French for the New Modern Foreign Language Curriculum Primary (4 part series)

Module 1 - Thursday 5th March 7-8.30pm 

Learning Outcomes Module 1: Getting Started – Why French, Why Now?

By the end of this module, participating teachers will be able to:

1. Understand the Rationale for Teaching French in Primary Schools
   • Describe key reasons for introducing French at primary level in the Irish context.
   • Explain the wider personal, cultural, and educational benefits of learning French.
2. Recognise the Educational and Cognitive Benefits of Language Learning
   • Identify how learning an additional language supports cognitive development, literacy, and intercultural understanding.
   • Reflect on how these benefits align with the aims of the Primary Language Curriculum (PLC).
3. Make Curriculum Connections
   • Understand how French can integrate with other curricular areas (e.g., SESE, Visual Arts, Music).
   • Recognise how early exposure to French supports progression to Junior Cycle Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) learning outcomes.
4. Familiarise Themselves with the CEFR Framework
   • Identify key features of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
   • Distinguish between A1 and A2 levels and consider how they relate to beginner language learning in primary classrooms.
5. Explore the Francophone World
   • Locate and identify countries where French is spoken and discuss the global presence of the French language.
   • Develop awareness of cultural diversity and use classroom activities that promote global citizenship.
6. Engage in Reflective Practice
   • Reflect on personal experiences and assumptions about language learning.
   • Set one professional goal for integrating French into classroom practice.
7. Prepare for the Next Steps in Course Progression
   • Identify routine classroom interactions suitable for introducing simple French.
   • Plan to incorporate basic French language elements into daily classroom routines.