S2 Ep. 8 Robust Vocabulary Instruction in French for Anglophone Parents: Raft challenge with Sarah & Julianne

​In this episode, I challenge Sarah and Julianne: Who can make a raft that is buoyant, waterproof, stable and won't tip over?
Before listening to this episode, it is important to listen to episode 5 of season 2 in order to understand the different levels of vocabulary. Robust vocabulary instruction in French can be very useful for your children if they are enrolled in a French-medium or French-immersion program. Literary vocabulary is used daily at school, however, this vocabulary is not typically heard during informal conversations. We need to explicitly teach some of these words. The Level 2 words targeted in this episode are the following:
 
Raft
Rescue
Platform
Assembly
Parts
Arts project
Challenge
Buoyant
Waterproof
Stable
Tip

Note: The translation of French Level 2 words  may not give an English level 2 word. For example, the word "tip" may be considered a level 1 word. The important rule to remember is that level 2 words  can be explained with simpler words from level 1.

​Here's what you need for this activity:
2 rolls of toilet paper
Old markers or popsicle sticks or straws.
Saran wrap.
Ziplock bags
A hot glue gun or white glue.

Here are the steps for this activity. If you want to read the steps in French, you can find the show notes for the French episode here:

Write down the list of target words so that you can consult them during the activity.

Use old dry markers, popsicle sticks or straws for the platform of your raft.

Start by gluing a marker to each end of the toilet paper rolls.

Be creative and have fun building your raft with different parts.

Be careful with the hot glue!

If you use white glue, you will have to wait for it to dry before starting the challenge.

Find a body of water and put your rafts to the test! Sarah's raft is buoyant, waterproof, stable and won't tip over.

Julianne's too!

Mine tipped over and is sinking.

Sarah's making waves. Julianne's raft tips over and sinks too.