Introduction

As you know, French and Americans both love to play sports and games. However, when talking about sports and games, have you ever thought about the difference between these two constructions?

  • She plays volleyball.
  • She does gymnastics.
  • We play checkers.
  • We do aerobics.

Sometimes, we use the verb play, but other times, we use the verb do. The same is true in the French language! In this lesson, you will learn to use the verb jouer with sports and musical instruments that you play, as well as the verb faire with sports and activities that you do. You will also have a chance to explore various products of French culture such as art, fashion, food, dance, architecture, and literature – just to name a few!

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...

  • Conjugate and recognize the verbs faire and jouer in the present tense
  • Determine which verb to use, faire or jouer, based on the given sport, activity, or musical instrument
  • Determine which preposition to use, à or de, with the verb jouer based on the given sport, activity, or musical instrument
  • Research products of French culture and explain their history or origin and their cultural significance
  • Research the top 10 products that are exported from France

Essential Questions

  • How does learning a second language help me?

Enduring Understandings

  • The ability to communicate in a second language increases the understanding of one’s native language.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: World Languages Level II standards: 1c, 5, 5a, 5b, 8.