As an end of year project, French students are designing and creating a shirt and then presenting their process in French beginning Friday.

“The t-shirt project is a great opportunity for my French students because it allows them to express their creativity and individuality,” French teacher Dina Baalbaki said. “This project helps students apply their language skills in a practical way as well as feeling comfortable presenting in front of everyone in the target language.”

Students are also hosting a potluck during presentations as a way to get together and celebrate their year before school ends.

“I like this project more than other projects because we get to use creative thinking,” sophomore Betty Rushing said. “We also get to have fun with our learning.”

Baalbaki wants students to be proud of all the work they’ve done through the year and hopes that a more creative project will allow students to relax a little bit.

“I believe this hands-on project is a better way to end the year than a typical test because it engages students actively in their learning,” Baalbaki said. “It allows them to demonstrate their skills authentically, and creates a memorable and meaningful experience in a safe and fun environment.”

However, students will still be gaining valuable experience through describing the process in which they made their shirt.

“I am excited for the t-shirt project because it gives us an opportunity to be creative while incorporating the French language into our work,” Rushing said. “It challenges us to use passé, composé, and imparfait.” 

This project allows French students one last review of all they’ve learned before going on vacation, which students taking higher levels of French can take into next year.

“I hope students will learn to strengthen their language skills by using French in a practical and creative manner, develop their creativity and personal expression, and gain confidence in using French in their daily lives,” Baalbaki said. “It is the main purpose of learning a language.”