• .

      classroom-chronicles2

Living and Celebrating “la Francophonie” 
by Amar Boumediene , Anne Sophie Cuna , Dominique Grandmougin 
& Clémentine Riem 

“La Francophonie” (French language and culture) is more than just a subject in the classroom at our school—it’s part of the fabric of the school, a way of life. From hands-on projects to unforgettable experiences, our students are immersed in the French language and culture in ways that are meaningful, creative, and fun. Here’s a glimpse of how “la Francophonie” comes alive at FASPS. 

Exploring France: 7th Graders’ Cultural and Linguistic Adventure 
What better way to connect with the French language than a trip to France? Every year, our 7th graders embark on a journey to Normandy and Paris. They visit iconic landmarks, practice their French in real-world settings, and get a taste of local culture. Highlights include historical tours, creative writing workshops, and savoring French cuisine. This trip is the perfect mix of learning, discovery, and adventure, creating memories the students will cherish forever. 

Finding Their Voice: Eloquence Workshop for 8th Graders 
Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, but our 8th graders learn to shine on stage with an eloquence workshop. Through games, group activities, and challenges, they build confidence and master the art of persuasion in French. These sessions go beyond just speaking—they’re about structuring ideas, making strong arguments, and connecting with an audience. It’s a skill set the students will carry into the future, wherever life takes them. 

Saturday Morning Advanced French: Keeping the Francophone Spirit Alive for High Schoolers 
After graduating from middle school at FASPS, students can stay connected to the French language and culture through our Saturday morning high school classes. From literary and science workshops to cooking classes and theater outings, these classes are a rich, engaging way for our alumni to keep their French skills sharp and their passion for French culture alive. The classes also prep them for exams like the DELF (an official French language proficiency certificate) and AP French. 

History Meets Creativity: Medieval Travel Journals 
Grade 7 students can explore what life was like in the Middle Ages by creating their own medieval travel journals. This interdisciplinary project combines French, history, geography, and art. Students learn about medieval art and cartography while honing their writing skills. 

Learning Through Play: Feudalism Board Game in 7th Grade 
To make the topic of feudalism come alive, students play an interactive board game, where they role-play and learn key concepts in French. It’s an immersive, hands-on way to understand a pivotal part of French history while building language skills. 

Creating Change: Anti-Bullying Game by 6th Graders 
As part of bullying prevention, our 6th graders design their own board games. In small groups, they create scenarios and brainstorm solutions that promote empathy, respect, and dialogue. This activity not only sparks meaningful conversations but also strengthens their collaborative and communication skills. 

Commemorating History Through Geometry and Art 
To mark the Armistice of November 11th, 8th graders explore World War I through an interdisciplinary lens. They study its causes and consequences in history class, then use their math skills to create symbolic poppy and cornflower designs. This project combines geometry and art with reflection on the importance of peace and remembrance. 

Celebrating “la Francophonie” Every Day 
Teachers and students bring creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning to every project at our school. Whether it’s through hands-on activities, cultural immersion, or innovative lessons, we make the French language and culture a vibrant, integral part of our community. “La Francophonie” is something we live, share, and celebrate together. 

List of 5 news stories.

  • 2nd Graders Light Up Their Learning with a Pumpkin Project!

    Recently, my 2nd graders embarked on an exciting adventure that combined creativity, science, and a touch of magic! The result? A collection of glowing pumpkins and a classroom buzzing with discovery! 
    The students began with a creative challenge: design a pumpkin! In groups of three or four, they got to work using a variety of materials—paper, colored pencils, chalk, scissors, markers, and more. Each group let their imaginations run wild, crafting unique pumpkins.
    Read More

  • Feudal Fun: Bringing History to Life Through a Board Game 

    Why I Created a Medieval Board Game for My History Class:
     
    This year, I introduced Intrigues Féodales, a medieval-themed board game, to bring our unit on feudalism to life. Designed specifically for my students, the game immerses them in the social structures and power dynamics of the feudal era by allowing them to step into the roles of its key players.
    Read More

  • Touching The Hearts Of Our Elderly Friends--and Our Own

    As part of an intergenerational project, the Grade 8 classes have established an ongoing relationship with Covenant Living at the Shores, a nearby rehabilitation and assisted living facility. Started in 2017 (with a hiatus from in-person visits spanning March 2020 to May 2022 due to COVID – only handmade cards were delivered during this time) the visits have grown from twice a year (one at the beginning and at the end of the school year) to four times a year since September 2022. 
    Read More

  • One Classroom, Many Voices: Learning About Community and Individuality 

    In second grade, we worked on a bilingual activity centered around Only One You (Il n’y en a pas deux comme toi) by Linda Kranz. Only One You tells the story of a young fish named Adri who learns important lessons about being unique and finding one's place in the world. Through this engaging book exploration, students learned about individuality and community while expressing themselves creatively in both languages. 
    Read More

  • Adventures In Learning

    I see learning as an adventure. My role as a teacher is a bit like that of a navigator: I’m here to guide students through this exploration and offer them opportunities to learn through experience. One of the moments that really illustrates this idea is the trip we take every year with our 7th graders to the Washington State Capitol and Mount St. Helens. 
    Read More

FASPS

With two campuses, our main campus on Mercer Island and our new preschool campus in the vibrant Capitol Hill area of Seattle, the French American School of Puget Sound (FASPS) is a private, bilingual school for children age 18 months (tiny young pre-kindergarten) through grade 8. Students benefit from a rigorous academic program, arts and technology curriculum, social and emotional learning, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
Non-Discrimination Policy

The French American School of Puget Sound does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, financial aid programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs. This policy applies to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities, including applications and admissions, generally accorded or made available to students at the school.