Grade 10- Understanding Cultural Influences

This organizer contains the following sections:
Prescribed Learning Outcomes
Suggested Instructional Strategies
Suggested Assessment Strategies
Recommended Learning Resources

PRESCRIBED LEARNING OUTCOMES

It is expected that students will:

describe ways in which the French language has influenced other languages
compare and contrast their own customs to those of Francophone cultures
identify and compare language, expressions, and behaviours that suit cultural context

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

Students in Grade 10 are working hard to establish their own identity while at the same time wondering how they compare to others. To help them shape their own identity while respecting others, they examine the role of cultural practices and traditional language patterns.

Organize students into groups to figure out the rules and materials for games played in Francophone cultures, such as pétanques (research could be done on the Internet). Have the groups demonstrate the games to the class. They could compare the rules and etiquette to other similar games and watch to see the games being played in movies or stories. The class could hold a pétanques tournament. In a class discussion, students may use their own experiences to speculate on the importance of games in community life.
Have students compare a tale from Québec folklore with one from their own culture. Groups of students could select scenes from the Québec folktale to act out in French, rewrite the ending, or video-tape a modernized version. Have students discuss plot, theme, moral, and other elements of the story.
Show a video or film set in a Francophone area. Ask students to list, illustrate, or chart elements other than language that suggest the film is set in a Francophone area. As a follow-up activity, students could describe how scenes would look if the story took place this year in British Columbia.
Have students brainstorm lists of French words or phrases commonly used in English (e.g., casserole, croissant, bon voyage) and English words or phrases commonly used in French. These may be encountered in the authentic materials read or heard in French class, or outside of class, such as in sports broadcasts. Encourage students to maintain ongoing lists of words or phrases. As a follow-up activity, students compose paragraphs or humorous anecdotes using as many words from their lists as possible.

SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

Assessment includes activities that show a growing awareness of Francophone cultural practices and French idiomatic expressions. Activities should also encourage students to reflect on and make comparisons among Francophone cultures, Canadian cultures, their own, and the cultures of their friends.

To assess students' ability to examine their own customs and compare them to those of Francophone cultures, have students work in groups to learn about games from other eras, cultures, or regions and teach them to others. Work with students to develop criteria for assessment and feedback on the presentations. For example:
- directions are clear (e.g., props and visuals simplify complex ideas)
- game is interesting or fun
- group explains the cultural importance of the game
- group makes connections to other more familiar activities and games
When students rewrite or modernize folk tales, consider the extent to which they:
- make changes appropriate to the new contexts
- demonstrate interest or engagement in Francophone elements
- show creativity and risk-taking in their revisions
When students develop cultural comparisons, look for evidence that they:
- recognize similarities and differences
- go beyond surface details to deal with subtle and complex aspects of culture
- demonstrate respect for cultural diversity
When students create lists of words or phrases shared by French and English, look for evidence that the lists are accurate, complete, and presented clearly.
To assess students' anecdotal paragraphs, look for evidence that they:
- are able to recognize French words used in English
- are interested in relationships between the two languages
- make efforts to use words appropriately

RECOMMENDED LEARNING RESOURCES

Print Materials

"Le magazine" Anthology Series

Multimedia

Entre amis Series, Level 3
Des chansons québécoises sans frontières
Savoir faire: Passages 3

Video

Jeunes Francophones
Le café des rêves

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