Notes of Lessons: French Narration, Class III

[We have thought that it might be of use to our readers (in their own families) to publish from month to month during the current year, Notes of Lessons prepared by students of the House of Education for the pupils of the Practising School. We should like to say, however, that such a Lesson is never given as a tour de force, but is always an illustration or an expansion of some part of the children’s regular studies (in the Parents’ Review School), some passage in one or other of their school books.—Ed.]

Subject: French Narration • Group: Languages • Class III • Time: 30 minutes

By L. Eleanor Clendinnen
The Parents’ Review, 1903, pp. 544-545

Objects

I. To give the children more facility in understanding French, when they hear it spoken and also in expressing themselves in it.

II. To teach them some new words and expressions.

III. To improve their pronunciation.

IV. To strengthen the habit of attention.

V. To introduce a new branch of the study of French and thus increase their interest in it.

VI. To have the following passage narrated by the children.

Lesson

Passage Chosen: Le Corbeau.

“Auguste étant de retour à Rome, après la bataille d’Actium, un artisan lui présenta un corbeau auquel il avait appris à dire ces mots: Je te salue, César vainqueur! Auguste charmé, acheta cet oiseau pour six mille écus. Un perroquet fit à Auguste le même compliment et fut acheté fort cher. Une pie vint ensuite; Auguste l’acheta encore. Enfin un pauvre cordonnier voulut aussi apprendre à un corbeau cette salutation; il eut bien de la peine à y parvenir, il se désespérait souvent et disait en enrageant: Je perds mon temps et ma peine. Enfin il y réussit. Il alla aussitôt attendre Auguste sur son passage, et lui présenta le corbeau, qui répéta fort bien sa leçon; mais Auguste se contenta de dire: J’ai assez de ces complimenteurs là dans mon palais. Alors le corbeau, se ressouvenant de ce qu’il avait souvent entendu dire à son maître, répéta: J’ai perdu mon temps et ma peine. Auguste se mit à rire et acheta cet oiseau plus cher que tous les autres.”

Step I.—Read the passage slowly and distinctly, stopping frequently to make sure that the children understand. Write the new words and expressions on the board and give their meanings.

Step II.—Let the children repeat the story in English.

Step III.—Read the passage straight through.

Step IV.—Let the children read the passage, paying special attention to the pronunciation.

Step V.—Have the passage narrated in French, helping the children when necessary with questions.

Speak as much French as possible throughout, but always make sure that the pupils understand.