Meredith Jacob

Dear Students and Parents,

Bienvenue and welcome to a new school year! I am thrilled to have you in French class this year, and I look forward to learning and growing together as we explore the French language and the cultures of French-speaking countries.

While French is an elective, it is also a required foreign language credit and will be calculated into students’ GPA, honor roll eligibility, and for induction into the National Junior Honor Society. I encourage students to take this responsibility seriously, while also enjoying the journey of learning a new language and exploring new cultures.

Students should expect homework twice a week. In addition, daily studying of vocabulary words and dialogues will be essential for success. Just 10-15 minutes each day reviewing notes, studying vocabulary and practicing speaking will make a big difference. I will guide students with tools and strategies to build their language skills gradually and with confidence.

This year, students will learn basic conversational French, including greetings, introductions, telling time, weather expressions, describing themselves and others, and discussing likes, dislikes, and daily activities. We will build a strong foundation in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills to prepare students for continued French learning in high school and beyond.

A large focus of our class will be on the culture of French-speaking countries around the world. We will explore music, traditional foods, holidays, and customs that make the Francophone world vibrant and diverse. From French crêpes to Canadian maple traditions, from Senegalese drumming to Haitian celebrations, students will gain a window into how language and culture shape daily life across the French-speaking world.

French class will be a place for students to build confidence in taking risks, practicing speaking, and learning from mistakes. I encourage all students to participate actively, ask questions, and stay curious about the world beyond our classroom.

Parents, thank you for supporting your child’s language learning journey. Parents can help students by quizzing their vocabulary words with them, by using flashcards. Parents can also encourage cultural exploration at home through French music, TV shows (lots on Netflix) and trying French foods.   I am excited to partner with you to ensure a successful year for your student in French.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and let’s make this a year of growth, discovery, and fun in French class!

Merci et à bientôt,

Madame Jacob 

Middle School French Teacher
[email protected]