Remember your first French class? Did the teacher sweep in, chattering in another language, scaring and exciting you all at once? Mine didn't, but I've heard enough of those stories that I wanted to try it. So, despite the impossibly cramped quarters, I snaked my way through the lines of desks and introduced myself to each student individually, using bisous en chocolat (a powerful motivator) to encourage everyone to try the introductory phrases of bonjour, je m'appelle and merci.
Then, on their get-to-know-you cards (an old trick for learning names faster) I asked for one phrase they wanted to learn in French. Here are some of my favorites:
- More candy, please. (I told you it was a powerful motivator.)
- I'm sorry.
- Grapefruit. (She had heard and forgotten the word, which is a pretty cool one.)
- I believe in God.
- I would like some food.
- I volunteer as tribute.
- My name is Bonnie and I'm 15 years old.
- I love you.
- What school do you go to?
Besides the thrill of arriving in my very own classroom to the smell of freshly-brewed coffee (thank God for automatic timers!) this was definitely the highlight of my week.
