Seventh International Conference on Immersion and Dual Language Education

Strand IV: Culture, Identity & Community

French; multiple

Pre-K
Elementary (K-5)
Middle School/Junior High
High School

French is the second most commonly taught language in the United States after Spanish. However, opportunities to practice French outside the classroom are limited. There is an urgent need to provide practice opportunities for immersion students learning less commonly used languages outside the classroom. In addition to the support brought by the French Dual Language Fund, the FACE Foundation in partnership with the Cultural Services of the French Embassy has responded to this need through the French Getaways program. The aim of the program is to help students realize that they can also use their French speaking skills outside of class, through fun social interactions with other French speakers. On a wider scale, the program model engages parents and local communities in the effort to bring the target language to life. This session will bring forward diverse activities introduced by the French Getaways program, such as nationwide tours of authors and illustrators which articulate culture into teaching. An open discussion will follow the session, allowing practitioners to share methods for implementing similar programs in their local contexts.