Where in the World is French?

Charlemagne Elementary

This project builds upon our school goal to align geography curriculum in grades K-5. Our bilingual French school would like to help students use the key of language to unlock the door to the French-speaking world. Each grade level has been issued a French speaking geographic region in the world. Students in that grade level will study the specific region's geography, flag(s), & culture including art, food and music. With funds from this grant grade level teachers will purchase materials to support teaching of their specific geographic region. As a school we will purchase Francophone Country flags to hang in our lunchroom. These flags will be an everyday reminder of the many French Cultures around the world.

Students will also participate in a Senegalese workshop and presentation focusing on music and dance. Community members will be invited to participate. Our culminating event will be our first annual Francophone Faire. In May classes will present their country in an all school cultural fair. Each class will present foods, art, and/or music representing their region of the world. Displays will be set and all classes will go on a Francophone Country tour, experiencing all of the rich cultural displays.

Why is this project important?

This project is important as it helps teachers meet state and national social studies standards in a unique and cohesive manner. At Charlemagne the faculty has agreed we would like to present francophone countries of the world to our students in a way that builds on prior knowledge, is brain friendly, and promotes community involvement. With help from EEF, our teachers will be able to purchase needed multi-cultural materials such as music and art supplies to supplement resources currently at our school. Supplemental materials will provide a means to continue our goal of teaching specific francophone regions of the world.

Who, and how many, will be served?

All students, approximately 300 will participate. Parents will be invited to participate in our culminating cultural fair, fondly named "The Francophone Faire".

How will you evaluate the success of this project?

The success of this project will be evaluated using the following measures. A teacher survey assessing individual success in the classroom with implementation of our curriculum alignment plan will be given after the culminating event. Next, Informal assessment of the Cultural Francophone Faire success will occur by talking with parents and students before, during and after the event. Finally, evaluation of student learning will occur in the classroom by assessment of individual cultural fair projects.

Does this proposal build upon existing programs at your school?

This program does build upon existing programs at our school. We are a French Immersion School. By focusing on specific French speaking regions of the world at each grade level, students will leave in 5th grade with a very good understanding of the many cultures around the world who use the French language. As a faculty, we have already agreed on the alignment of curriculum. This grant will help us the materials necessary to continue implementation of our plan for many years.

How will the funds be spent?

Senegalese African Music Group Assembly and Workshop. Teacher Maps/Cultural Books/Music, enhancing the exploration of the many diverse cultures of study. Francophone flags to promote ongoing cultural awareness.