Bonjour!

My name is Arwen Ek and I am the new French teacher at Salt Lake Arts Academy.  Although born and raised in Salt Lake City, I have always been fascinated by the French language and culture.  Last December I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Arts from the University of Utah.  During my career at the U, I took many French language and literature classes.  In 2004 I participated in the France Study Abroad Program, and in 2006 I received a research grant to translate portions of a performing arts text from French to English.  
            French is a very expressive language, which is part of what makes it so fun!  Facial expressions, body language and intonation are vital to understanding and being understood in French.  I have been teaching dance and theatre in Salt Lake for the past five years and I am excited about integrating the arts into learning the French language.  I am eager to find new ways of learning and committed to giving each student the tools to connect and communicate in French. 
This year, we will focus on building verb and vocabulary skills, refining our communication style with in-class dialogues and speaking exercises, while expanding our knowledge of French geography, history and culture.  The grading rubric follows SLAA standard measurements in Mastery, P.E.P.R., and C.A.B.  I expect each student to come prepared to class with their Humanities Binder open to the French section, a pencil or pen, and homework, when it is assigned.  Each student must RESPECT other people, places and things.  Finally, I expect each student to speak in French only!  If the student can’t think of the French, then English may be spoken but always with a French accent.    I want every student to reach his/her highest potential in this class by becoming confident and proficient in basic/intermediate French.  I am looking forward to discovering French with you in 2008!
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to e-mail me: slaa.francais@google.fr.

Merci Beaucoup!