Apparences : A Novel Approach to Elementary French

Apparences takes an approach to teaching French that encourages discovery of grammatical structures and vocabulary through an engaging, modern narrative inspired by the classic French play, Cyrano de Bergerac. Through comprehensible language, each chapter tells the story of Max, a first-generation college student from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Roxane, an exchange student from Italy.

Apparences provides multiple ways for students to listen, read, discuss, write, share, and create in French. The text encourages comprehension from the opening chapter and allows teachers to provide the kind of prompts that engage students and facilitate meaningful interaction. The text finds compelling ways to contextualize the traditional vocabulary and grammar presented in many first-year textbooks, while also providing a means for students to engage deeply with what they are reading. The author applies foreign and second language acquisition research (i.e. comprehensible input and output activities, joint production, and dialogic inquiry) to create relevant and engaging language learning activities. Students will want to speak French as they discuss the story and consider universal themes of love, belonging, insecurity, and identity.