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Kindergarten News from Previous Years

Page history last edited by erl@... 2 years, 6 months ago

 

 

News from Previous Years

 

News from 2020 - 2021

 

 

The kindergartners have heard the story "The Mitten" ("La Mitaine"). The focus is on using the phrase "J'ai froid." (I"m cold.) and some of the animals.  I've included the animals below.

 

un ours (un oors):  a bear

une souris (ewn sooree):  a mouse

un renard (un ruhnar):  a fox

un blaireau (un blayro):  a badger

un hibou (un eeboo):  an owl

une taupe (ewn tope):  a mole

un herisson (un ayreeson):  a hedgehog

un lapin (un lapen):  a rabbit

 

 

 

 

 

 

The kindergartners have been listening to a song based on a book called "On y va, les animaux!" (Let's Go, Animals!). Some common animal names are the focus of the song as they travel in unconventional ways. I've included the song and translation below.

We've been using puppets and stuffed animals in various games to use these new words.

 

La vache est dans une auto (x2) - The cow is in a car

C'est pas normal (x2) - That's not normal

La vache est dans une auto - The cow is in the car

 

Le cochon est sur un vélo (x2) - The pig is on a bike

C'est pas normal (x2) - That's not normal

Le cochon est sur un vélo - The pig is on a bike

 

La chèvre est dans un bateau (x2) - The goat is in a boat

C'est pas normal (x2) - That's not normal

La chèvre est dans un bateau - The goat is in a boat

 

L'oiseau est en patins (x2) - The bird is on roller skates

C'est pas normal (x2) - That's not normal

L'oiseau est en patins - The bird is on roller skates

 

Le canard est dans un avion (x2) - The duck is in a plane

C'est pas normal (x2) - That's not normal

Le canard est dans un avion - The duck is on a plane

 

Le chien est dans un train (x2) - The dog is on a train

C'est pas normal (x2) - That's not normal

Le chien est dans un train - The dog is on a train

 

Le chat est sur un cheval (x2) - The cat is on a horse

C'est pas normal (x2) - That's not normal

Le chat est sur un cheval (x2) - The cat is on a horse

 

On y va les animaux! - Let's go, animals!

 

 

 

 

The kindergartners continue to start each class with the greeting song "Bonjour mes amis, Comment ca va?" and a quick game in French

They have heard "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" in French. They even helped tell it  as they called out "J'ai faim!" (I'm hungry!) each time the caterpillar was hungry.  I have focused on the words below:

* J'ai faim! (I'm hungry!)

* un oeuf (an egg)

* une pomme (an apple)

*une chenille ( a caterpillar)

*un papillon (a butterfly)

 

We have also been singing song about a butterfly who flies over a village and then over a house. I slowed down the video as the original is very fast.  You can listen to it here.

 

 

 

We played "Elf on the Shelf" today in French. I call it "Lutin dans le Coin"

(Elf in the Corner) so that it will rhyme. 

 

One student leaves the circle and faces away from the others. I tap one student who is "it." I then call to the "elf" : "Lutin, lutin, dans le coin, qui parle de loin?"

(Elf, elf, in the corner, who's talking from far away?) and the person who is "it" says: "C'est moi." (It's me.) in a disguised voice. The elf then has to guess who it is. 

 

 

Image result for kids and animal puppets

 

We practiced "Je m'appelle" (sounds like "juh mah pell"; means "My name is") using puppets. The kindergartners were also introduced to things to do and see in France through a coloring activity.

 

 

 

I had a fun time with your kids in their first French class of the year! I introduced my greeting song (see below) and my goodbye song (also below). We also practiced stopping and listening to directions when they are busy learning. We started a book "Paris Cat" about a cat that gets lost in Paris. We will finish it on Thursday.

I'm looking forward to a great year with your children!

 

Greeting Song:

Bonjour mes amis, Comment ca va? Comment ca va? Comment ca va?   

  Hello, my friends, how are you, how are you, ...

Bonjour mes amis, Ca va bien. Ca va bien. Ca va bien.                            

  Hello my friends, I am fine,I am fine, I am fine.

 

Goodbye Song:

Au revoir, mes amis, a bientot, a bientot, a bientot                                   

  Goodbye, my friends, see you soon, see you soon, see you soon

 


 

The kindergartners have been introduced to Fun French, a free app that has beginning games for French learners. I've been checking in with students to assess their understanding of the animals and colors from "Ours brun." I am impressed by how quickly they recognize the words. Remember that your child may not be able to tell you all the names of the animals in the book but they likely understand them if they hear them. This is natural in acquiring a language.

 

 

The kindergartners have been hearing the story Ours Brun (Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See?). We've played some games using the animals and their colors. They are making puppets of the animals to help them tell the story.

 

 


 Ours brun (oors brun)oiseau rouge (wazo rooj)

 

canard jaune (kahnar jone)      cheval bleu (shuhval bluh)

 

grenouille verte (gruhnwee varte)      chat violet (sha vee-o-lay)

 

 chien blanc (she-en blan)   mouton noir (mooton nwar)

 poisson rouge (pwa-son rooj)

 

 

Image result for snowman

 

The kindergartners have been learning the parts of a snowman through a song. We have also done some imaginary snowman building and some funny "blind" snowman drawing.  The kids have closed their eyes or avoided looking at their papers while I give directions on drawing the parts of the snowman. The end results were pretty funny.  I've included the words to the song below:

 

Mon bonhomme de neige est blanc (mon bonum de nej ay blan)          My snowman is white

Deux yeux de bonbons (deuz yuh duh bonbon)                                   Two eyes of candy

Une carotte pour le nez (ewn kahrot poor luh nay)                             A carrot for the nose

Sur la tete un beau bonnet (sewr la tet un bo bonay)                         On his head a beautiful hat

Mon bonhomme de neige est blanc (mon bonum de nej ay blan)          My snowman is white

Il s'appelle Bonbon. (eel sahpell bonbon)                                             His name is Candy

 

 

 


The kindergartners learned about Saint Nicolas, a holiday in northern France as well as other European countries. They learned that he puts "bonbons" (candy) in children's shoes on the night on December 5th.

 


The kindergartners heard the story about a girl who is not afraid of anything. They  quickly realized that she has a vivid imagination and pretends she is fighting bulls when she's actually playing with her dog.

They heard "Je n'ai pas peur!" (juh nay pa purr) - "I'm not scared" a lot. They then had the chance to share whether they are scared ("J'ai peur." sounds like: jay purr) or not scared of animals (stuffed, of course!) which I pulled out of a bag.

 

 

 

The kindergartners were introduced to expressing that they like or don't like something using "J'aime" (I like, sounds like jem) and "Je n'aime pas" (I don't like, sounds like juh nem pa). They created posters by gluing food pictures under J'aime or Je n'aime pas.

 


 

 

We have been doing various activities related to Halloween. The kindergartners created "citrouilles" (pumpkins), "sorcieres" (witches), or "araignees" (spiders) using construction paper shapes.  We have played a few games using these words as well. Kindergartners will be bringing home "Mon livre d'Halloween" (My Halloween Book) today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have been having a great time with the kindergartners! We have used puppets to practice greetings and moved our bodies. The kindergartners celebrated Dot Day with a book in French which they colored (and added dots to) and brought home.

 

They have been hearing the story of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" in French and have helped tell the story by calling out "J'ai faim!" (sounds like "jay fen" - I'm hungry!) before the caterpillar eats through a new food. I've included some of the words and phrases they've heard below (I've highlighted the words that they've heard the most and I've focused on).

 

Il y a (eel ya): There is

un oeuf (un uff):  an egg

une chenille (eel ya ewn shuhnee):  a caterpillar

J'ai faim! (jay fen):  I'm hungry!

Elle marche (el marsh):  She walks

une pomme (ewn pum);  an apple

deux poires (duh pwar):  two pears

trois prunes (twa prewn):  three plums

quatre fraises (katra frez):  four strawberries

cinq oranges (senk ohranj); five oranges

Je suis malade (juh swee mahlahd):  I'm sick

une feuille (ewn feuy):  a leaf

une grosse chenille (ewn gross shuhnee): a fat caterpillar

un papillon (un pah-pee-yon):  a butterfly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The kindergartners were given Nature Names in ECO. Today I introduced the students to their nature names in French. We noticed that some of them were in The Mitten.  I've included the names of the animals in French and English below.

 

Black bear (un ours noir, sounds like: oors nwar)

 

White-tailed Deer (un cerf de Virginie, sounds like: sarfe duh veerjeenee)

 

Moose  (un elan, sounds like: aylan)        

 

Red Fox (un renard rouge, sounds like: ruhnar rooj)          

 

Grey Fox (un renard gris, sounds like: ruhnar gree)             

 

Bobcat (un lynx, sounds like: lenx)               

 

Racoon (un raton laveur, sounds like:  rahton lahvuhr)                

 

Porcupine (un porc epic, sounds like: pork aypeek)         

 

Chipmunk (un tamia, sounds like: tahmee-ah)           

 

Black-capped Chickadee (une mesange à tête noire, sounds like: ewn mayzonj ah tet nwar)   

 

Red-winged Blackbird (un carouge à épaulettes, sounds like:   un karooj ah ay-po-let)

 

Red-breasted Robin (un rouge gorge, sounds like: un rooj gorj)       

 

Snowy Owl  (un harfang, sounds like: un arfan)             

 

Monarch Butterfly (un papillon monarque, sounds like: un pah-peeyon mo-nahrk)


Dragonfly (une libellule, sounds like: ewn lee-bay-lewl)

 

 

 

The kindergartners have heard the story "The Mitten" ("La Mitaine"). The focus is on using the phrase "J'ai froid." (I"m cold.) and some of the animals.  I've included the animals below.

 

un ours (un oors):  a bear

une souris (ewn sooree):  a mouse

un renard (un ruhnar):  a fox

un blaireau (un blayro):  a badger

un hibou (un eeboo):  an owl

une taupe (ewn tope):  a mole

un herisson (un ayreeson):  a hedgehog

un lapin (un lapen):  a rabbit

 

 

 

 

 

While playing with "M. Pomme de Terre" (Mr. Potato Head) the kindergartners practiced body parts they've heard when we made "bonhommes de neige" (snowmen) and when we sang "Babibou qui danse." 

 

The kindergartners' "bonhommes de neige"

(I apologize for the odd angles. I tried multiple times to adjust the photos to no avail!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The kindergartners have been learning about "bonhommes de neige" (snowmen) through drawing their own unique "bonhomme de neige" and naming them and using play dough and felt pieces. We have also moved around the room as we think a bonhomme de neige might "marche" (walk), "court" (run), "danse" (dance), "nage" (swim). I have been singing a song about a snowman I've included below. It is sung to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."

 

Mon bonhomme de neige est blanc (mon bunum duh nej ay blan):  My snowman is white

Deux yeux de bonbons (duhz yuh duh bonbon):  Two eyes of candy

Une carotte pour le nez (ewn kahrot poor luh nay):  A carrot for the nose

Sur la tête un beau bonnet (sewr la tet un bo bo-nay):  On his head a beautiful hat

Mon bonhomme de neige est blanc (mon bunum duh nej ay blan):  My snowman is white

Il s'appelle Bonbon (eel sah pell bonbon):  His name is candy

 

 

 

Today the kids used play dough to make "Babibou" (the character from the song below) one part at a time. As I called out the part (jambe - leg, pied - foot, ventre - stomach, bras - arm, main - hand and tête - head) they created the part with play dough.

 

 

 

The kindergartners have heard a new song called "Babibou qui danse." It's a great song for learning some of the body parts in French. You can hear the song and watch the video here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlYVf8FgyjA).

I've included the lyrics below:

 

NOTE:  I changed "fesses" (bottom) to "dos" (back) as I knew bottom would get so many giggles that would make it tough to focus on the song. The kids do not know I changed this.

 

Babibou qui danse (sounds like: bah-bee-boo kee dans) x 2           Babibou who dances

De son bras il danse (sounds like:  duh son bra eel dans) x 2         With his arm he dances

De son bras, bras, bras (sounds like:  duh son bra, bra, bra)         With his arm, arm, arm

De sa main, main, main (sounds like: duh sa men, men, men)           With his hand, hand, hand

De son doigt, doigt, doigt (sounds like: duh son dwa, dwa, dwa)     With his finger, finger, finger

 

Babibou qui danse (sounds like: bah-bee-boo kee dans) x 2                Babibou who dances

De sa jambe il danse (sounds like: duh sa jomb eel dans) x2              With his leg he dances

De sa jambe, jambe, jambe, jambe (sounds like: duh sa jomb...)         With his leg, leg, leg

De son pied, pied, pied (sounds like: duh son pee-ay, pee-ay, pee-ay)     With his foot, foot, foot

De son bras, bras, bras (sounds like:  duh son bra, bra, bra)              With his arm, arm, arm

De sa main, main, main (sounds like: duh sa men, men, men)                With his hand, hand, hand

De son doigt, doigt, doigt (sounds like: duh son dwa, dwa, dwa)          With his finger, finger, finger

 

Babibou qui danse (sounds like: bah-bee-boo kee dans) x 2                Babibou who dances

De son ventre il danse (sounds like: duh son ventr eel dans) x 2          With his stomach he dances

De son ventre, ventre, ventre (sounds like: duh son ventr...)               With his stomach, stomach, stomach

De sa jambe...

De son pied...

De son bras...

De sa main...

De son doigt...

 

Babibou qui danse (sounds like: bah-bee-boo kee dans) x 2                Babibou who dances

De son épaule, paule, paule                                                                 With his shoulder, shoulder, shoulder

De son dos, dos, dos (sounds like duh son do, do, do)                         With his back, back, back

De son ventre, ventre, ventre (sounds like: duh son ventr...)               With his stomach, stomach, stomach

De sa jambe...

De son pied...

De son bras...

De sa main...

De son doigt...

 

 

 

 

The kindergartners drew or glued pictures in to their own "Cinq Petits Singes" (Five Little Monkeys) book.  Some students chose to use premade pages and color them in which was an option. They will be working on these over the next several classes as working on them for a large chunk of time can become tedious.

 

 

I've been reciting "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" (Cinq Petits Singes Sautent sur le Lit). Kindergartners join in when they can and have been acting it out as well. They have begun illustrating or glueing pictures into a book of the rhyme. I've included it below. I changed the rhyme so it would rhyme in French and be simple enough for them to learn so the translation is not exactly the same as the English version.

 

Cinq petits singes sautent sur le lit (senk puhtee sinj sote sewr luh lee):  Five little monkeys jump on the bed

Un singe tombe, "J'ai mal!" il dit (un senj tomb, "jay mal" eel dee):  One monkey falls, "I'm hurt!" he says

Maman appelle le medecin et le medecin dit: (mahman ahpell luh maidsen et le maidsen dee):  Mama calls the Dr. and the Dr. says:

"Ne sautez pas sur le lit!" (Nuh sotay pa sewr luh lee):  Don't jump on the bed!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

I was very sorry I could not be at Open House. I have been fighting a cold for the week, believing it was allergies until today. I hope you had a chance to look at your child's work. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or would like to talk (elindberg@wwsu.org).

 

We started the story "The Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly" in French. The kids heard the story as I acted it out with a paper woman and animals. We then acted out each animal while moving around the room.  They have begun coloring their own animals and will also have a woman that will hold the animals.

 

Below are the animals in the story:

 

une mouche (ewn moosh):  a fly

une araignee (ewn ahrenyay):  a spider

un oiseau (un wazo):  a bird

un chat (un shah): a cat

un chien (un she-en):  a dog

une vache (ewn vahsh):  a cow

un cheval (un sheuval);  a horse

 

Below is how I've told the story;

 

Il y a une vieille dame qui a mangé une mouche. Pourquoi elle a mangé une mouche?  Je ne sais pas!

     There is an old lady who ate a fly. Why did she eat a fly? I don't know!

Il y a une vieille dame qui a mangé une araignée pour manger la mouche. Pourquoi elle a mangé une mouche? Je ne sais pas!

     There is an old lady who ate a spider. She ate the spider to eat the fly. Why did she eat the fly? I don't know!

Il y a une vieille dame qui a mangé un oiseau pour manger l'araignée pour manger la mouche. Pourquoi elle a mangé une mouche? Je ne sais pas!

 

This continues with each animal.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    

 

We have been practicing "Je m'appelle" (My name is...). Today we chanted a rhyme (see below) asking each others' names. Kids responded one at a time with "Je m'appelle..." followed by their name. They created self-portraits on which I wrote "Je m'appelle" and they wrote their names.

 

Glace, chocolat, caramel (glahs, shokola, kah-rah-mel)       Ice-cream, chocolate, caramel          (tap hands on legs on each syllable)

Comment tu t'appelles (Komen tew tah pell)                         What's your name?                            (clap on each syllable)

 

Student responds:  Je m'appelle (Juh mah pell) followed by their name.

**********************************

What a fun first day I had with your children! I learned their names through a game I call "La boite magique" (the magic box). Their names were on strips of paper in the box and they picked a name. When it was their name the class cheered and we said the magic box was working. When they pulled out someone else's name we told the magic box it didn't pick the right name. We did a few rounds until all the students had picked their names.

 

The kindergartners used puppets to practice "Je m'appelle" (My name is...). It will take a lot more opportunities to use this for them to be able to use it outside of French class. If you use it at home they will acquire it faster!

 

The kindergartners moved around the room, listening to my direction in French (marchez - walk, arretez - stop). This was to practice their listening and to become familiar with these 2 words.

 

I am looking forward to seeing them again on Thursday!

 

 

 

 

The kindergartners have begun acquiring some of the words from The Very Hungry Caterpillar (La chenille qui fait des trous).  They have done a great job acting out the story from being an egg (un oeuf) to a butterfly (un papillon).  I've included some of the key words and phrases below.

 

un oeuf (un uff):  an egg

J'ai faim! (jay fen):  I'm hungry!

mange (manj):  eats

une pomme (ewn pum):  an apple

deux poires (duh pwar):  two pears

trois prunes (trwa prewn):  three plums

quatre fraises (kat frez):  four strawberries

cinq oranges (sank oranj):  five oranges

gros (grow):  fat

une feuille (ewn fuhy): a leaf

une chrysalide (ewn kree-sa-leed): a chrysalis

un papillon (un pah-pee-yon):  a butterfly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Today the kindergartners learned about how the French celebrate April Fool's Day. Children often tape paper fish on people's backs as a joke. When the fish is discovered people call out "Poisson d'avril!" (April fish!)

The kids colored and cut out their own paper fish and placed them on each other's backs. They then had to guess who put the fish on their back.

 

 

 

 

 

Today the kindergartners celebrated Mardi Gras as it falls on Tuesday, February 28th (during our vacation). They learned about the colors of Mardi Gras, the beads, some of the costumes (jester, king, pirate) and of course the king cake. Each child had a turn telling me which color to sprinkle on the king cake. One lucky child found a raisin in his slice. They learned that traditionally the person who finds the plastic baby (I use a raisin) in their slice is king or queen for the day (pretend) and has to bring the cake to the party the next year! Ask your child if he or she remembers who found the raisin! Here's a hint: His name begins with B.

 

 

 

 


 

The kindergartners continue to practice the animals and colors  from Ours brun.   They have begun to listen to and sing along to a silly song about dancing potatoes. You can hear it here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCNqKG2SdCo

 

 

 


 

The kindergartners took a little break from the story Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? to learn about how the French celebrate Christmas.

They learned that in some parts of France (such as Alsace in the northeast of France) children leave their shoes out on the night of December 5th for Saint Nicolas to fill with treats.

 

On Christmas Eve the French who celebrate Christmas often go to a midnight church service and have a big meal. Many families open their gifts late on Christmas Eve.

A popular Christmas dessert is buche de Noel.


 

The kindergartners are learning the animals in the story Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?  I've included the new words they're learning below:

 


 Ours brun (oors brun)oiseau rouge (wazo rooj)

 

canard jaune (kahnar jone)      cheval bleu (shuhval bluh)

 

grenouille verte (gruhnwee varte)      chat violet (sha vee-o-lay)

 

 chien blanc (she-en blan)   mouton noir (mooton nwar)

 poisson rouge (pwa-son rooj)

 

 

 

 

Today was P.E. in French! The kindergartners had French in the gym today and we played a few games in French.  The kindergartners chose animals for our "duck, duck, goose" game. In our first few games our "duck" was "zebre" (sounds like "zebruh" - zebra) and our "goose" was "crocodile" (sound like "krokodeel" - crocodile). In the second round our "duck" was "lapin" (sounds like "lahpen" - bunny) and our "goose" was "ours" (sounds like "oors" - bear).  

 

We finished class by playing "Freeze." Students were given a motion in French while I had my back turned to them. They did a great job understanding the motion I called out (I've included them below). I then called out "Arretez!" (sounds like "ahretay" - stop) and turned around. They had to freeze and not get caught moving.

 

Words I used in our "Freeze" game

 

La classe marche. :  The class walks.

La classe court.: The class runs.

La classe danse.:  The class dances.

La classe saute.: The class jumps.

 

Arretez! : Stop!

 

 

 

 

Today the kindergartners learned the word for pumpkin and heard a song about a pumpkin.  They created faces on  paper pumpkins which have the word for pumpkin on the back (ma citrouille, sounds like "ma see-trwee").  I've included the song they heard today:

 

Je suis une citrouille (x2)   Juh sweez ewn see-trwee            I am a pumpkin

avec deux yeux (x2)  Ahvek duhz yuh                                     With 2 eyes

un nez (x2) un nay                                                                   A nose

Et une bouche (x2)  ay ewn boosh                                           And a mouth

 

The kindergartners taught me some of the things they are learning about in ECO. We will be using these words in French and they will be illustrating an ECO book in French.

 

 

 

Today the kindergartners began the weather chart.  Each French class a student will be the meteorologist.  He or she will color in 2 boxes for the day's weather.  The class then asks, "Quel temps fait-il?" (What's the weather like?). The "meteorologist" of the day reports on the weather with some help from me. My hope is that part way through the year they will not need my help.


We also played a game called "Qui est Georges?" (Who is Georges?). Students close their eyes. One student is tapped and he is "Georges." Students open their eyes and one person is chosen to ask "Comment tu t'appelles?" (What's your name?). Everyone answers with "Je m'appelle" and their name except for the person who was tapped who answers "Je m'appelle Georges." When students hear "Je m'appelle Georges" they have to move to a different spot but not the spot next to them.  There were quite a few giggles!

Today the kindergartners colored in their French flag and began coloring the cover of their France coloring books.

 

 

We have been practicing our greetings (Bonjour, je m'appelle...). I was amazed that the kindergartners showed such comfort and ease in introducing themselves in French. One student said, "But Madame, you taught us that last week!"  

I showed them the French flag and we talked about how it is similar and different from the American flag. They noticed they are both red, white and blue and have stripes. They noticed they are different because the American flag has stars and skinny stripes.

 

We had a great first day. The kindergartners practiced greeting one another with "Bonjour" using puppets. We moved around the room in various ways (walking, "swimming," running, hopping, dancing). They did a great job understanding these words as well as my directions (sit down, stand up, stop).  I've included these below.

 

Levez-vous (lehvay voo):  Stand up.

Asseyez-vous (ahsay-yay voo):  Sit down.

Arretez (ahretay):  Stop. 

 

 

 


The kindergartners have been practicing "Ca me gratte," "the itchy song" as I call it. They have also been reporting on the weather and practicing the colors and things in the classroom.

We have started learning the animals from "The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly," some of which they heard before.  I've included them below.

 

une mouche (ewn moosh):  a fly

une arraignee (ewn ah-ren-yay):  a spider

un oiseau (un wazo):  a bird

un chat (un sha):  a cat

un chien (un she-en): a dog

une vache (ewn vash):  a cow

un cheval (un shuhval):  a horse

 

 

 

 

The kindergartners learned about Mardi Gras and made masks with feathers and sequins.  I hope they all arrived home in one piece!

 

 

The kindergartners have heard the story of The Mitten in French (La Mouffle).  They have been practicing the names of the animals and have learned how to say "I'm cold!" ("J'ai froid!") as they help retell the story.  I've included the words they're learning below.

 

Il neige (eel nej) - It's snowing               J'ai froid. (jay fraw) - I'm cold.

la moufle (la moofluh) - the mitten          Excusez-moi (exkewzay mwa) - Excuse me.

 

un lapin (un lah-pen) - a rabbit                                                  une taupe (ewn tope) - a mole

un renard (un ruhnar) - a fox                                                    un blaireau (un blai-ro) - a badger

un herisson (un ai-ree-son) - a hedgehog                                   un ours (un oors) - a bear

un hibou (un eeboo) - an owl                                                      une souris (ewn sooree) - a mouse

 

  

 

The kindergartners learned about Kings' Day and how it is celebrated in France.  They played a game where each child had a slice of "king cake" (paper).  The one who found the picture of the baby under his or her slice was king or queen.  We played several rounds and all students made a crown.


                                                  

 

The kindergartners learned about some of the traditions around Christmas and Hanukkah in France.  They learned some words associated with the holidays as well.  I've included them below.

 

Joyeux Noel (Jwayuh noel):  Merry Christmas

Joyeux Hanoucca (jwayuh ah-noo-ka):  Happy Hanukkah

 

Papa Noel (papa noel):  Santa Claus

un sapin de noel (un sapen duh noel):  a Christmas tree)

un renne (un ren):  a reindeer

une bougie (ewn boojee):  a candle

une toupie (ewn toopee):  a dreidel

 

 

I am excited to be teaching your children!  In French class we sing, color, play games and move our bodies. 

 

 

 

The students have been doing a great job helping me tell the story Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See?  

 

 

 

We continue to report on the weather and have been greeting each other with a rhyme which I've included below:

 

We all chant the following as we tap our legs with our hands:

 

               Glace, chocolat, caramel, (glahs, sho-ko-la, karamel,);  Ice-cream, chocolate, caramel

 

We then clap our hands and chant:  

 

               Comment tu t'appelles?   (komen tew tahpel?):  What is your name?

 

Students then reply (one at a time):

 

          Je m'appelle....(juh mahpell):  My name is...

 

 

We have begun the story "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See?" based on the classic story.  We have had fun acting out the various animals as I call them out in French.  We have also played some search for the animals games. I've included the names of the animals below:

 Ours brun (oors brun)oiseau rouge (wazo rooj)

 

canard jaune (kahnar jone)      cheval bleu (shuhval bluh)

 

grenouille verte (gruhnwee varte)      chat violet (sha vee-o-lay)

 

 chien blanc (she-en blan)   mouton noir (mooton nwar)

 

 poisson rouge (pwason rooj)

 

 

9/21

 

Today we "picked" apples (pommes) from our imaginary apple trees, crossing our bodies and putting the "pommes" in our imaginary baskets.  This gave us a chance to stretch while practicing the numbers 1 -20 in French.  Also, reaching across our bodies ("crossing the body's midline") is a good exercise.  You can learn more about crossing the body's midline here:  http://www.childdevelopment.com.au/areas-of-concern/diagnoses/130.

We continue to move to and sing "tete, epaules, genoux et pieds" (head, shoulders, knees and toes) and act out the weather.  We also have been acting out our jungle walk story.  Today I was amazed at how well the students were able to show me the meaning of several of the words in the story we've been acting out.  I've included them below.

 

un sac a dos (un sak ah doe):  a backpack

ouvrez le sac a doe (oovray luh sak ah doe):  open the backpack

une banane (ewn bahnan):  a banana

marchez (marshay):  walk

ecoutez (aykootay):  listen

courez (kooray):  run

nagez (nahjay):  swim

J'ai faim!  (jay fen):  I'm hungry!

mangez une banane (manjay ewn bahnan):  eat a banana

 

 

 

 

I had a fun day with your kids today!  We did "tete, epaules, genoux et pieds" (head, shoulders, knees and toes) at varying speeds which the kids seemed to really like.  The kindergartners also had a chance to take a look at the France coloring book they'll be working on throughout the years.  We talked about what they saw on the map of France which has smaller pictures of the foods, sports and animals that are found around France.

 

Words to Tete, Epaules, Genoux et Pieds

 

Tete, epaules, genoux et pieds (tet, aypole, juhnoo ay pea-ay):  Head, shoulders, knees and toes

genoux et pieds (juhnoo ay pea-ay):  Knees and toes (actually "pieds" means "feet.")

(Repeat above)

J'ai deux yeux (jay duhz yuh):  I have two eyes

un nez, une bouche et deux oreilles (un nay, ewn boosh ay duhz oray):  a nose, a mouth and two ears

Tete, epaules, genoux et pieds (tet, aypole, juhnoo ay pea-ay):  Head, shoulders, knees and toes

 

 

I had a wonderful first class with the kindergartners!  We practiced introducing ourselves and our puppets using "Je m'appelle" (sounds like "juh ma pell") and moved our bodies.  I'm looking forward to learning and having fun with them this year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

News from 2014/2015

 

The kindergartners have been learning the names of spring related words through a coloring activity, whole class activities and small group games.  It always amazes me how quickly kids pick up new words.  I hope to do a scavenger hunt outside for these new words they're learning.

 

 

 

Image result for robin bird coloring pages

un oiseau (wazo)


Image result for newt coloring page



un triton (tree-ton)



Image result for bug coloring pages


un papillon (pa-pea-yon)


Image result for spring coloring pictures

une fleur (fluhr)


Image result for bear coloring pages

un ours (oors)

Image result for frog coloring page

une grenouille (gruhnwee)

Image result for bug coloring pages

une bestiole (bestee-ole)

Image result for tree coloring page


un arbre (arbruh)


Image result for spring coloring pictures

Il pleut. (eel pluh)


Image result for fish coloring page





un poisson (pwason)


Image result for bug coloring pages

   un ver (vare)


Image result for bug coloring pages

une coccinelle (ko-xee-nell)

Image result for caterpillar coloring pages

une chenille (shuhnee)



une flaque (flahk)

la boue (boo) - mud


un pissenlit (peesenlee)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Kindergartners have been singing "Les Roues de l'Autobus" (The Wheels on the Bus) and having fun acting it out, complete with a student "bus driver."  You can hear the song by visiting the following site:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YtFDzZ-kbw

 

We have also been practicing numbers to 20 through various activities.  You can hear the numbers in French by visiting the following site:  http://lexiquefle.free.fr/numero.swf  

There is a fun game for kids to pracice numbers 13 - 21 on the following site:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryfrench/numbers13_21/game.shtml?nav

You can also practice numbers by simply asking your child to count things throughout the day in French. 

 

 

The kindergartners are learning the names for some common farm animals through the story "Puppy Finds a Friend." (Le petit chien trouve un ami).  It is a simple story in French and English with a lot of repetition and limited new words.   We have used puppets to retell the story and students will be creating their own small paper animals to tell the story.  

I've included the animals they are learning below.

 

le chien (luh she-en):  the dog

le chat (luh sha):  the cat

la vache (la vash):  the cow

le cheval (luh shuh-val);  the horse

la poule (la pool):  the hen

le canard (luh kah-nar):  the duck

la souris (la sooree):  the mouse

 

Tu veux jouer avec moi? (Tew vuh joo-ay avek mwa):  Do you want to play with me?

 

News from Previous Weeks

Students learned about St. Nicolas day as it is celebrated in some parts of France.  They decorated paper shoes and candy canes and learned about the tradition of children leaving their shoes out for St. Nicolas to fill on the night of December 5th.

 

 

We continue to report on the weather and practice our colors.  Students created paper versions of themselves and then chose an adjective to describe themselves.  You can see your child's creation in the hall leading to the kindergarten classroom.  Each one says "Je m'appelle..." (My name is...) and "Je suis..." (I am...).  Ask your child how he/she chose to describe himself/herself.

 

We have been singing a silly song about dancing potatoes.  It is a fun song to sing and is an excellent way for the kindergartners to learn some of the body parts.  I've included the song below along with the link to the song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCNqKG2SdCo. )

 

Une patate (ewn pahtaht)                         One potato (the French Canadian slang word for potato)

Avec des yeux (ahvek daze yuh)                With eyes

Avec un nez (ahvek un nay)                        With a nose

Avec une bouche (ahvek ewn boosh)          With a mouth  

Et un chapeau (ay un shah-po)                    And a hat

Qui aime danser (x12!) (key em dansay)     Who likes to dance 

 

Deux patates (duh pahtat)                         Two potatoes

Avec des yeux (ahvek daze yuh)                 With eyes

Avec des nez (ahvek day nay)                     With noses

Avec des bouches (ahvek day boosh)          With mouths  

Et des chapeaux (ay day shah-po)               And hats

Qui aime danser (x12!) (key em dansay)      Who likes to dance 

 

 

 

 

 

The kindergartners greet each other at the start of class through songs, rhymes and movement. Students have begun reporting on the weather using our French weather chart.  Each day a different child is our meteorologist coloring in the chart and reporting to the class.  We have also been acting out the weather while parading around the classroom.  Thunder is the favorite!

The kindergartners have begun exploring France through their France coloring books.  They learned the colors of the French flags as well as things visitors might see in France.

 

 

News from Previous Weeks

I had a great first class with the kindergartners on Wednesday.  We introduced ourselves, some even chose to introduce themselves in French!  We also shared what we did over the summer by placing name tags under the activity.  The results will be hanging on the wall next week!  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns (elindberg@wwsu.org or 496 -5415).

 

 

 

 

Notes from 2013 - 2014

The kindergartners have been hearing the story about Freddie la grenouille (Freddy the frog).  We've been acting out what Freddie likes to do and what he likes to eat both inside and outside.  They have been illustrating a book about him and have started illustrating a similar book above themselves, using many of the same words.  I've included the words and phrases they've been learning below.

 

une grenouille (ewn gruhnwee);  a frog

un tetard (un taytar):  a tadpole

nager (najay):  to swim

sauter (sotay):  to jump

manger (manjay):  to eat

les bestioles (lay bestee-ole):  bugs

J'aime (jem):  I like

a bientot (ah bee-en-toe):  see you soon

 

 

 

The kindergartners created their own potatoes with eyes, nose, mouth, arms, legs and hat as described in the song we've been singing (see below).  We continue to report on the weather and practice our colors.

We've been doing a bit of yoga using the French names of the poses.  The kids are quite familiar with the poses and the practice of being quiet while holding a pose.  I've included them below.

 

la montagne (la montanya):  mountain 

le pince debout (la pens duhboo):  standing clip / forward fold

chien tete en bas (she-en tet en bah):  downward dog

la planche (la plansh):  plank

 

 

 

The kindergartners presented their "paper selves" to the class using the 4 sentences below.

Je m'appelle...(juh mah pell):  My name is...

J'ai ___ ans (jay ___ an):  I am ___ years old.

Je suis sympa.  (juh swee sempa):  I am kind.

J'aime... (jem):  I like...

 

We have been singing a silly song about dancing potatoes.  The kids are creating their own potatoes complete with eyes, noses, mouths, arms, legs and hats.  I've included the lyrics and the link to the 
song below:

 

Une patate  (a potato)

Avec des yeux (with eyes)

Avec un nez (with a nose)

Avec une bouche (with a mouth)

 

Une patate (a potato)

Avec des bras (with arms)

Avec des jambes (with legs)

Et un chapeau (and a hat)

 

Repeat above using “deux patates” and then “trois patates.”

By Jingle Bilingual

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCNqKG2SdCo&feature=relmfu

 

 

Prior to their "trip" to Paris the kindergartners learned about several of the famous monuments and museums of Paris as well as its Metro and the Seine river.  Through art they recreated some of the artwork and monuments of the city of lights as well as Monet's gardens in Giverny, outside of Paris.  They created passports with information on these attractions. They enjoyed baguette and "fromage" at a cafe and listened to French music during their "visit."  

The kindergartners have been learning how to talk about themselves by using the phrases below.  They created paper versions of themselves which have necklaces about themselves.

 

Je m'appelle...(juh mah pell):  My name is...

J'ai ___ ans (jay ___ an):  I am ___ years old.

Je suis sympa.  (juh swee sempa):  I am kind.

J'aime... (jem):  I like...

 

 

 

The kindergartners made dough ornaments or figurines related to France.  Some of the creations included:  the Eiffel Tower, snails, baguettes, croissants.


We continue to practice weather expressions, colors and numbers.  We are also singing the song below.  Your children will be coming home with a book of the song.  Unfortunately, it is not a song that you can find online as it is a book that we just sing to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell."

 

 

The kindergartners are learning a silly song about animals traveling by car, bike, boat, plane, train and horse.  I've included the first few verses below.

 

La vache est dans une auto (x2)               The cow is in a car

C'est pas normal (x2)                                That's not normal

La vache est dans une auto                        The cow is in a car

 

Le cochon est sur un velo (x2)                    The pig is on a bike

C'est pas normal (x2)                         That's not normal

Le cochon est sur un velo                   The pig is on a bike

 

La chevre est dans un bateau (x2)                The goat is in a boat

C'est pas normal (x2)                                     That's not normal

La chevre est dans un bateau                         The goat is in a boat

 

Le canard est dans un avion (x2)                    The duck is in a plane

C'est pas normal (x2)                                      That's not normal

Le canard est dans un avion                            The duck is in a plane

 

 

The kindergartners created paper "bonbons" (candy) to go with the song we've been singing "Qu'est-ce que c'est?" 16 Activite 12, Song - Colors.m4a.

 

Qu'est-ce que c'est?           What's this/that?

C'est un bonbon noir             It's a black candy

C'est un bonbon rouge          It's a red candy

C'est un bonbon bleu            It's a blue candy

C'est un bonbon vert            It's a green candy

C'est un bonbon jaune          It's a yellow candy

C'est un bonbon blanc          It's a white candy

Pour maman                           For mommy

 

 

We continue to sing our greeting song and report on the weather.

We will be starting a new story this week...Stay tuned!

 

 

Many of the kindergartners have finished coloring their "La chenille affamee" (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) books.  They are able to use "J'ai faim!" (I'm hungry) and some of the words from the story such as:  

une chenille (sounds like "ewn shuh nee")   a caterpillar

une pomme (sounds like "ewn pum")  an apple

deux poires (sounds like "duh pwar")   2 pears

un papillon (sounds like "un pah pee on")   a  butterfly

 

We started learning a new song about the colors and candy, just in time for Halloween!  Moms will be happy to know that the song is about giving candy to "maman".  I am looking into how I can share the song with you on this website.  I've included the words below.

 

Qu’est-ce que c’est? (keska say) What’s this?

C’est un bonbon noir (set un bonbon noir) It’s a black candy

C’est un bonbon rouge (set un bonbon rooj) It’s a red candy

C’est un bonbon bleu (set un bonbon bluh) It’s a blue candy

C’est un bonbon vert (set un bonbon vare) It’s a green candy

C’est un bonbon jaune (set un bonbon jone) It’s a yellow candy

C’est un bonbon blanc (set un bonbon blan) It’s a white candy

pour maman (poor mahman) For mommy

 

Repeat

 

 

 

The kindergartners have been practicing greeting each other with a rhyme and movement.  They practice the numbers 1 – 20 through movement and stretches.  They have also been reporting on the weather using our weather chart.

They have been learning about France and the symbols of France.  Ask your child to show you some of the typical French things in the box.  They have also been learning about France through their coloring books.

We have just started the story The Very Hungry Caterpillar in French which is La chenille affamée.  I've included a few of the words they've learned below.

 

Un oeuf (un uff):  an egg

une chenille (ewn shuhnee):  a caterpillar

une pomme (ewn pum):  an apple

J'ai faim. (jay fen):  I'm hungry.

 

 

We have been practicing greeting one another with puppets and today we used a rhyme to introduce ourselves and greet each other. I've included  it below.  The kindergartners have a coloring book of places and things one might see in France.  Last week the kindergartners colored a map of France that had pictures of typical French things.  They did a great job recalling what was on the map today!  They remembered seeing cows, cheese, grapes, the Eiffel Tower, mountains, skiers and boats.  Today they colored the French flag.  I introduced them to the colors bleu, blanc, rouge (bluh, blan, rooj) which are blue, white and red.

 

Introductions

 

Bonjour, je m'appelle ________________ (sounds like:  bonjoor juh mah pel ________):  Hello, my name is _____________

 

Greeting Rhyme

 

Glace, chocolat, caramel (glahs, sho-ko-la, kah-rah-mel):  Ice-cream, chocolate, carmel

Comment tu t'appelles?  (Komen tu tah pel) :  What is your name?

 

Student answers:  Je m'appelle ___________ (juh mah pel _______):  My name is  _______________

Class greets student:  Bonjour  ___________________ (bonjoor ____________):  Hello, ________________.

 

News from Last Week

I have included the letter that went home with your child today (Wednesday, August 28th) below.

 

August 28, 2013

 

Dear Families:

 

It’s great to see all your children again after a restful and fun summer.   I am looking forward to a year of learning, discovery and fun for both the students and me.  A huge part of learning a second language is being relaxed and comfortable with making mistakes. My wish for every child is to be comfortable in class, to try his or her best, to have fun and to learn.  Whether for a native speaker or a second language learner, understanding language comes before speaking.  Speaking comes before reading.  Learning a language takes time.

In French class we learn through games, stories, songs, partner and group activities and projects. I will keep families informed of what we are doing in class through the Moretown School French website, (www.moretownschoolfrench.pbworks.com).   If you’d prefer a hard copy of French News please let me know by filling out the form below and have your child turn it in by next Wednesday, September 4th.

I continue to update and weed through my portaportal which is the bookmarking site with cultural and French language links (www.my.portaportal.com  Guest:  ErikaLindberg).   Some younger kids may enjoy the activities on the following website:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/french/family/ (number and color review) 

I love to hear from parents so please keep in touch and let me know if you have questions, concerns or ideas.  The best way to contact me is through e-mail (elindberg@wwsu.org) though you are also welcome to call me at home (496-5415). 

Please complete the form on the back and have your child/children return it to me on Wednesday, September 4th.  

A bientôt!

 

Erika Lindberg

 

 

 

 

Please complete this form and return it by Wednesday, September 4th.  I’d appreciate it if you would print.  Merci!

 

Child’s/Children’s Name(s)  ____________________________________________________________________________

 

Parents’/Guardians’ Name(s)  __________________________________________________________________________

 

Please let me know how you prefer to be contacted below. 

_____  I prefer to be contacted by e-mail.  My e-mail address(es) is/are:

 

 

_____  I prefer to be contacted by phone.  My phone number(s) is/are: 

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_______  Please check here if you’d prefer to receive a hard copy of French News rather than visiting the website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News from Last Year (2012 - 2013)

 

We have been singing a new song ("Tape, tape, petites mains"). You can listen to it on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceZdhVWg36s&list=PL7033F38C758B45F6 

 

Today we visited a few French learning websites. I included the links below with a brief description of each website. 

 

http://fslactivities.ca/kidsplayground/index.html  :  This website has an animated character who uses many beginning French expressions and numbers.You must first click on the 3rd box (FSL) and then click on the second box under "Beginner" ("BBC Schools French").

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/french/family/ :  This website is a good review for colors and the numbers 1 -5. It has a tic-tac-toe game using colors and the numbers 1-5. 

 

http://lexiquefle.free.fr/animaux.swf :  This website is a great place for learning the names of animals in French.  It has pictures and audio.  For the exercise you must click on the headphones to hear the name of the animal then drag the picture of the animal to the circle with the question mark.

 

You can find many more websites on www.Portaportal.com.  Enter "ErikaLindberg" in Guest Access.  The category "Preschool/Kindergarten Websites" is a good place to start.

 

News from Previous Weeks

 

We continue to sing "A la cabane" (see the song below).  We're also reporting on the weather while reviewing colors and counting to  20.  

 

A student requested that I read a circus book which gave us the opportunity to learn some of the words for the circus which they took part in last week.  We counted elephants and I introduced the words for clown and tiger.  I've included a few of the words below:

 

un clown (un kloon):  a clown (probably pretty obvious!)

un tigre (un teegruh):  a tiger

un elephant (un el ay fan):  an elephant

jongle (jongluh):  juggle/juggles

 

 

We continue to practice the song "A la cabane" (see the song below).  They have done a great job learning the song!  We will be starting a story about a squirrel family that lives in a maple tree and likes to sample the sap that drips into the bucket.

 

 

We continue to practice the colors and weather expressions using our class weather chart.  We've gotten our wiggles out by singing and moving to "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes." I also introduced a new game to the class using a ball with many pictures on it.  We roll or toss the ball to each other as we count to 10.  The kindergartner who has the ball on 10 picks a picture from the ball and says the word in French.  

They are finishing up their book based on the song "Il a les yeux..." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4kNeFGBAcw)  It is great to hear the kids sing along with me as I sing it while they color.  We have begun learning a new song about sugaring.  Your child will bring the song home on Wednesday, April 10th. I've also included it below.  I hope he or she will sing it to you.  I've included the pronunciation so that will make it easier for parents to help their children.

 

          A la cabane

 

(sung to the tune of Frère Jacques)

 

A la cabane (x2)                        (ah la kahbahn)

 

Nous allons  (x2)                       (nooz ahlon)

 

Nous sucrer le bec  (x2)            (noo sukray luh bek)

 

C'est si bon (x2)                        (say see bon)

 

 

A la cabane (x2)                        (ah la kahbahn)

 

Nous mangeons (x2)                   (noo manjon)

 

Des œufs et du jambon (x2)       (daze uh ay du jambon)

 

C'est si bon (x2)                         (say see bon)

 

Approximate English Translation

 

To the sugar house

We are going

To sweeten our mouths

It’s so good.

 

At the sugar house

We are eating

Eggs and ham

It’s so good.

 

 

 

 

 

We have been listening to, singing and dancing to a funny song that is about a character whose eyes change color.  It's a great song for reviewing colors.  I've included the lyrics below.

 

Il a les yeux rouges (eel a laze yuh rooj):  He has red eyes

Il a les yeux jaunes (eel a laze yuh jone):  He has yellow eyes

Il a les yeux arc en ciel (eel a laze yuh ark en see-el):  he has rainbow eyes

et une tete en bois (ay ewn tet en bwa):  and a wooden head.

 

Il boit du chocolat (eel bwa dew sho-ko-la):  He drinks chocolate milk

a tous les repas (ah too lay ruhpa):  at every meal

Comme les poissons chat (kum lay pwason sha):  like cat fish

Cha la la la la (sha la la la la)

 

Il a les yeux verts (eel a laze yuh vare):  He has green eyes

Il a les yeux gris (eel a laze yuh gree):  He has gray eyes

Il a les yeux arc en ciel (eel a laze yuh ark en see-el):  he has rainbow eyes

et une tete en bois (ay ewn tet en bwa):  and a wooden head.

 

Il boit du jus de citron et de champignon (eel bwa dew jew duh seetron ay duh shampeen-yon):  He drinks lemon-mushroom juice

Comme Napoleon (kum Napolay-on):  Like Napoleon

on on on on on (on on on on on)

 

Il a les yeux blancs (eel a laze yuh blan):  He has white eyes

Il a les yeux noirs (eel a laze yuh nwar):  He has black eyes

Il a les yeux arc en ciel (eel a laze yuh ark en see-el):  he has rainbow eyes

et une tete en bois (ay ewn tet en bwa):  and a wooden head.

Il boit la noix de coco (eel bwa la nwa duh koko);  He drinks coconut juice

Avant de faire dodo

Do re mi la si do (do ray me la see do)

oh oh oh oh oh (oh oh oh oh oh)

 

Il a les yeux rouges (eel a laze yuh rooj):  He has red eyes

Il a les yeux jaunes (eel a laze yuh jone):  He has yellow eyes

Il a les yeux arc en ciel (eel a laze yuh ark en see-el):  he has rainbow eyes

et une tete en bois (ay ewn tet en bwa):  and a wooden head.

 

Il boit du cafe au lait (eel bwa dew cafe oh lay):  He drinks coffee with milk

au lait  au lait au lait (oh lay oh lay oh lay):  with milk

Et quand il a fini (ay kant eel ah feenee):  and when he's finished

Il se met au lit (eel suh met oh lee):  He goes to bed

i i i i i (ee ee ee ee ee)

oh oh oh oh oh (oh oh oh oh oh)

Cha la la la la (sha la la la la)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over the past 2 weeks the kindergartners have learned about Carnaval and Bonhomme Carnaval, a winter celebration and its mascot in Quebec.  They heard a story about Bonhomme Carnaval and colored a pictures of him.  We celebrated Mardi Gras on February 12th by talking about some Mardi Gras traditions and the 3 colors of Mardi Gras.  The children decorated crowns with sequins, stickers and gems.  Each child brought home a necklace as well.

 

 

 

The Kindergartners have been listening to a song which is probably very familiar to them in English:  Les roues de l'autobus (The Wheels on the Bus).  They're acting out the song as well.  You can hear the song by visiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PY52ckkxPg&feature=related.  You can also find it by searching "Les roues de l'autobus."  I've included the song below.

 

The kindergartners heard about a few holiday traditions in France and received small coloring books with some holiday words in French.

 

Les roues de l'autobus roulent, roulent, roulent, roulent, roulent, roulent 

Les roues de l'autobus roulent, roulent toute la journée

Les enfants de l'autobus sautent en l'air, sautent en l'air, sautent en l'air, 

Les enfants de l'autobus sautent en l'air toute la journée

Les portes de l'autobus ouvrent et ferment, ouvrent et ferment, ouvrent et ferment

Les portes de l'autobus ouvrent et ferment toute la journée

Les freins de l'autobus font wen, wen, wen, wen, wen, wen, wen, wen, wen

Les freins de l'autobus font wen, wen, wen toute la journée

Les essuie-glaces de l'autobus font swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish

Les essuie-glaces de l'autobus font swish, swish, swish toute la journée

Le klaxon de l'autobus fait bon, bon, bon, bon, bon, bon, bon, bon, bon

Le klaxon de l'autobus fait bon, bon, bon toute la journée

 

The wheels on the bus roll and roll (go round and round)

The wheels on the bus roll and roll(go round and round)…all day long

The children on the bus go up and down…

The children on the bus go up and down…all day long

The doors on the bus open and close…

The doors on the bus open and close…all day long

The brakes on the bus go “wen”…

The brakes on the bus go “wen”…all day long

The wipers on the bus go swish…

The wipers on the bus go swish…all day long

The horn on the bus goes beep…

The horn on the bus goes beep…all day long

 

Pronunciation:

Les roues de l’autobus roulent:  Lay roo duh lowtowbews rool

Toute la journée:  Toot la joornay

Les enfants de l’autobus sautent en l’air:  laze enfan sote en lair

Les portes de l’autobus ouvrent et ferment:  lay port duh lowtowbews oovruh ay fairm

Les freins de l’autobus font wen:  lay fren duh lowtowbews fon wen

Les essuie-glaces de l’autobus font swish:  laze ayswee glahs duh lowtowbews fon swish

Le klaxon de l’autobus fait bon:  luh klahxon duh lowtowbews fay bon

FrenchyBunny:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PY52ckkxPg&feature=related

 

 

 

The kindergartners continue to report on the weather using our class weather chart.  We also play a game using the weather expressions they've been learning.  I've included them below.

 

Il fait du soleil. (eel fay dew so-lay):  It's sunny.

Il fait beau.  (eel fay bo):  It's beautiful out.

Il pleut. (eel pluh):  It's raining.

Il neige. (eel nej):  It's snowing.

Il fait nuageux.  (eel fay new-ah-juh):  It's cloudy.

Il fait du vent.  (eel fay dew ven):  It's windy.

Il fait froid.  (eel fay frwa):  It's cold.

Il fait chaud.  (eel fay show):  It's hot.

 

We are getting close to finishing our La chenille qui a faim (The Very Hungry Caterpillar)books.  As a connection to the bear unit the kindergartners are doing they will be hearing the story ofThe Three Bears  after we finish The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

 

 

We have started a weather chart.  Each day a different child is our meteorologist.  He/she colors in the appropriate box for the day's weather and returns to the group and reports on the weather.  At this point I am telling them how to say the weather and they repeat it.  By the end of the year I'm confident the kindergartners will be able to report on the weather without my help.  The weather chart also gives us the opportunity to practice the colors in French as the meteorologist tells the class which colors he/she has used.  We have also been practicing the colors by searching in the room for the color I call out.

 

The kindergartners are working on their books "La chenille qui a faim" (The Very Hungry Caterpillar).  They are becoming more familiar with some of the foods in the story.

 

 

The kindergartners are learning some of the words in "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" (La chenille qui a faim) I changed the title slightly so the title would have a word they've heard a lot - faim.

 

They will begin illustrating their own books next week.   I've included some of the words and phrases they've been practicing.

 

une chenille (sounds like "ewn shunee"):  a caterpillar

J'ai faim (sounds like "jay fen"):  I'm hungry.

une pomme (sounds like "ewn pum"):  an apple

deux poires (sounds like "duh pwar"):  two pears

trois prunes (sounds like "trwa prewn"):  three plums

 

Many kindergartners have told me that they've used "J'ai faim" at home. Using French at home is a great way to make what they're learning stick.

 

We've been playing follow the leader in the classroom.  I lead and tell them in French to move a certain way.  Engaging the body is a great way to learn a second language while giving the kindergartners a chance to get wiggles out.

 

 

 

 

The kindergartners have learned both parts of the greeting song ("Bonjour, mon ami, comment ca va?" and "Bonjour, mon ami, ca va bien.") and sing with gusto!  We have been moving a lot! We're practicing the numbers 1 through 10 by moving our bodies and are singing "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" in French ("Tetes, epaules, genoux et pieds").  We used the word "pomme" (apple, sounds like "pum") quite a bit as many students shared that they went apple picking, made an apple dish or simply ate an apple over the weekend.  They continue to color in their France coloring books and are gradually learning the colors.  They have heard "rouge" (red, sounds like rooj) and "bleu" (blue, sounds like bluh) so far.  I hope your child is sharing some of what he or she has learned in French!

 

 

 

We started the year by looking at  some items that are often associated with France (the French flag, Babar, a large Eiffel Tower, bread).  I taught them a greeting song (Bonjour mon ami, comment ca va?:  Hello my friend, how are you?).  They quickly caught on and were able to sing the song with me!  We used puppets to greet one another using the words to the song (Bonjour mon ami, comment ca va?) and the students introduced themselves to Babar using "Je m'appelle" (My name is).    We moved our bodies by following commands to jump (sautez - sounds like sotay), turn around (tournez - sounds like toornay), danse (dansez - sounds like donsay). I'm having a great time with your kids.  I'm looking forward to a fun year!

 

 


News from Last Year

Most students have finished adding details to their paper bodies.  The parts have been labeled on the back to help students remember them.  I've included them below:

 

La tete (la tet) :  head

Le cou (luh koo) :  neck

Les epaules (laze aypole) :  shoulders

Le bras (luh bra) :  arm

La main (la men) :  hand

La jambe (la jomb) :  leg

Le genou (luh juhnoo) :  knee

Le pied (luh pee-ay) :  foot

Le dos (luh doe ) ;  back

Le ventre (lun ventruh) :  stomach

 

 

 

We are tracing our bodies which we will label and decorate.  We continue to sing "Je suis malade" which the kids love, especially when they fall to the ground.  I've included the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbkVOJe8yiE&feature=related.

 

 

 

The kindergartners are doing a great job learning some of the body parts from the song we've been singing and acting out("Je suis malade").  We've also been singing an altered version of "Tete, Epaules, Genoux et Pieds"  "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes") to reinforce what they hear in "Je suis malade."  We also played "Find the Picture" where they have to walk to the picture of the aching body part based on what they hear me say.  I've included the phrases they're learning below.

 

Je suis malade (juh swee mahlad):  I am sick.

J’ai mal a la tete. (jay mahl a la tet):  I have a head ache.

J’ai mal au ventre. (jay mahl oh ventra):  I have a stomach ache.

J’ai mal au dos. (jay mahl oh doh):  I have a back ache.

J’ai mal aux jambes. (jay mahl oh jomb):  My legs hurt.

J’ai mal aux bras. (jay mahl oh bra):  My arms hurt.

J’ai mal au cou. (jay mahl oh koo):  My neck hurts.

J’ai mal aux pieds. (jay mahl oh peeay):  My feet hurt.

 

 

Students are almost finished with their own books of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  We continue to report on the weather and color our weather chart.  

We have begun learning a silly song, "Je suis malade," about a girl who complains of aches and pains.  It is a great way to learn body parts.  You can hear the song and view the video by clicking on the following link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbkVOJe8yiE&feature=related.

 

 

We have begun the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  Using felt pieces and stick puppets students are learning key words and phrases from the story. They are creating their own story books as well.  I have included some of the phrases they're learning below.

 

Il y a trois ours.  (eel ya trwaz oors):  There are 3 bears.

Papa ours (papa oors):  Papa bear

Maman ours (maman oors):  Mama bear

Petit ours (puhteet oors):  Small bear

une maison (ewn mayzon):  a house

la foret (la foray):  the forest

J'ai faim! (jay fen):  I'm hungry.

C'est chaud.  (say show):  This is hot.

Une fille (ewn fee):  a girl

Boucle d'or (bookla dore):  Goldilocks

un bol de bouillie (un bol duh bweeyee):  a bowl of porridge

grand (gran):  big

moyen (mwayen):  medium size

petit (puhtee):  small

C'est bon! (say bon):  This is good.

une chaise (ewn shez):  a chair

casse (kahsay):  broken

un lit (un lee):  a bed

dur (dewr):  hard

mou (moo);  soft

bon (bon):  good

 

 

 

 

We have begun recording the weather on a class weather chart.  Each day a different student colors in a box above the appropriate weather for the day.  They are gradually building up a repertoire of weather expressions.  I’ve included a few below:

 

Il fait du soleil (eel fay du solay):  It’s sunny.

Il fait  nuageux (eel fay newahjuh):  It’s cloudy.

Il pleut (eel pluh) :  It’s raining.

Il neige (eel nej) :  It’s snowing

Il fait du vent (eel fay du ven) :  It’s windy.

 

 

After a brief review of The Very Hungry Caterpillar we will be starting Goldilocks and the Three Bears, though a simplified version so the children can learn some key phrases.  I've included the words and phrases they will be learning:

 

trois ours (trwaz oors):  three bears

maman ours (maman oors):  mama bear

papa ours (papa oors):  papa bear

bebe ours (baybay oors);  baby bear

une fille (ewn fee):  a girl

une maison (ewn mayzon):  a house

trois chaises (trwa shez):  3 chairs

trois bols de bouillie (trwa bol duh bwee-ee):  3 bowls of oatmeal

trois lits (trwa lee):  3 beds

 

J'ai faim. (jay fen):  I'm hungry.

Je suis fatigue (je swee fahteegay):  I'm tired.

 

 

 

 

Today we celebrated Mardi Gras a day early.  Students decorated masks with stickers and "gems" and received a coloring book with the things associated with Mardi Gras.

 

 

 

We have been singing a song about animals traveling by different modes of transportation.  As you can see from the pictures above it is a silly song.  We have been acting out the song, coloring a small book, and playing a few games related to the new vocabulary.  We hope to perform the song for a few classes.

 

 

The kindergartners learned about "la fete de Saint Nicolas" which is celebrated on December 6th in many parts of France and other European countries.  French children place their shoes out for St. Nicolas to fill with fruit, candies and small toys. The kindergartners decorated a shoe and will find a small candy cane behind them today.

 

 

 

Students have finished their clay pieces from The Very Hungry Caterpillar (La chenille qui fait des trous).  I packaged their work up today and sent them home along with the story in French which they can color.  I do not expect them to be able to read the book to you though they can probably identify some of the foods, the egg, the caterpillar and say "J'ai faim!" ("I'm hungry!").

 

Today we played a bingo game with the words they learned from the story.  

 

The kindergartners will be learning a silly song about animals that travel by various modes of transportation.  We will be playing games and acting out the animals to practice comprehension.

 

 

 

 

It was great meeting many of you at Open House.  Thank you for coming to the French classroom and introducing yourselves.  I know it is not always possible to make it to Open House.  If you weren’t able to stop in please feel free to do so at the end of the school day.  I am there Mondays and Thursdays.    You are also welcome to sit in on your child’s class.  It would be helpful to know ahead of time if you’d like to do this so I can notify the office that I’ll be having a guest in class and to let you know if anything has changed in the schedule.

 

 

We began the story The Very Hungry Caterpillar in French (La chenille affamee).  They have been introduced to the words listed below through picture cards and games.  We will be focusing on the foods the caterpillar eats and the phrase "J'ai faim." (sounds like "jay fen", means "I'm hungry.")

 

un oeuf (sounds like:  un uff):  egg

une feuille (sounds like:  ewn fuh-y):  a leaf

une chenille (sounds like:  ewn shuh-nee):  caterpillar

une pomme (sounds like:  ewn pum):  an apple

deux poires (sounds like:  duh pwar):  two pears

trois prunes (sounds like:  twa prewn):  three plums

quatre fraises (sounds like:  kat frez):  four strawberries

cinq oranges (sounds like:  sank oh-ranj):  five oranges

 

We've made clay eggs, leaves, caterpillars, apples, pears, and prunes and  will be making the other foods the caterpillar eats in upcoming classes.

 

 

 

We have been singing/chanting a greeting song which I have included below with the pronunciation in parentheses and the translation below.  The kindergartners have also begun coloring in a French coloring book on the geography, famous places and foods of France.  We have talked about what we know about France as well as what we wonder about France. 

 

Bonjour mon ami (sung facing a friend)

 

Bonjour mon ami, comment ca va? (Bonjoor mon amee, komen sa va)

Serrons-nous les mains  (Sare-on noo lay men)

Et faisons comme ca! (ay fuhzon kom sa)

 

Hello, my friend, how's it going? (Students wave and shrug their shoulders.)

Let's shake hands (Students shake hands.)

And go like this (Students wiggle down to the ground)

 

Stay tuned...

 

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