Carla Huck, former TeachNet
Director, New York, NY
Grade Level
9 - 12
Subject
French
Background
Students of foreign language
are always interested in learning about customs related to food –
a favorite topic for teens and adults alike! In this unit,
students will visit web sites with text primarily in English to
explore French cheeses. This activity can be adapted for higher
levels of proficiency by using web sites in the target language.
Objectives
Students will learn how cheese is made, identify different
types of French cheese, understand the role cheese plays in French meals; and
gain gustatory appreciation for French cheeses. They will also be able to write
and speak simple sentences in French about their findings.
1. Write this well-known quote from general de
Gaulle on the board: “La france est aussi diverse que ses fromages.”
(France is as diverse as its cheese). Ask students to interpret.
Q: How many types of cheese does France
produce?
(A: Over 365). Direct students to KWLH chart
and have them fill in K and W individually. Share results with
the class and combine onto one sheet.
2. Direct students to the following web sites
to research the information they indicated a desire to learn. They
should be able to find most answers; any remaining questions may
have to be answered by the teacher or e-mailed to a French native
or college professor.
3. After completing the L section of their charts, direct students
to complete lower half and write three sentences in French about
their findings. Circulate to check spelling/grammar. Review orally
to check pronunciation.
4. As a group, brainstorm ideas for H - “How can we learn more?” A
cheese-tasting party will be the culminating event for this
lesson.
Evaluation
Using the attached KWLH chart,
student prior knowledge of the subject will be activated;
throughout the research step students will be working on their
charts and writing sentences in French. Students will orally
respond to the H as one student fills in chart on the board based
on responses of classmates. The culminating activity will be a
cheese-tasting party; each student must relate orally in French
one fact they learned from this project to the guests (principal,
parents, faculty, community members).
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