CEL - PSVS continued

The element of social skills can also be integrated easily into Core French classrooms in a number of ways. Because of the nature of learning to communicate, work in pairs or small groups is common. By structuring the groups and the activities to promote cooperation, and by actively teaching interpersonal and group skills, teachers can promote the same social skills in their students during Core French classes as in other subjects. The French structures and vocabulary that the students will acquire in the process will be valuable in real-life situations they may encounter outside the classroom.

Figure 2 Personal and Social Values and Skills in Core French

Foundational objective 1.
to develop compassionate, empathetic and fair-minded students who can make positive contributions to society as individuals and as members of groups

Learning Objectives

practise and reflect upon cooperative, respectful or empathetic behaviours

work cooperatively and contribute positively in group learning activities

respond sensitively to the ideas, comments and products of others

choose to behave well even in those difficult situations where others do not

develop a respect for the natural environment

Foundational objective 2.
to support students in coming to a better understanding of the personal, social and cultural aspects of French and other subjects taught in French

Learning Objectives

	begin to develop an understanding of social situations through examining the perspectives of all those involved
	begin to understand the potential narrowness in adopting a single perspective on objects, experiences and/or events
	relate school material to real-life experiences

Foundational objective 3.
to support students in treating themselves and others with respect

Learning objectives

	benefit from a caring environment where teachers model respect for all persons regardless of race, gender, age or ability
	develop a positive disposition towards and practise respect for all persons regardless of race, gender, age or ability
	develop an understanding that respect for the cultural values and beliefs of others is a necessary condition of respect for persons
	work toward improving self-esteem and self-confidence in oneself and others
	understand and model respect for other people by acknowledging the importance of their language, history and culture
	not accept a lack of respect from others
	develop an understanding of the potential for making friends across age, gender and cultures

Foundational objective 4.
to promote understanding of discrimination, bias, racism, sexism and all forms of inequality, and contribute to their elimination

Learning objectives

	recognize and respect the cultural beliefs of others
	use and choose materials which support balanced, fair, accurate portrayals of sexes, races and cultural groups

Examples of Personal and Social Values and Skills in Core
French

as far as possible use authentic French songs, comptines, cartoons, stories, films rather than French translations of English ones

have students role play the same situation several times, taking the role of a different person each time

have students communicate with French speaking pen pals by letter, video or computer

teach specific vocabulary and structures needed for cooperative group work

find similarities and differences between aspects of various French cultures and the culture or cultures of students in the class

Having students work in small groups does not automatically ensure that they will develop social skills and values.