Module 1 - Wednesday 11th November 7-8pm 

Learning Outcomes Module 1: Getting Started – Why French, Why Now?

By the end of this module, participating teachers will be able to:

1. Understand the Rationale for Teaching French in Primary Schools
   • Describe key reasons for introducing French at primary level in the Irish context.
   • Explain the wider personal, cultural, and educational benefits of learning French.
2. Recognise the Educational and Cognitive Benefits of Language Learning
   • Identify how learning an additional language supports cognitive development, literacy, and intercultural understanding.
   • Reflect on how these benefits align with the aims of the Primary Language Curriculum (PLC).
3. Make Curriculum Connections
   • Understand how French can integrate with other curricular areas (e.g., SESE, Visual Arts, Music).
   • Recognise how early exposure to French supports progression to Junior Cycle Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) learning outcomes.
4. Familiarise Themselves with the CEFR Framework
   • Identify key features of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
   • Distinguish between A1 and A2 levels and consider how they relate to beginner language learning in primary classrooms.
5. Explore the Francophone World
   • Locate and identify countries where French is spoken and discuss the global presence of the French language.
   • Develop awareness of cultural diversity and use classroom activities that promote global citizenship.
6. Engage in Reflective Practice
   • Reflect on personal experiences and assumptions about language learning.
   • Set one professional goal for integrating French into classroom practice.
7. Prepare for the Next Steps in Course Progression
   • Identify routine classroom interactions suitable for introducing simple French.
   • Plan to incorporate basic French language elements into daily classroom routines.

Module 2 - Wednesday 18th November 7-8pm

Learning Outcomes Module 2:  Core Classroom Language

By the end of this module, participating teachers will be able to:

1. Use a core set of everyday classroom French phrases
   • Confidently deliver greetings, simple questions, and basic classroom instructions in French.
2. Integrate French naturally into daily classroom routines
   • Identify and apply opportunities to embed French during transitions, behaviour management, and whole-class interactions.
3. Lead structured call-and-response exchanges in French
   • Facilitate predictable spoken routines that encourage student participation and comprehension.
4. Model basic conversational exchanges for students
   • Demonstrate simple teacher–student interactions using French in a supportive, low-pressure way.
5. Use visual and physical supports to scaffold understanding
   • Enhance comprehension through gestures, flashcards, posters, and visual timetables.
6. Apply confidence-building strategies for language teaching
   • Use repetition and routine to reduce anxiety for both teacher and students.
7. Adapt an existing classroom routine for immediate use in French
   • Plan and share at least one French phrase or instruction ready to implement in their own classroom.
8. Reflect on personal progress and set a short-term action goal
   • Identify one French phrase to practise consistently following the module.

Module 3 - Wednesday 25th November 7-8pm

Learning Outcomes Module 3: Tout sur moi

By the end of this module, participating teachers will be able to:

1. Identify and name basic body parts in French
   • Recognise and correctly say vocabulary such as la tête, les yeux, les bras, les jambes, etc.
2. Understand and respond to simple French instructions related to the body
   • Follow commands during songs and games like “Tête, épaules, genoux, pieds” and Jacques a dit.
3. Recognise and use vocabulary for eye and hair colours in French
   • Identify colours such as bleus, verts, marron, bruns, blonds, etc., in spoken and visual contexts.
4. Construct simple self-descriptive sentences in French
   • Use sentence frames like “J’ai les yeux…” and “J’ai les cheveux…” with appropriate vocabulary.
5. Introduce themselves using basic personal information in French
   • Say their name, age, and describe their appearance using simple sentences.
6. Demonstrate basic pronunciation and listening skills in French
   • Repeat vocabulary and short sentences with increasing accuracy
7. Engage confidently in French learning through songs, games, and creative tasks
   • Participate actively in group activities, mini-books, posters, and games.
8. Show confidence in presenting personal information in French
   • Complete an “All About Me” poster or mini-book and share simple information orally or visually.

Module 4 - Wednesday 2nd December 7-8pm

Learning Outcomes Module 4: À l’école

By the end of this module, participating teachers will be able to:

1. Recognise and name common classroom objects in French
   • Identify and say key vocabulary such as un stylo, un crayon, une gomme, un sac, une trousse, and un livre.
2. Understand and respond to basic classroom instructions in French
   • Deliver simple teacher commands such as Écoutez, Répétez, Levez-vous, and Ouvrez vos livres.
3. Demonstrate listening comprehension through actions and games
   • Show understanding by pointing, moving, colouring, or responding correctly during listening activities and games like Jacques a dit.
4. Use simple spoken French to talk about school items
   • Answer the question “Qu’est-ce que tu as dans ta trousse ?” using the structure “J’ai…”.
5. Participate confidently in French songs and chants
   • Join in with familiar tunes and repetitive language to reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation.
6. Match spoken and written French vocabulary to images
   • Connect French words to visuals during quizzes, matching activities, and games.
7. Engage positively in pair and group speaking activities
   • Practise simple exchanges with peers in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
8. Show growing confidence using French in a classroom context
   • Participate actively and celebrate progress through oral language activities

Facilitator - Paul Fitzgerald
Language educator specialising in EAL coordination and French, with a strong focus on building trust, inclusion, and meaningful communication in multilingual settings. Experienced in delivering CEFR-aligned, learner-centred teaching and supporting the rollout of Ireland’s new MFL curriculum through teacher training and webinars.

Passionate about fostering collaboration with students and educators, and creating engaging, creative learning environments through culture, art, and storytelling. Brings international perspective from Erasmus+ experience in Finland, with a commitment to embedding sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking language practices.

Interested in contributing to curriculum development and supporting innovative approaches to language education.