It has been repeatedly proven that knowing another language benefits your brain, so if someone gets the opportunity to learn another language in high school, they should take it. FHC’s French Club offers everyone an opportunity to experience French culture and a chance to escape their small bubble of monolingualism.
Madame Van Houten is the teacher of all French classes at FHC and the French Club advisor. She has taught FHC’s French program for many years. Usually, during French Club meetings there are 10-15 students who attend, and a few from each year of French.
“We do interesting cultural activities like trying different foods, playing French games, watching French videos, and speaking lots [of French], among other things,” Van Houten said.
Even just listening to French can help build skills that make it easier to speak and understand the language while also having fun. Don’t think of this club as just another boring class; the fun activities keep this club engaging and interesting, offering a break from the monotonous school week.
Spending some time eating food and listening to different music with friends can build lasting relationships even after the school year. Becoming friends with people who are in the same school as you is essential, and the French Club presents that opportunity. When everyone gets new classes you could see someone who you recognize from the French Club. There are more than just the benefits of learning the language; other skills can be applied to everyone’s future after high school.
“French opens up your world. It teaches you not only how to communicate with people on five different continents,” Mme. Van Houten said, “but teaches empathy towards others and how to be open-minded to other cultures and ways of life.”
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, is a quality that not many people have but is one that everyone should have. Open-mindedness to exposure makes empathy possible as French Club students begin to understand other cultures. It can make them challenge their own beliefs and welcome new ways of thinking.
Sophomore Kayla Boerma, who attends the French Club, has learned many new things about the culture and the language. She enjoys participating in a multitude of activities and what it would be like to be a teenager in France.
“French has taught me to be more understanding towards people of differing cultures, such as how they live their lives that are different from us and how people my age would live in a different country,” Kayla said. “It’s a completely different world for everyone out there, and French has taught me that.”
As the students collaborate on French Club activities, they not only improve their language skills but also become more compassionate, thoughtful people who are willing to handle a globalized society. It helps that the levels of French are all mixed so students can talk with other students and learn what it will be like in their future with French.
It is a country with a rich heritage and different traditions and values. Its architecture, cuisine, language, and celebrations are all a key part of France’s culture, which at times can be vastly different than the rest of the world. The life of a French person in every area of the nation is unique from the other areas in the country, so learning about many of them can help open someone’s mind.
“The French Club has helped me connect further with the culture and immerse myself deeper into learning,” Kayla said. “The club helps me deepen my understanding and get a picture of French outside of the taught class.”
French Club is a place of welcome and belonging for those interested in increasing their knowledge about the culture and language regardless of their French knowledge or ability. Whether you are a beginner or advanced in French already, the club is a haven for all people to learn from each other and have fun. An open club avoids having any one person feel excluded, providing a collective environment of students bonded by their interest in French culture.
One of the French Club founders, senior Rebecca Maddox, started this club back up because of all the amazing things she felt she was missing out on after reaching her fifth year of French. Not many students continue with French until their last year of high school, but senior Norah Hemsley, co-founder, and Rebecca have pushed through and are taking the class their senior year. Since FHC doesn’t have many students who reach their final years, Norah is dual-enrolled at Calvin College, and Rebecca is taking AP French as an independent study.
“A few fun activities we have brought back since the club’s start, we have tried various famous French cheeses, researched France during WWII, had a Buche de Noel [Yule Log] baking contest,” Rebecca said, “and created posters for Manie Musicale, [the French musical March madness].”
This club is another layer of immersion beyond what is possible in the classroom. With hands-on learning making everything more tangible and enjoyable.
It grants students the opportunity to connect with the language without the pressure of grades and assignments. Thankfully, the founders have made a safe space for students to enjoy and have some fun.
“I would recommend this club to all French students. It’s a great way to supplement your French learning and spend time with your friends,” Rebecca said. “I think a big appeal of the club is the French food, so it’s also fun for non-French students who like fine cheese and pastries.”
The French Club is not only for students who study French every day but for anyone who wants to learn about the culture and language. It emphasizes having fun while still learning so members can appreciate the beauty of the French-speaking world without being constrained to a textbook.
Students have the ability to learn to love the language, make friends, and expand their minds without the pressure that comes with routine lessons. It’s creative, discovering, and friendly, and therefore, it is an enjoyable way of interacting with others and gaining knowledge of the real world. It’s a club where the love of learning and having fun, whether or not they have any knowledge, are welcome to be involved.
“French class has influenced me to be more empathetic and appreciative towards other cultures and languages,” Kayla said. “I have been able to see the world through a different perspective, and through my learning of the language I have become more aware.”
