COVID, 'confinement' and community

There's nothing quite like a viral pandemic to put actions in to perspective. 

I first started this blog with the ambition to not only share my love of teaching French but to partake in a broad community of teachers. When I first started teaching, I felt that it was quite an isolating occupation. Although you get to meet and work with inspiring teachers in your school community, the sharing of resources and ideas can be particularly restrictive in a small LOTE department. Hence, I Love French Australia blog was born in order to feel connected to other intrepid French teachers out there. Why shouldn't we be working together as a connected community?

When our schools started closing for online delivery due to COVID infections in Melbourne (AUS), I was once again reassured by the tenacity of the online teaching community. Through Facebook, Instagram and other platforms, so many teachers were reaching out to each other, whether to graciously offer resources or just to share in a mutual unease and offer support. 

Like most 'essential' workers, I have been working seven-day weeks since the start of term 1 this year. I took on two VCE classes (which I love), which adds to the workload, but also, it must be recognised that teaching is more than just academic instruction. We get into teaching because we care immensely about the wellbeing and future of our students. I think that most of us teachers are always working to ensure that we do the very best for each individual - of course, this can be an exhausting endeavor even without the COVID context! My blogging hiatus as a consequence of this, so far, unprecedented year.

Exhaustion aside, the pandemic has put my purpose of blogging in to perspective. I started this blog to belong and support my community of dynamic French and language teachers who have supported me through COVID and always. We must stay connected and continue to embrace this fine community!

All my best to my colleagues out there! If you ever need to contact me in regards to resources or just some good banter, send me an email at ilovefrenchaustralia@gmail.com

Melbourne's French Festivals: Paris to Provence 2018

Another year, another celebration of French culture and language. Enjoy a delectable viewing of this years Paris to Provence Festival held at Como House and Gardens in South Yarra, VIC.

https://youtu.be/-chQC8_EBrw

French obsessions: European Crime Dramas

Watching films and series in my second language has always been my non-guilt formula to watching T.V. I'm happy to say, therefore, that my recent T.V. productiveness has been at an all time high.

My current addiction lies in European Crime Drama. Not only are the stories captivating, but they are also linguistically interesting with a mixture of European languages.

To get you in the 'spirit', here is a list of some engaging shows currently available through SBS On Demand:

The Missing 

Crime Drama - English, French, German
2 seasons

Each series follows a separate case. Season 1 follows the story of a 5-year old English boy who goes missing in a small French town. It showcases the torment of the parents and the community as they desperately try to unravel the mystery over 8 years.

Noxe

Crime Drama - French
1 season

A cop goes missing in the sewers of Paris, which uncovers some dark and troubling secrets. With the amazing Nathalie Baye.

The Bureau

Drama - French
3 seasons

I found this series a little dry, however the cases are still fascinating and great on a language-level as there is a lot of dialogue. The stories are based on accounts from former French spies.

The Returned

Thriller - French
2 seasons

A small French town is haunted by the return of people killed in bloody murders seven years prior.

Beyond the Walls

Thriller - French
1 season

A series that keeps you on edge as the protagonist explores the spooky history of the uninhabited house at the end of the street. Strange things happen...

Just One Look

Crime Drama - French
1 season

Next one of the list to watch... A woman goes on the hunt for her missing husband.

Also, look out for two extra series that have recently expired through SBS On Demand:

The Disappearance

Crime Drama - French
1 season

The story unravels the days following the disappearance of a teenage girl in Lyon. Beautifully produced.

The Tunnel

Crime Drama - English, French
3 seasons

Adapted from the Nordic series, The Bridge, a body is found in the tunnel under La Manche (The Channel) split between the border of England and France. Police on both sides must work together to solve the crimes.

Don't have an SBS On Demand account? Sign-up and get watching, now!

French Teacher Resource: French in Melbourne City

Earlier this year, we took our Year 9 students on a city excursion to immerse them in the French culture that exists in our beautiful Melbourne city.

First we took them to La Petite Crêperie where they each devoured a crêpe and a galette, washing their food down with a cold Orangina to share. The staff at the crêperie were extremely accomodating as we squashed our classes in to the small space.

The students then attended a guided visit at the NGV on Impressionism. They were shown the masterpieces that we have here at our doorstep, and used their knowledge on Impressionist art learned in class.

To finish the day, I created a Frenchy Melbourne treasure hunt. Although most of my students had hardy navigated the city by themselves, I sent them off with a map and clues and waited at Federation Square with the phone. The chasse au trésor was a big hit. They were directed to work out their first clue and then continue to track their way through the city, taking photos when they reached each site. Given time restrictions, they were given an hour and half to complete as much of the puzzle as they could. They were then excused from the day once they returned to Federation Square and had their photos sited.

A PDF version of the Frenchy Melbourne Treasure hunt is downloadable here. I hope that it can be as much of a hit with your French students!

Quelle journée - c'était tellement amusante.