In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

Reviews 233 Grammaire,Vocabulaire,Sons et graphies,Civilisation,and Tâches finales that encompass an interdisciplinary focus, strategies for better learning (e.g., mind maps that foster enhanced retention of unit material), DELF B1 practice, a CD MP3 for listening activities, and a DVD for video sequences. For assessment and/or curricular planning purposes, the table of contents provides a succinct Compétences clés for each unit. To reinforce the practice provided for the DELF B1 examination, “Vers le DELF B1,” aimed at helping students do a self-assessment of their abilities, is available at the end of every two units.Appendices are Transcriptions; Résumé grammatical, conjugaison et phonétique, a colorful pronunciation guide with clear graphic images; and Actes de communication, a listing of suggested vocabulary organized by theme (i.e., Exprimer la surprise, l’indignation). The pedagogical guide is downloadable for free at . Fulbright Specialist (NY) Eileen M. Angelini Chaitkin, Carol, AND Lynn Gore. Painless French. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s, 2016. ISBN 978-1-4380-0770-0. Pp. 297 (Book + online site). Barron’s is a familiar name for review books of all subjects, and the “Painless” series is a good option for teachers, tutors, and students who are looking for a text that can stand along or work in concert with an existing curriculum. The book is aimed toward middle school or high school students and based around short letters to the reader written by Sophie, age thirteen. Each of the twelve chapters is introduced by one of Sophie’s letters, written in French, and focused on a specific vocabulary theme, such as “Voici ma famille, mes amis, mes voisins” (chapter 2) and “Ce que je voudrais faire plus tard: Occupations”(chapter 8). The chapters have vocabulary lists, a verb conjugation, and other structure explanation, with “Brain Tickler” exercises to check for comprehension. There is also a “Didier dit” proverb and pronunciation practice in each chapter, as well as cultural information and short pieces about different Francophone countries. I think that the text would be best suited for a middle school exploratory-style class, or for a student who has an interest in learning French independently. Some students might need additional exercises to reinforce what is introduced in the book. There are not options for listening or interpersonal speaking, so a classroom teacher would need to supplement in those areas. The answers to the “Brain Ticklers” are given at the end of each chapter, so students have access to these responses. This would be good for students studying on their own, but may prove problematic in a classroom. The book also comes with access to online games. There are three choices: Matching Game, Beat the Clock, and Scrambled Words. I expected that these would follow a similar format in terms of providing additional practice with the vocabulary themes or structures explained in each chapter. However, that was not the case. The responses cover everything, so the games may not be useful until the student has studied the entire book. I would have preferred the games to be divided by chapter. All in all, I think that as an introduction to French, or a tool to work independently, this book would work well for fifth to ninth grades. Older students may need something more structured and in-depth. Carl Schurz High School (IL) Samantha Godden-Chmielowicz Dubois, Anne-Lyse, et Béatrice Tauzin. Objectif Express 2: Le monde professionnel en français B1/B2.1. Vanves: Hachette, 2016. ISBN 978-2-01-401575-1. Pp. 224. Dubois, Anne-Lyse, Béatrice Tauzin, et Sylvie Peltier. Objectif Express 2: Cahier d’activités. Vanves: Hachette, 2016. ISBN 978-2-01-401576-8. Pp. 159. Building practical business-oriented skills along with increasing levels of communicative and grammatical competencies (starting with level A2 and closing with B2), this text and accompanying Cahier d’activités provide a visually stimulating and wellorganized progression toward succeeding the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie Paris Île-de-France’s Diplôme de français professionnel. Students will appreciate the clearly delineated student learning objectives for each unit along with the printable “Mon portfolio” with its checklist to note skill success, whether...

pdf

Share