Using TV transcripts in the TL

Many students are reluctant to speak in the target language. Using the transcripts of popular commercials and children’s television shows, this activity builds their confidence and enthusiasm for speaking in French.

• First, have the class view the whole video.

• Then, assign short segments of the (tran)script to small groups of students.

• Each group will listen and rehearse their lines carefully because on the second
screening of the full video, the sound will be muted and they will be providing the
soundtrack. (I usually schedule the second viewing a week after the first screening.)

• Especially creative and motivated classes should be encouraged to include sound
effects and/or background music.

This file includes transcripts for videos about Halloween, l’Action de Grâce, Noël and le patin à glace.

I’ve included suggestions for extending the lesson for both Immersion and Core French programmes.te