Long-Term French Class Activity
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Researching a francophone region or country and writing a report or country study is an interesting project for French classes or for independent studiers looking to spice up their self-instruction. This project is perfect as a long-term activity for intermediate and advanced students, though it can also be adapted for beginners.
Project
Research a Francophone region or country and create a report / study.
Instructions
- Assign a French-speaking region or country to each student, or allow them to choose from a list.
- Pass out a list of required/optional sections, the desired length, and any other guidelines.
- Students write up and turn in reports, with labeled sections for intermediate/advanced projects.
- Students make a presentation on their country/region, and provide a brochure or other handout.
Customization
This project can be done by individual students, pairs, or groups.
Regions vs Countries
Teacher can choose category, such as all francophone countries, only French-speaking African countries, or regions of France.
Sections and Elements
Geography (e.g., continent, major cities, rivers/lakes, borders, maps), history, current events, imports/exports, population, languages, regional expressions, food, literature, famous people, weather, traditions, fashion, sports, technology, religion, education…
Length
At least 6 sections.
Levels
- Beginners: Pass out a worksheet with section titles and have students do research and fill in the blanks.
- Intermediates: Assign sections and have students research and write up a report.
- Advanced: Assign some sections and allow students to pick a others from a list; have them write a page or two on things like what they knew/thought about the country before they started, what they like/dislike about the region, how the region compares to their own country.
Post-presentation
- Comparisons: One student might compare religion in the different countries/regions, while another looks at fashion and a third at food.
- Detailed comparisons: Student compares own region with one or more of the others.
- Summaries: Teacher could provide a set of handouts (one for each country, with section titles) for students to fill in while listening to the presentations, so that each student ends up with a sheet of salient facts on each country.
- Francophone party: After the presentations, students could share a regional dish from each country, listen to music, discuss travels, etc.
Notes
A regional or country study is an excellent means of using French while simultaneously learning about the world of Francophonie. The reports can be put together as a sort of encyclopedia of francophone countries and regions.
This project is great for independent students too!
Related features
- French-speaking countries
- Français dans le monde
- Journée internationale de la Francophonie
- Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie
- Vocabulary related to French and France
- Independent study
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