To advocate for all students, include perspectives that go beyond the Eurocentric ones. In addition, content is most relevant when we “find content that is created by individuals who represent the community they’re writing from”, (Eakins, 2022). Furthermore, always reflect on who is represented, centralized and celebrated. This might seem like a daunting task for a French teacher, especially for the beginning years in French 1 or French 2. I don’t think any of us can go from where we are today to suddenly tomorrow being a teacher who only uses authentic resources from outside the hexagon. How can we take baby steps to move away from only celebrating France?

I think we start by buying some children’s books and short story collections from countries other than France. You might want to think of that this summer when you have more time and maybe in the Fall ask for funds from your PTO to get you started. I have a few recommendations for Children’s books in the following grid. These books will not all be available, but you can look for ones on similar topics and my examples will help you see how you can use the ones you buy.

And then, instead of throwing away your curriculum, try adding some lessons from the chart below when you would ordinarily teach the same topics that are highlighted. You can still teach all of your own lessons and add in the couple that seem relevant that I have posted. Another hint is that you can take these ideas and make them your own by teaching these lessons in your own style.

I don’t think we all need to get a second masters in Francophone studies. It is enough today to buy a handful of new books and try out a few new lessons. Let’s take some baby steps forward together.

Check the ideas in the speaker’s notes of the slides of the presentations.

Scavenger Hunt La Francophonie – Various countries, Review of cultural points

Personnes noires de la francophonie – Various cultures, Review of personal information

References

Eakins, Sheldon L. (2022). leading equity. Wiley.