Final Post - 3 Unit Ideas!

The unit I have decided to present is "Musique Mania".  This is an FSL unit that would be typically delivered to a Grade 9 or 10 class.  The unit focuses on a set vocabulary list that involves musical instruments, styles and artists.  The unit also teaches several grammar concepts including 'les superlatifs', 'le passé composé' and 'l'accord des adjectifs'. The final project for this unit that we would be working towards would be a storytelling presentation of a scenario that could take place in a clothing store.

Strategy #1 - Prezi Introduction 

I created a Prezi presentation using slides originally from Powerpoint.  This is a presentation that I could show any class at the beginning of the year and at the start of the first unit.  It introduces me to the students and shows them, visually, a bit about myself.  I envision using this Prezi at the start of each school year, always updating the original.

Vancouver! on Prezi

Strategy #2 - Audioboo Podcast

I really liked the Podcast approach to introducing vocabulary.  A large problem in FSL is pronunciation.  When the FSL students are surrounded by other non-Francophones, often pronunciation errors catch on like a virus!  When the closest-to-perfect pronunciation is available through only the teacher, it would be very helpful to have a model constantly available online for students to refer to.  

In this sample, I play instrument audio clips where students hear the instrument, they must determine what the instrument is and say the name aloud. There is enough time on the recording that the teacher will then reappear and give the answer.  Afterwards, space is left again on the recording for students to practice their pronunciation again.  

After practicing a few times with Garageband it seems like posting Podcasts online becomes easier and easier.  I envision using this within my FSL classes mainly for pronunciation practice but also getting students to record themselves speaking.

listen to ‘Nous pratiquons: Les instruments musicales’ on Audioboo

Strategy #3 - Xtranormal Project

This storytelling program allows users to insert any text (in many languages) and have the text come alive through avatars.  The basic program is free and allows you to change the setting, characters, actions, camera angles and facial expressions.  You are able to choose from over 30 different languages or accents and then put everything together, like a storyboard, to produce your final movie result.  

I would like to use this program in the future as a 'final project' option in lieu of the traditional 'perform a skit in front of the class'.  Within this unit I would ask students to come up with a dialogue between 2 or more people that includes unit-specific vocabular and grammar concepts.  

Honey Boo Boo Child - Musique Mania
by: mmeworkun