs. Students work from their Tip Top textbook and workbook to reinforce writing and grammar skills.

Students take the DELF Prim exam, which is based on the CEF Global Scale, to evaluate their skills at the end of the year.

B. Cultural awareness

Curriculum overview: General presentation of France and of the Francophone world, cultural similarities and differences between France and the U.S.: food habits, clothing, school system, typical daily schedule, etc.

Presentations are conducted in English.

There is one formal introduction early in the program.
Most of the curriculum is addressed through answering students' questions about documents provided or proposed activities.

C. Cultural outreach

Recent activities have included field trips to the Alliance Française, francophone embassies in DC, theater performances, concerts, interactive workshops featuring French-speaking artists or celebrities, and more.