Motifs ed. by Kimberly Jansma, Margaret Ann Kassen (review)

passe partout verbs faire, mettre, and il y a (substituting more precise terms), and on synonyms of dire and voir/regarder. The book’s layout is attractive, and the tone is playful, making good use of humor in its cartoon illustrations. Aside from an occasional typographical error, the only real annoyance is an occasional discrepancy between the text and the answer key. Given the advanced nature of the text (the authors indicate it could be useful for “lycéens et étudiants de premier cycle de lettres”), students will need to do dictionary research in order to complete many of the exercises. Ideally, this would be a collaborative effort, with each student assigned certain items and sharing the results of their research through a course Web site. Concordance activities would also be helpful for providing more examples in context. Finally, while the text is a valuable resource for vocabulary building, it will be best used in conjunction with other course materials providing activities of a more communicative nature. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Betsy J. Kerr JANSMA, KIMBERLY, and MARGARET ANN KASSEN. Motifs. 5th ed. Boston: Thompson, 2011. ISBN 0-495-79749-9. Pp. 544. $149.99; $83.49 (eBook); $9.49 (eChapters). This new edition provides a rich context and streamlined guidance for the incorporation of the communicative approach for the elementary French classroom . Notably, this edition effectively highlights and integrates the Communications , Cultures, and Comparison components of the ACTFL National Standards. Communicative activities are threaded throughout the theme-based modules. For example, each module has a Pratique de conversation that involves real-life problem solving, such as finding an apartment. Models of best practice are provided , as are opportunities for personalization and construction of meaning. In addition to the Perspectives culturelles, the À lire, à découvrir et à écrire sections add an authentic and contemporary context for communication and comprehension. Reading materials include poems, songs, literary selections, and contemporary realia. Students are provided current vocabulary and idioms as well, which are interspersed throughout the modules and summarized at the end. The video component, Voix en direct, features a variety of native Francophone speakers in their milieu, exposing students to diverse accents within natural contexts. Grammar is implicitly integrated into the context of the chapters and is summarized explicitly for reference. Students are given writing topics that utilize the theme, grammar, and vocabulary presented in the module. An all-inclusive online portal provides access to the full text and workbook as well as other digital resources, including audio, video, games, and other pursuits. The textbook and ancillary tools are available in either print or digital versions and can be customized to use as primary or supplementary materials. The technological accessibility provides additional opportunities for students to retrieve information instantly via recommended Internet sites and to practice the language using interactive enrichment activities. The current edition also incorporates a blog and encourages students to express themselves therein as a means of informal writing. However, access to technology is not necessarily a requirement in the adoption of this text. The structure of Motifs is designed to be flexible in meeting the various needs of students and teachers. The textbook and ancillary materials Reviews 161 provide clear guidance and useful strategies for effective language learning and teaching. Teachers have access to a scope and sequence, instructional suggestions , and more. Students are provided assistance through graphic organizers, explanations, and other examples. Students are also prompted to reflect on their perceptions and beliefs by comparing and contrasting the similarities and differences between the first language and culture and the target language and culture. The primary strength of the current edition is its focus on the standards, particularly its emphasis on the presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal aspects of the communicative approach as well as its incorporation of authentic cultural materials. In addition, the expanded technological offerings undoubtedly will appeal to those who are acquainted with and accustomed to this format. However, there is an inherent expectation that students will be self-motivated enough to research the wealth of resources provided and to effectively review the material provided. While this is certainly appropriate and should be encouraged, it may prove challenging for those who are not acclimated to this...