Skip to main content

French Essential - TOS Review


French Essentials is an online downloadable French curriculum with online features.

From their website you can read:
"FE targets the four language acquisition skills (reading, writing, listening comprehension & speaking) in a unique way using a multi-sensorial communicative approach that cannot be duplicated by programs that use the "audio only" approach. By using both high quality audio and video, students see French in action and interact in a fun and stimulating way with the language."

I was first exposed to French Essentials through Schoolhouse Teachers a few months back, and really enjoyed using it with my then 4th grader. So, when it came for review I was excited to be able to use some more of it.

We were given for the review a full year access to the whole program, which consists of 5 modules, each in turn consisting of 15 to 25 lessons. There are 5 other modules still in the works as well.

It is written by a couple living in Quebec, both of which possess a BA in French and one of which holding a degree in French Linguistics. They also homeschool their kids.

French Essentials is a very comprehensive curriculum. If you already have a background in French, a placement test is provided for you to know which module to start from.

French Essential is recommended for grade 3 and up because of its writing component and because of its reading level.That said, a grade 2 student could learn from it if he has a good reading level and with the aid of a parent.

Here are the grade level equivalencies:

Pre-highschool - Grades 4/5 - 7/8Modules 1 - 5      
Middle school (junior high) - Grades - 8-9Modules 5 & 6
High school   Grades 10-12
Modules 7-10 


In order to use the program you would need to have the following on your computer:
  • Adobe Reader
  • Adobe Flash Player
  • Quick Time
You can see samples, and learn more about the program by checking their learn more page.

Here are a few of the reasons why French Essentials is a great choice when it comes to choosing a French curriculum:
  • It contains audio. All the lessons have an audio part where you hear how things should sound.
  • It contains video. All the lessons include a video part where you see someone say what you are supposed to learn and are expected to parrot. 
  • It is somewhat interactive in that you are expected to talk, and are given the answer to see if you got it right.
  • It has a workbook associated with it for written practice.
  • It contains online flashcards and online practice quizzes and games.
  • Each lesson is of a very reasonable  length, not too long, not too short.
  • It is very independent once you've printed the worksheets out for the student.
  • The navigation of the site is pretty straightforward.
  • It contains a cultural part where the student are introduced to French culture.
  • No French prerequisite is needed.
  • There are downloadable checklists for each module.
  • There are answer keys for the workbook, ready for download as well.
The only disadvantage I found to FE was the need to download each lesson, but one gets used to it.

I only used French Essentials with my 5th grader starting with module 2, and he had no complaint at all. He used it Monday -Wednesday weekly. He was able to work through numbers up to forty, as well as through how to tell time.

As a French speaker myself I can say that this is a good curriculum. It teaches more from a conversational standpoint but it does it well. I have not gone far enough to know how it handles the grammar, but conversationally and pronunciation wise it is spot on.

The worksheet exercises for each lesson are repetitive, which I think is a good thing when learning a new language. There is lots of space for writing as well. The page does not look overwhelming.

Once you purchase the program you are given a login with which you log in every time you use it.

For more information ob the program you can check their FAQ as well.

You have 2 options for purchase. In both cases you get access to  the lessons, the workbook, and the online tests, quizzes and games.
  1. Single module which gives you a 90-day period to download : $69
  2. Full package which gives you a 1 year extended download period: $149.95

Photobucket




Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Reformation Day Giveaway

We are approaching October 31, which is an important date for all protestants. This date commemorates Martin Luther’s nailing of his ninety-five theses to a church door on October 31, 1517 in Wittenburg, Germany, which in turn provoked a debate that resulted in what we now call the Protestant Reformation. As the “Father of the Reformation”, Martin Luther is a vital figure in Church History. His sacrifice and willingness to wage battle against the spiritual, religious, and political powers of his medieval world allowed Christians throughout time to embrace the following truths: salvation by grace alone , through faith alone,  and in Christ alone, along with the supremacy of Scripture, referred to as  Scripture alone, and all of it for God's Glory Alone. These being commonly called the Five Solas of the Reformation.  Danika Cooley, author and creator of the Bible curriculum Bible Road Trip ,  has recently written a book for young people recounting Luther's sto...
4 comments
Read more

Our Current Homeschool Routine - Virtual Homeschool Fair - Week 2

For week 2 of the Virtual Homeschool Fair, which is hosted by Homeschooling Hearts and Minds , we are talking method of homeschooling. When it comes to the how of homeschooling, and the method that we all follow, with the 20 plus blogger participating I can guarantee you, no method will be the same. Homeschooling is a lifestyle and a path unto a goal or toward a direction that each family sets for itself. For us, this encompasses academic rigor, as well as Christian values and depth of understanding of how to live in this world as Christians. To that end, earlier on we had settled on a classical education. 10 years into it, I cannot say we have been very good classical homeshooler. We did not follow the method and philosophy to a T but instead adapted it to our family's routine and rhythm. We became more relaxed classical homeschooler. I had good intentions with the Latin and Greek, but not enough discipline and it did not appeal to the boys; my oldest son did two years, the...
5 comments
Read more

When Lightning Struck - A Book review

Are you studying the Reformation? Do you love Historical Fictions? Do you love reading about the heros of the faith? Then read on... As a homeschooler I always encourage my fellow homeschoolers to include Historical fictions in their study of History as it helps students really enter the time period that they are studying and get a better picture of how people lived and what they felt. I recently had the privilege of reading a historical fiction titled When Lightning Struck: The Story of Martin Luther . If you have never heard of Martin Luther or read anything about him, you are missing out and here is your chance to learn who he was and what he did in an enjoyable way. When Lightning Struck is written for Middle and High schooler, but I could not put it down. If you love reading you will devourer this book. It would also work really well as a read-aloud for upper-elementary kids. It contains 23 chapters of average length that will keep you wanting to know more. When Lightni...
1 comment
Read more