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Monday, July 7
 

7:30am CDT

Registration Table Opens [Monday]
Monday July 7, 2025 7:30am - 6:00pm CDT
Quiet reflection room available on request.
Monday July 7, 2025 7:30am - 6:00pm CDT
TBA

9:00am CDT

AATF Opening & Awards Ceremony
Monday July 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Annual awards presentation & opening ceremony.
Monday July 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Empire Room

10:00am CDT

Keynote Address
Monday July 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Uncovering the Story of DuSable: A Chicago Visionary
Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable (c. 1745-1818) is regarded as the first permanent non-native settler of what would later become Chicago, Illinois. Recognized as the city’s founder, the site where he settled near the mouth of the Chicago River around the 1780s is memorialized as a National Historic Landmark, now located in Pioneer Court. DuSable was born to a French father and a Black African slave mother in Saint Domingue (present day Haïti).
Monday July 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Empire Room

11:45am CDT

Welcome Luncheon (by ticket only)
Monday July 7, 2025 11:45am - 1:15pm CDT
Monday July 7, 2025 11:45am - 1:15pm CDT
Empire Room

1:15pm CDT

[Session #82] The Commission on Cinema
Monday July 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
The Commission on Cinema will discuss current and ongoing projects.
Speakers
Monday July 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Salon 12

1:15pm CDT

[Session #44] Le français chez nous: Resources for Your Classroom to Explore via the French Heritage Corridor
Monday July 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Get to know the materials presented by the French Heritage Corridor to help your students explore “Le français chez nous”! FHC raises awareness about the Midwest's rich French history and cultural heritage from the 1600s on. Investigate with your students the legacy of Marquette, LaSalle, the voyageurs, les habitants, DuSable, and more with FHC's teaching materials. Ready-made activities in French, online and on paper, introduce the region’s French history: they’re Standards-aligned and fun! Venez explorer!
Monday July 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Wilson

1:15pm CDT

[Session #53] Locating Le Français Chez Nous through Food
Monday July 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
When your target audience inhabits a country of English Only laws, your educational institution is located in a monocultural area whose students have never ventured beyond their home state, locating French culture through food labs might help transcend these pedagogical challenges. This interactive presentation offers educators a cost and time-effective method for formalizing something many of us already do in the classroom, eat culture, affording it the same prominence as all other regular learning activities.
Speakers
Monday July 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Marshfield

1:15pm CDT

[Session #61] Stratégies et défis des cours à public spécifique : Innovations curriculaires pour les apprenants héritage et les étudiants en économie et études globales dans un contexte universitaire
Monday July 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Dans un contexte de mutation profonde de l'enseignement des langues étrangères aux États-Unis, caractérisé notamment par une diminution des effectifs, les départements de langues sont amenés à repenser leurs offres pédagogiques. Notre département a entrepris une initiative novatrice en développant deux cours distincts : Heritage French : Developing Foundational Skills et French for Global Studies and Economics. Cette communication propose une analyse critique du processus d'élaboration, de mise en œuvre et d'évaluation de ces programmes de niveau intermédiaire, chacun répondant à des objectifs pédagogiques spécifiques.
Monday July 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Salon 2

1:15pm CDT

[Session #67] Une Girafe Chez Nous
Monday July 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Venez nombreux pour une aventure avec la première girafe à Paris. Vous recevez une histoire unique à partager avec vos élèves, une leçon multidisciplinaire, et des idées pour collaborer avec les zoos et/ou les musées pour des excursions supplémentaires. Cette présentation montre l’amitié entre pays francophones et la générosité des personnes.
Speakers
Monday July 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Madison

1:15pm CDT

[Session #9] Collaboration = the 6th C - Reinforcing content through cross-curricular connections
Monday July 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Our session will focus on how to energize your program by creating interdisciplinary learning experiences with colleagues across the curriculum. Bonnie will highlight successful projects with Agriculture, Art, and World History. Mary will share her experiences with Culinary and Art. Attendees will leave with concrete examples of finished products as well as how to get started in their own learning communities.
Monday July 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Salon 10

1:15pm CDT

[Workshop #1] Mindful Moves: Integrating Social Emotional Learning in French Class
Monday July 7, 2025 1:15pm - 4:15pm CDT
Teachers will work on mindfulness strategies that they can use for themselves and their students. This interactive workshop will allow teachers to deepen their own skills, take some time for self-care, and share those techniques with students in the target language. Learning how to be in the present moment helps to create a greater sense of community in the classroom​​ and help teachers and students navigate the ever-changing world. This is an "active" workshop, so attendees will experience first-hand what they can do and how the different activities feel. While the workshop will be taught in English, links and examples will be provided in French so teachers can provide these skills to their students while adapting to each proficiency level.
Monday July 7, 2025 1:15pm - 4:15pm CDT
Salon 3

2:30pm CDT

[Session #39] La Lecture Libre : Free Voluntary Reading (FVR) in the World Language Classroom
Monday July 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
This session is for World Language teachers who want to begin a Free Volunteer Reading Program in class, but are not sure where to begin. Get resources for planning, student-based activities, and recommendations for organization of your library.
Speakers
Monday July 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Salon 2

2:30pm CDT

[Session #42] Le 'speakership' en français: Un cours culminant en Études françaises
Monday July 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
This session features a French Studies program at a small liberal arts university which, counter to national trends, has seen an increase in enrollments. The program’s new curriculum now focuses on the development of students’ intercultural competence and sense of legitimate speakership in French. We will first describe the program’s new capstone course and interdisciplinary project. A recent graduate will then present her capstone project: a translation of a previously untranslated text by Marie Curie.
Monday July 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Salon 12

2:30pm CDT

[Session #52] Leveraging an AF connection to maximize your French program resources
Monday July 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
How are French teachers like you collaborating with our Alliance Française partners? We’ll share their personal stories and offer examples that show teachers, students, and French programs benefitting from a relationship with an AF chapter. This session offers the opportunity to see “close up” how you and your students can connect with the Alliance Française network, both locally and nationally.
Monday July 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Salon 10

2:30pm CDT

[Session #63] Teaching the Huguenots Through Historical Novels
Monday July 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Although Huguenots and their descendants are a minority in France, their history symbolizes resistance and freedom of conscience—values central to French identity. Yet, American students rarely encounter their story in French studies. This presentation demonstrates how historical novels can introduce students to this cultural heritage. It explores these texts as “lieux de mémoire” and provides classroom activities to engage with their themes.
Speakers
Monday July 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Madison

2:30pm CDT

[Session #69] Updates on the Relationship of Music and Pronunciation
Monday July 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Being understood is a primary goal of language learners. However, their various backgrounds may influence their pronunciation. What if language teachers could invest in their students' musical backgrounds to help them improve their French pronunciation? Is it more important for language teachers to focus on achieving native-like pronunciation, or is intelligibility of pronunciation more beneficial for building communicative competence? What other components besides a musical background contribute to the development of their language skills?
Speakers
Monday July 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Salon 1

2:30pm CDT

[Session #91] Planting More Seeds of Culture
Monday July 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Following up on our session in San Diego, we will provide our session participants with more ways to plant culture throughout their teaching, rather than teaching culture as a separate entity. The session will give participants an opportunity to share ideas and bring new strategies to plant seeds of culture with any level of students.
Speakers
Monday July 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Wilson

4:00pm CDT

Exhibit Hall Opening
Monday July 7, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Come visit la salle des exposants to learn about all of the latest and greatest products to enrich your French teaching!
Sponsors
Monday July 7, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Salons 4-9

5:00pm CDT

Dîner en ville avec des ami.e.s
Monday July 7, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Join us for our dinner groups, Dîner en ville avec des ami.e.s. Be escorted to a restaurant by a local chapter member. Each person will pay for his/her/their own meal, but will eat in the company of other AATF members. It's a great way to make new friends and experience favorite local restaurants!
Monday July 7, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Lobby

7:00pm CDT

Palmes (ASFAP) Dinner (by invitation only)
Monday July 7, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Monday July 7, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Offsite

8:15pm CDT

Films on the Green: Haute Couture
Monday July 7, 2025 8:15pm - 10:15pm CDT
Not an AATF Sponsored event, but a French movie offered in Chicago. Additional details can be found HERE
Monday July 7, 2025 8:15pm - 10:15pm CDT
Lake Shore Park 808 North Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60611
 
Tuesday, July 8
 

7:30am CDT

Commission on Teacher Recruitment & Retention Breakfast (by ticket only)
Tuesday July 8, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Light working Breakfast for the Commission on Teacher Recruitment & Retention **Ticket required for participation**
 
Join us to hear about the ongoing work of the Commission and add your voice to the discussion of future projects aimed at addressing the French teacher shortage.
 
Presenters: Rebecca Monger, Associate Professor &  Chair, World Languages, Literatures and Cultures, Elmhurst University, and Eileen Walvoord, AATF Past President
Tuesday July 8, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Crystal Room

7:30am CDT

Grand Concours Administrator Breakfast (by invitation only)
Tuesday July 8, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Tuesday July 8, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Crystal Room

7:30am CDT

Registration Table Opens [Tuesday]
Tuesday July 8, 2025 7:30am - 4:00pm CDT
Quiet reflection room available on request.
Tuesday July 8, 2025 7:30am - 4:00pm CDT
TBA

8:30am CDT

[Session #25] French for All: Strengthening Support for French Language and Learners in the U.S.
Tuesday July 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
This session will offer an in-depth look of the French for All initiative and the French Embassy's educational programs, which support the growth and enrichment of French education and bilingualism in the United States, from kindergarten through higher education. Participants will learn about various Calls for Proposals designed to support school districts, higher education French departments, and teachers. The session will also highlight the inaugural French for All Summer Institute, which will gather over 100 teachers for a week-long professional development program tailored to diverse teaching tracks. This session will showcase practical ways to use available resources and examples of implemented projects through the embassy grants. Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session and a collaborative discussion with presenters.
Tuesday July 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Salon 2

8:30am CDT

[Session #10] Comment aborder Manie Musicale?
Tuesday July 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Manie Musicale is a powerful and fun way to engage students in French language and culture. If you're not participating already, you are missing out! Come to this session to learn all about Manie Musicale, and how to join the international movement started by Michelle Fournier and Stephanie Carbonneau.
Tuesday July 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Salon 12

8:30am CDT

[Session #14] Differentiation for French DLI Learners with Special Needs
Tuesday July 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
The controversial studies conducted by Dr. Kenneth Dinklage of Harvard University and Leonore Ganschow of the University of Miami, beginning in the 1970s, have significantly influenced the ongoing debate regarding the inclusion of students with learning difficulties in immersion classes. These studies have heightened the interest of bilingual education specialists in exploring the factors and possibilities involved in such inclusion.

The prevailing perspective today is that the integration of students with learning difficulties into immersion settings can be a valuable asset to their overall development, as supported by Wayne P. Thomas and Virginia P. Collier. Furthermore, the movement advocating for the inclusion of these students has gained considerable momentum, particularly with the effective utilization of artificial intelligence tools in immersion classrooms.

This session will initially focus on assisting educators in identifying the specific challenges faced by certain students, thereby enabling them to appropriately categorize these difficulties within the immersive context. Subsequently, attention will shift to selecting the relevant artificial intelligence tools designed to support student success, with an emphasis on differentiation to accommodate individual needs.

In conclusion, we will explore practical applications of these AI tools within real classroom settings.
Tuesday July 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Indiana

8:30am CDT

[Session #40] Teaching Methodologies and Technology
Tuesday July 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Cette contribution propose le développement d’une plateforme numérique adaptative visant à optimiser l’apprentissage du français langue étrangère (FLE) auprès des apprenants hispanophones à l’Université du Nouveau-Mexique. Partant du constat que plus de 60% de nos étudiants sont bilingues espagnol-anglais, et que les approches pédagogiques actuelles ne tirent pas pleinement profit de ce capital linguistique, nous proposons un dispositif technologique innovant basé sur l’intelligence artificielle. Le projet vise à créer une interface interactive capable d’identifier automatiquement les zones de convergence entre l’espagnol et le français, permettant ainsi de personnaliser l’apprentissage selon le profil linguistique de chaque apprenant. L’originalité de cette approche réside dans l’utilisation d’algorithmes d’apprentissage qui analyseraient en temps réel les productions des étudiants pour identifier leurs points forts et leurs difficultés spécifiques, notamment dans les domaines morphosyntaxique, lexical et phonétique. Cette proposition s’appuie sur des recherches récentes en linguistique computationnelle et en didactique des langues romanes, tout en répondant aux besoins spécifiques de notre contexte d'enseignement. L’implémentation d'une telle plateforme permettrait non seulement d’optimiser l’apprentissage du FLE pour nos étudiants hispanophones, mais aussi de générer des données précieuses pour la recherche en didactique des langues assistée par ordinateur.
Tuesday July 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Wilson

8:30am CDT

8:30am CDT

[Session #76] Enough with the Policing: Let’s Incorporate Google Translate
Tuesday July 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
This session explores integrating Google Translate into classroom activities to enhance vocabulary, sentence structures, and pronunciation. It demonstrates how to use Google Translate for educational benefits, if strategically incorporated in language classrooms. Drawing on university lessons, participants' samples and reflections illustrate practical applications and outcomes. Key findings show that strategic use of Google Translate improves vocabulary, pronunciation, sentence structure, and critical skills, addressing common pitfalls for better usage.
Speakers
Tuesday July 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Salon 10
  Regular Session

8:30am CDT

[Session #79] L' Écopoétique de la ville et de la campagne dans Maria Chapdelaine de Louis Hémon
Tuesday July 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Maria Chapdelaine de Louis Hémon reconduit un imaginaire écologique propre à la pastorale, un genre littéraire qui exalte la simplicité et la pureté de la vie champêtre au détriment de la ville, présentée à tort ou a raison comme un générateur de pollution, sur le plan environnemental, et d’ambition, de cupidité et de corruption, sur le plan moral. Notre propos est de montrer comment la mise en poème de l’habitat, cet ensemble de procédés stylistiques qu’utilise l’auteur en vue de donner un corps et une âme à la nature, transforme celle-ci en un protagoniste de l’homme.
Speakers
Tuesday July 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Kimball

8:30am CDT

[Workshop #2] The Mindset of Possibility: The Role of External Funding and Partnerships in Building and Preserving College and University French Programs in the United States
Tuesday July 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:00am CDT
World language programs are facing unprecedented challenges as we approach the end of the first quarter of the 21st century. Hundreds of K-16 French programs have been eliminated. The University of West Virginia is perhaps the most visible example. To complicate matters, world-renowned linguist and former French major John McWhorter declared that it's time to “stop pretending that French is an important language.”
We can't control the circumstances or the conditions around us, but we can control our response. Controlling our response cements our “mindset of possibility.” Controlling our response gives us a chance to save our French programs and when we have a “mindset of possibility,” our options become limitless. In this workshop, we will (1) listen to your current situation, (2) provide potential solutions via examples of untouchable programs, and (3) discuss accessible funding opportunities and the creation of on- and off-campus partnerships to secure allies in our struggle.
Speakers
Tuesday July 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:00am CDT
Salon 1

9:45am CDT

Morning Exhibit Break & Tombola
Tuesday July 8, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am CDT
Come visit la salle des exposants to chat with exhibitors, learn about their products,  and maybe win a prize at our tombola (must be present to win)!
Tuesday July 8, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am CDT
Salons 4-9

10:30am CDT

[Session #21] French DLI Commission Session
Tuesday July 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
This session will review the goals of the French DLI Commission and explore strategies to support the continued growth of our group. In particular, we will reflect on the recent online training held on April 12 and 13, and examine participants’ feedback, suggestions, and ideas for strengthening our national network of DLI teachers.
Tuesday July 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Salon 10

10:30am CDT

[Session #103] No Child Left Behind Kids Go to College: How do Heritage Speakers of Spanish mediate linguistic (in)security through their acquisition of French?
Tuesday July 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
The Heritage Speakers of Spanish (HSS) in college today were raised during the No Child Left Behind era and its politicized invalidation of Spanish. Now, they are a substantial demographic in French language classrooms. Uniquely, these spaces view Spanish bilingualism as an asset, providing a venue where HSS can navigate linguistic (in)security from their early education. This interactive presentation explores this process and how instructors can support HSS by promoting linguistic justice in the classroom.
Speakers
Tuesday July 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Madison

10:30am CDT

[Session #18] Empowering students: Creating and implementing National French Week activities on campus
Tuesday July 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
In this session, participants will learn how students in a French conversation class designed and implemented engaging National French Week activities to promote French language and culture on campus. Emphasizing student involvement, this presentation will showcase how students can take the lead in creating and executing these activities as part of their coursework. We will explore a variety of event ideas, strategies for student engagement, and methods for integrating these activities into the broader curriculum. Attendees will leave with a toolkit of practical ideas and resources to celebrate National French Week and engage the wider campus community.
Speakers
Tuesday July 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Wilson

10:30am CDT

[Session #3] Anti-Racist Approaches to Decolonizing and Diversifying a French Language Program
Tuesday July 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Presentation of curricular materials created for BU’s “Designing Antiracism Curricula” fellowship. Lessons include multiple modules on Francophone North and West Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia, to be used across the four-semester language sequence with the aim of decolonizing the curriculum, better serving our diverse students, and deepening students’ awareness of non-Western francophone regions. The presenters will describe their process and their first year piloting the program. Presenters will provide sample activities and resources.
Tuesday July 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Salon 12

10:30am CDT

[Session #48] Lessons Learned: Implementing New Directions in a French Language Program Curriculum
Tuesday July 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Keeping the curriculum relevant and current is a central concern of every French language program director. But where to start when it's time to change a 40-year-old curriculum? This session will describe challenges and lessons learned in a major curricular overhaul of a French language program, based on experiences of this university-level language program director. Examples will be shared from a timeline of curricular planning and implementation, with audience participation in a hands-on brainstorming session.
Speakers
Tuesday July 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Salon 2
  Regular Session

10:30am CDT

[Session #71] Vive la Francophonie: Engagement and Exploration Through a Diverse Lens
Tuesday July 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
This session will introduce a school-wide, year-long Francophone country exploration, sharing guidelines for selecting and promoting the 3 P's of a target country, while adhering to regular curricular goals, and demonstrate how the nature of the project puts students' voices and interests at the forefront, leading to increased engagement while providing a more diverse lens into Francophone culture. The session will include a hands-on learning experience and a portion of the session for sharing resources amongst participants.
Speakers
Tuesday July 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Marshfield

10:30am CDT

[Session #81] Making the case for French: A toolkit for articulating critical competencies through advanced French study
Tuesday July 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
This session presents a French Embassy and FACE Foundation funded project that is creating an advocacy toolkit promoting advanced French study. We'll discuss how French studies develop valuable career skills, share how these competencies were identified by faculty from ten institutions, and present sample toolkit materials including a website and advising resources. Though university-focused, this project offers relevant insights for French programs at all levels.
Tuesday July 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Logan

11:30am CDT

Editor's & Commision Chairs Luncheon (by invitation only)
Tuesday July 8, 2025 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
Tuesday July 8, 2025 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
Crystal Room

11:30am CDT

Lunch Break
Tuesday July 8, 2025 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
Tuesday July 8, 2025 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
TBA

1:00pm CDT

[Session #99] Encouraging the joy of reading from Command Performance Books
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Count on Command Performance Books to build your library and encourage the joy of reading. Introduce students to la Francophonie with the Qui parle français? series. Take them to dystopian lands with La Planète grise graphic novels. See how they react to the classroom drama in the La Classe des confessions books. Use riddles from À Quoi je pense? as a warm-up. In this session will introduce you to all our most requested readers. Youpi!
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Salon 1

1:00pm CDT

[Session #28] French Language and Francophone Cultures through Film: Free resources from CinéSchool, IFcinéma, and TV5Monde
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Discover three free resources—CinéSchool, IFcinéma, and TV5Monde—to bring authentic French films and TV into your classroom. CinéSchool offers francophone films with interactive activities on Genially and Padlet. IFcinéma provides a diverse catalog of French films and shorts. TV5Monde brings Francophone culture to life with TV shows like Destination Francophonie and ready-to-use lesson plans. Leave with practical tools and activities to make French learning more engaging, relevant, and immersive for your students!
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Salon 10

1:00pm CDT

[Session #33] Influential Lessons: Using Influencers and Social Media in the Classroom
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Using social media in the classroom can come with many benefits for students and teachers alike. However, there are also risks and responsibilities associated with opening your classroom to the world through the networks. This session will review best practices for using social media in language lessons. Attendees will have access to sample lessons for all levels as well as examples of influencers to share with students.
Speakers
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Logan

1:00pm CDT

[Session #65] The Here and Now of AI in French: Examples from across the Curriculum and Profession
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
This presentation offers five interactive examples of AI usage in lesson planning and classroom activities piloted at two higher education institutions and developed in parallel with the more established and research-based digital humanities practices of: accessibility (free and limited account creation required), meaningful contribution (the activity must benefit students’ learning in a novel way), and ease of use (the platform must render instructor’s work easier, not more onerous).
Speakers
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Salon 12

1:00pm CDT

[Session #66] The Linguistic Landscape of Paris: Making Connections to Other Disciplines
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
This presentation promotes the inclusion of authentic content in the curriculum by offering a pedagogical model for using photos of the linguistic landscape of Paris to make connections to other disciplines (architecture, art, geography, history, jurisprudence, marketing, math, and sociology). The photos, which were taken by the presenters over the past two years, represent a wide range of contexts in many different parts of the city.
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Salon 2
  Regular Session

1:00pm CDT

[Session #78] High-impact Practices for Fluency in French
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Learn how to invigorate French conversation with your students in class through the high-impact activity of structured debate. The format of debating, infuses enthusiasm into conversation, while building vocabulary, refining pronunciation, enhancing confidence, and improving fluency. Using video of your choice, documentary, serial, or feature film, as the starting point, students lead the discussion implementing the important elements of debate such as argument, evidence, refutation, and respectful communication. Debate sample lesson with activities and templates will be provided during this interactive presentation.
Speakers
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Marshfield

1:00pm CDT

[Session #92] Grand Concours
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Language skills and cultural knowledge are necessary in the globalized world and our daily lives. French is a global and local language, spoken by over 300M around the world and 33M in the Americas. In a multilingual world, the opportunity to learn French should be available to all. The mission of French language advocacy is to ensure that access and opportunity to learn French are available to all interested learners. We can all be advocates!
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Wilson

1:00pm CDT

[Session #96] Optimiser l’enseignement en DLI : approches pédagogiques et leviers d’action
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Cette session a pour objectif de fournir aux enseignants actuellement en poste dans des programmes d'immersion en français aux États-Unis des outils et des stratégies pour renforcer leurs pratiques pédagogiques. Nous explorerons les principales approches pédagogiques permettant d’optimiser l’enseignement en immersion et aborderons les défis spécifiques rencontrés dans ces contextes. Nous discuterons également des moyens de soutien disponibles pour accompagner ces initiatives et enrichir les projets éducatifs dans les établissements DLI.
Speakers
Tuesday July 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Madison

2:00pm CDT

Afternoon Exhibit Break & Tombola
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Come visit la salle des exposants to chat with exhibitors, learn about their products,  and maybe win a prize at our tombola (must be present to win)!
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salons 4-9

2:45pm CDT

[Session #101] La francophonie des Amériques
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
"Enrich your classes with the Francophonie of the Americas thanks to TV5MONDE!
Are you looking for authentic and interactive resources to introduce your students to the diversity of the Francophone world?
TV5MONDE offers a wealth of educational content to help you explore the history, culture, and identities of Francophone communities in North America, the Caribbean, and beyond!"
Speakers Exhibitors
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon 10

2:45pm CDT

[Session #70] Visitez le Sénégal avec Vive L'Expérience
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Enjoy learning about Senegalese "teranga" as two Chicago-based French teachers discuss their experiences traveling in Francophone West Africa with Vive L'expérience. This session will explore the itinerary followed, the relationships forged, the cultures shared, the lessons learned, as well as how these experiences have been incorporated into the classroom. There will be time for Q&A and more information for those interested in future trips to Senegal with Vive.
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Marshfield

2:45pm CDT

[Session #19] Enseigner la prononciation dès le début : pourquoi et comment
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Vous ne savez pas comment intégrer la prononciation dans vos cours ? Pas besoin d’être un·e expert·e ! Je vous propose un modèle/système simple et facile à intégrer à tous les niveaux pour inclure des éléments de prononciation liés avec des distinctions grammaticales. Ces activités développent la compréhensibilité des élèves, leur compréhension et leur apprentissage de la langue. Elles vont aussi augmenter la confiance en soi et la participation en classe.
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon 2

2:45pm CDT

[Session #30] GLEAMer dans la classe de français: Modéliser un enseignement engageant, affirmatif et significatif à travers la littérature sur la famille.
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Cette session explore l’intégration de la littérature sur la famille en cours de français pour un apprentissage engageant et inclusif. Les participants apprendront à sélectionner des livres reflétant diverses structures familiales et à concevoir des activités centrées sur les élèves (vocabulaire, jeux de rôles, discussions). Ils adapteront leurs leçons pour répondre aux besoins de tous, tout en valorisant la diversité. À la fin, ils repartiront avec des outils pratiques pour enrichir leur enseignement.
Speakers
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Indiana

2:45pm CDT

[Session #64] Teaching World Langugages with a Montessori Twist
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
After nearly 20 years of World Language teaching experience at the college, high school and middle levels, as well as being heavily active in colleague collaborations and presentations at the local, state and national levels, Teresa Floch made a huge career swerve and took a position as an Upper Elementary Montessori Guide in the school where her toddler was attending summer camp. Join her as she relates her experience transitioning to this entirely different way of teaching and how it looks to incorporate Wprld Languages into Montessori’s vision of Cosmic Education.
Speakers
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Kimball

2:45pm CDT

[Session #74] Comment connecter vos élèves à la francophonie d'ici?
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Et si nous pouvions connecter les élèves à des ressources locales pour dynamiser leur apprentissag? Cette session prendra l’allure d’une véritable conversation entre collègues francophones pour 1) valoriser la francophonie locale dans toute sa diversité, 2) repérer les ressources qui nous entourent, 3) créer un lien de proximité pour les élèves et 4) cultiver leur intérêt. Découvrez comment miser sur nos propres communautés francophones par des moyens simples et abordables.
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Logan

2:45pm CDT

[Session #88] Teaching French entirely through Film Clips
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
In a time of decreasing French language enrollments, instructors need to consider radically new approaches to teaching the language and culture. This talk shows how to use film clips not only as an effective way to teach all the communicative functions, structures, and vocabulary domains found in traditional textbooks, but as an innovative way to present the rich diversity of the French-speaking world and to excite and engage a heterogeneous learner population.
Speakers
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon 12

2:45pm CDT

[Session #89] Teaching Literary Interpretation with Stylistics
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
The teaching of literature often centers on interpreting themes. This presentation aims to demonstrate how introducing stylistics can support the student’s literary interpretation. I will work with several short works, by Colette, Linda Lê, and Assia Djebar. Through these different examples, I aim to demonstrate that focusing on an objective linguistic aspect of the text opens up hitherto unsuspected paths for the student in interpretation—an amplifying, and rewarding, means of investigating the text.
Speakers
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Madison

2:45pm CDT

[Session #8] Chapter Officers' Round-Up
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Are you a chapter officer? Do you have an idea to share -- something that has worked well for your chapter and would be easy to implement in another? Or, is your chapter in need of fresh ideas, having a hard time overcoming a challenge, or needing some help? Bring your great ideas and your struggles to this round-table session and connect with, share, and learn from other chapter officers.
Speakers
avatar for Megan Diercks

Megan Diercks

Executive Director, American Association of Teachers of French (AATF)
The AATF is the largest organization in North America dedicated to serving the needs of French teachers and students at all levels of instruction. Our resources, advocacy, contests, awards, grants, scholarships, webinars, publications, and annual convention can support and grow French... Read More →
Tuesday July 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Wilson

4:00pm CDT

Dictée
Tuesday July 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Venez participer à notre dictée annuelle. Come try your hand at this uniquely French discpline.
Tuesday July 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Salon 12

4:00pm CDT

French Walking Tour #1 (by ticket only)
Tuesday July 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Location: starting and ending at Palmer House Hilton
Tour Map
Trivia for Tuesday walking tour
This tour will be given in French.
**Ticket required**
Tuesday July 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Lobby

5:00pm CDT

Dîner en ville avec des ami.e.s
Tuesday July 8, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Join us for our dinner groups, Dîner en ville avec des ami.e.s. Be escorted to a restaurant by a local chapter member. Each person will pay for his/her/their own meal, but will eat in the company of other AATF members. It's a great way to make new friends and experience favorite local restaurants!
Tuesday July 8, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Lobby

6:00pm CDT

French Walking Tour #2 (by ticket only)
Tuesday July 8, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm CDT
Location: starting and ending at Palmer House Hilton
Tour Map
Trivia for Tuesday walking tour
This tour will be given in French.
**Ticket required**
Tuesday July 8, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm CDT
Lobby

7:30pm CDT

Karaoke
Tuesday July 8, 2025 7:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Participate in style with the annual karaoke night!
Warm-up your singing voice, brush up on your favorite French-language song, and join us from 19h30-21h30 on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 for a night of singing and dancing. This event is free and no ticket is required. Venez nombreux!
Tuesday July 8, 2025 7:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Salon 12
 
Wednesday, July 9
 

7:30am CDT

Commission on Colleges & Universities Breakfast (by ticket only)
Wednesday July 9, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Commission members and others are invited to join together in a light working breakfast to discuss the goals of this commission. **Ticket required for participation**
This newly revived commission will be undertaking projects of interest to university faculty as they seek to defend and expand French programs.   If you are interested in participating, please contact the chairs.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Crystal Room

7:30am CDT

7:30am CDT

Registration Table Opens [Wednesday]
Wednesday July 9, 2025 7:30am - 4:00pm CDT
Quiet reflection room available on request.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 7:30am - 4:00pm CDT
TBA

8:30am CDT

[Session #11] Commission on Colleges and Universities
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
The Commission on Colleges and Universities’ annual session will focus on collaboration with the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the United States. In conjunction with the office of Cultural Services, we will give higher education faculty an opportunity to articulate their concerns and learn about opportunities and support provided by the French Embassy.
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Marshfield

8:30am CDT

[Session #60] Réunion annuelle des Jeunes Amis du Français et de la Société Honoraire de Français
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
If you already sponsor a chapter of the Société Honoraire de Français ( SHF ) or Jeunes Amis du Français (JAF) or are considering founding one, please join us. After presenting an overview, including opportunities for awards, materials, and activities, the presenters look forward to hearing about your own experiences. Whether it be to recognize your outstanding students, provide them with service opportunities, or build an esprit de corps through fun activities, this organization can enrich and promote your program.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Wilson

8:30am CDT

[Session #12] Creating Context: The Key to Meaningful Language Learning in the Foreign Language Classroom and Immersion Settings
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
This session explores the importance of creating context in both traditional and immersion language classrooms to foster authentic connections to the language. We'll discuss practical strategies for helping students bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, build understanding, and increase motivation. The session also challenges the assumption that immersion learners automatically connect to the language, offering approaches to address gaps and help students engage more meaningfully with the language.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Logan

8:30am CDT

[Session #23] FILM : French Instruction through Language and Media
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Do you like to show films in class? Want some ideas to maximize the effectiveness of the medium? Film is an outstanding way to process language and culture and can be just as profound for language learning as a text. Come join me as we discover new films, new authentic resources, new ideas, and a myriad of ways to connect le septième art to the classroom.
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Salon 10

8:30am CDT

[Session #2] Ajoutez le Français sur Objectifs Spécifiques à votre répertoire: Un atout inestimable
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Le Français sur Objectifs Spécifiques (FOS) est un formidable outil pour les cours et programmes de français. Si ces cours peuvent sembler une gageure, ce panel offre des exemples concrets (des débutants aux avancés) pour démystifier la difficulté de créer des activités FOS : une leçon de français pour les étudiants de Kinésiologie, un cours de français des professions en ligne et un plan détaillé pour organiser des rencontres professionnelles ou un forum de l’emploi.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Salon 12

8:30am CDT

[Session #34] Interrogatives Across the Francophonie: A Study of WH- Questions in Congolese French
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
As French language classes grow less France-centric, incorporating linguistic and cultural aspects of large francophone communities such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) moves to the forefront. This study investigates the frequency of common interrogative structure variants of WH- questions in spoken French-language television and radio interviews from the DRC. This presentation highlights pedagogical methods that French instructors can use to teach interrogative structures, painting a more complete picture of the francophonie.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Kimball

8:30am CDT

[Session #50] Let's Grow! Feedback, Rubrics, and Self-Evaluation
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
All teachers provide students with feedback and rubrics, but do students truly use these tools to improve proficiency? A few simple adjustments to instructional practices can yield huge improvements in students' understanding of their own learning. Come examine practical techniques to improve rubrics, implement feedback, manage your grading load, and increase student buy-in, leading to improved student performance. With effective feedback, student-friendly rubrics, and a classroom culture of reflection, every student will experience more growth!
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Madison

8:30am CDT

[Session #72] Vivre à Paris! A problem-based learning and assessment scenario.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Many American high school students dream of an extended stay in France. How can they do that, and what would their life be like were they to land in Paris for a year? Presenter shares how he plants and waters this seed with this senior project. All materials shared with attendees.
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Salon 2

8:30am CDT

[Workshop #3] Camp d’été, sport d’hiver, livres à lire, choses à faire!
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 11:00am CDT
Cet atelier vous propose deux sujets qui contiennent beaucoup de possibilités pour attirer les jeunes dans vos classes! Une grande quantité d’activités vous attend pour rendre les textes choisis accueillants et passionnants pour tous! Vive les terrains de camping et les patinoires!
Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:30am - 11:00am CDT
Salon 1

9:30am CDT

Morning Exhibit Break & Tombola
Wednesday July 9, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am CDT
Come visit la salle des exposants to chat with exhibitors, learn about their products,  and maybe win a prize at our tombola (must be present to win)!
Wednesday July 9, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am CDT
Salons 4-9

10:00am CDT

[Session #57] Promoting French
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Explore techniques to promote learning French and your program within your school and community, and discuss connections you can make to share the work and engage new advocates. Participants will also be given the opportunity to put heads together and give thought to resources they would like the commission to produce in the future.
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Marshfield

10:00am CDT

[Session #41] Launching Language Proficiency: Creating Engaging Experiences to Empower Multilingual Learners
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
In this interactive session, participants will explore strategies and tools to create meaningful, engaging learning experiences that build proficiency. Through real-world applications and authentic resources, the session will highlight high-leverage practices that boost student engagement and confidence. Topics include strategies that support student interactions in all 3 modes of communication through effective use of authentic resources. Participants will explore how an intentional and effective learning cycle meets students' needs and interests, encouraging learners to continue their language learning journey.
Speakers Exhibitors
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Madison

10:00am CDT

[Session #98] 3 Destinations, One Language: France, Quebec, Switzerland
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Immersing students not just in the French language but also in the culture is such an enriching way to learn, especially with a language as globally influential as French. It opens up a world of connections and opportunities. The idea of turning language learners into global communicators is inspiring, as it focuses on both language proficiency and cultural understanding—skills that are essential in our interconnected world.

French really does have an incredible global footprint, whether it’s in diplomacy, business, the arts, or international organizations. What are some specific aspects of French culture you plan to explore with your students. Is it through literature, cuisine, history, music, or something else?
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Salon 2

10:00am CDT

[Session #22] Fat Women in France: How French Influencers, Activists, and Authors are Working to Upend la Grossophobie and Transform Anti-Fat Bias
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
This presentation will reveal how anti-fat bias impacts those in French society who have been the target of discrimination based on body size. It will introduce attendees to the activists, bloggers, and influencers who are working to change perspectives and deepen understandings about size inclusivity and body diversity. Their experiences offer a more complete picture of the stigmatization that larger bodies have faced and continue to face in France.
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Logan

10:00am CDT

[Session #31] Harnessing the 5 Cs for Standards-Based Grading in the French Classroom
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
The transformative assessment approach of standards-based grading (SBG) aligns student performance with the ACTFL World-Readiness Standards (Can-Do Statements and proficiency benchmarks), promoting transparent grading practices rather than penalizing mistakes or emphasizing task completion. Recent research and pertinent questions around student perspectives, homework, grading categorization, assessment anxiety, and varying challenges between secondary and post-secondary implementation will be discussed. Participants are invited to bring and share insights and experiences regarding SBG with the group.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Kimball

10:00am CDT

[Session #37] Je me Souviens- N'oubliez PAS La Belle Province!
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Cherchez-vous des ressources intéressantes et animées pour intégrer la culture québécoise dans vos cours ? Connaissez-vous la danse de la cabane à sucre ? Ben… venez nombreux et vous découvrirez ce qu’il vous faut pour intégrer le vocabulaire, la littérature, le folklore, la musique et «l’fun» de nos amis du nord dans tous les niveaux que vous enseignez!
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Salon 10

10:00am CDT

[Session #51] Leveling-Up Intro-Level French Classes: Rigorous & FUN!
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
A memorable intro-level French class should be much more than the alphabet, colors, numbers, etc. With total target-language-use from kids and teacher from day one, innovative speaking-centered activities, and a clear message that kids can (and will) achieve more, beginners can soar way beyond typical expectations. Learn techniques for assuring 100% target-language use, creating speaking-focused classroom tasks, and optimizing practice/assessments with technology, such that level 1 kids have FUN while rising to higher proficiency.
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Salon 12

10:00am CDT

[Session #83] C'est Facile Comme Bonjour: Student Perspectives on how the SHF can Expand Learning Through Community-Building Initiatives
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Current and graduating students of la Société Honoraire de Français will discuss how they helped French classes become a thriving community that fosters connection through one shared interest: the French language and cultures. They will elaborate on how this connection came to be, what has worked, what has not, and how other programs might be able to implement a few of these ideas into their own, regardless of their challenges or circumstances.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Wilson

11:00am CDT

Déjeuner en français (by ticket only)
Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Crystal Room

11:00am CDT

Lunch Break
Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
TBA

12:30pm CDT

[Session #35] Inventions: Then and Now
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
It’s the 21st century! Participants will discuss several inventions introduced at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair including the Ferris Wheel and the zipper and how these inventions still impact our world today. Join us to celebrate the many contributions of francophone inventors of the past, present, and future. Exciting, innovative, engaging inventors…On y va!
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Wilson

12:30pm CDT

[Session #100] Boy bye! We’re (literally) out of the classroom
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
In this dynamic session, the presenter will share how they connected language curriculum with real-world experiences for their students.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Salon 1

12:30pm CDT

[Session #20] Epistolary Insights: Learning French Language and History Through Letters from 1936 to 1947
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Discover the profound connection between history, culture, and language through Soulmates and Strangers, the remarkable true story of the lifelong bond between two young women—one American, the author’s mother, and one French—beginning as pen pals in 1936. Spanning decades, war, and continents, their friendship unfolds through letters and real-life encounters, offering a powerful exploration of resilience, identity, and human connection. This presentation highlights epistolary storytelling as a compelling tool for teaching French language, history, and cross-cultural understanding.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Kimball

12:30pm CDT

[Session #24] Venez découvrir Francophonia, le pays de la langue française
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
More than just a training center for French teachers, Francophonia defines itself as an articulator of projects where educational communities (principals, teachers, students, and apprentices in vocational training) meet through unique pedagogical and intercultural experiences.
Francophonia is also a conviction that education shapes tomorrow's world and gives future generations the tools to meet the challenges they will face.

Come and learn how to become an active member of our community through our programs:
- School trips.
- Continuing education for language teachers.
- Internships in France for your students.
- “les universités d’été”, a summer program where more than 1400 teachers from 91 countries come to Nice (on the beautiful French Riveria) for professional development workshops and cultural events designed around our values: pedagogical excellence, innovation, and intercultural understanding.
Speakers Exhibitors
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Salon 12

12:30pm CDT

[Session #77] Fais-toi plaisir, lis en français! – Des livres diversifiés pour chaque lectrice et lecteur
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
La littérature jeunesse est un outil puissant dans l’enseignement du français. Les livres sont une fenêtre sur la francophonie et renforcent les compétences linguistiques et les connaissances culturelles. Il faut donc proposer des livres diversifiés et inclusifs, mais lesquels? Où trouver des livres adaptés à l'âge et au niveau des élèves? Comment les exploiter? Plongeons dans un monde de ressources en français pour soutenir les enseignants. Et pour que les élèves aient du plaisir!
Speakers Exhibitors
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Logan

12:30pm CDT

[Session #15] Du siège de Vienne au petit-déjeuner français : Le croissant au service de l'apprentissage du FLE
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Le croissant, emblème incontournable de la culture française, peut devenir un outil pédagogique en FLE. Ma présentation explore son potentiel comme vecteur d’apprentissage à travers des activités interactives alliant compétences langagières et culturelles (histoire, gastronomie, pratiques sociales). Cette approche engageante et originale s’adresse aux enseignants en quête d’outils ludiques et culturels pour enrichir leurs cours de FLE tout en éveillant la curiosité et la gourmandise des apprenants.
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Salon 2
  Regular Session

12:30pm CDT

[Session #29] French Program Newsletters: Enhancing Visibility, Excitement and Advocacy.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Are parents, students, and administrators in your school and community aware of the academic and cultural experiences you provide in and outside of class? This session will explore how newsletters can serve as an effective tool to highlight the value of your French program, and to foster enthusiasm among current and future students. Presenters will share newsletter content ideas suitable for middle, high school and university instructors, ways to involve students in the creation process, and tips to keep the project manageable.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Marshfield

12:30pm CDT

[Session #38] Teaching French Culture Through the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
The Paris Summer Olympics are over, but not forgotten! Come explore how we might utilize the spectacle that was the 2024 Opening Ceremony in our French classrooms to connect our 21st-century students with centuries of French artistic and intellectual output as they were showcased in one ceremony intended for a world-wide audience.
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Madison

12:30pm CDT

[Session #80] Le Projet AirBnB: Venturing beyond ‘chez nous’ into the Francophone world
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Invite your students to plan a class trip to different Francophone regions using Airbnb.fr and other authentic sites. The tasks will whet students’ appetites for la Francophonie, reinforce communication around travel and housing and facilitate comparisons between the places they discover and “chez nous.” As a task-based assessment, the AirBnB project incorporates ACTFL’s recently updated world-readiness standards. Participants will leave the session with slides and links that can be easily adapted to their needs.
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Salon 10

1:30pm CDT

Afternoon Exhibit Break & Tombola
Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Come visit la salle des exposants to chat with exhibitors, learn about their products,  and maybe win a prize at our tombola (must be present to win)!
Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Salons 4-9

2:00pm CDT

[Session #97] Faire d’une pierre deux coups: Strategies for Teaching Split-Level Classes
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Although the combined split-level class is a common reality in our French programs, there are few resources available to help teachers approach this unique challenge. This presentation will explore strategies and resources to differentiate intermediate French instruction while ensuring all students stay engaged and challenged. Attendees will take away concrete examples of scaffolding ideas for different proficiency levels, strategies to align AP and non-AP content without lowering rigor, and ways to incorporate flexible assessments, small-group instruction, and project-based learning.
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Kimball

2:00pm CDT

[Session #104] Do You Want to Play?: Gaming in the French-Language Classroom
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Game theory is the study of how and why individuals—referred to as “players”—make decisions in various situations. In the French-language classroom, we can use a variety of games, both traditional and app-based, to enhance student learning. This hands-on session will explore game-based learning as a way to create an engaging classroom environment that helps students connect more deeply with the French language and its cultural contexts.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Salon 1

2:00pm CDT

[Session #26] French for Specific Purposes: Sustainability in French-Speaking Areas (France, Francophone Africa: Fieldwork, communities and cybersecurity
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Three presentations focus on how to engage students in experiential learning through French for Special Purposes. Dr. Andrea Jonsson shares recent meaningful collaborative activities in France in which students work with community organizations in a popular Serve-Sustain-Learn program. Suzanne Cook describes her university’s evolution of a gen-ed course on Sustainability in the French-speaking world into a sustainability-focused French-International Business study abroad that focuses student sustainability initiatives in the luxury industry. Both model high-impact project-oriented practices. Finally, E. Nicole Meyer contributes fresh interactive exercises that reinforce the importance of cybersecurity to everyday practices and future career possibilities as well as an update on the commission’s activities. All three promote ways that all can include fun, meaningful French for Specific Purposes activities into their programs to increase student interest and learning.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Wilson

2:00pm CDT

[Session #17] Empowering Students through Bilingualism: Maximizing their Opportunities to Shine
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Educators know the incredible cognitive, academic, and professional advantages of bilingualism. Learn how to articulate benefits to engage learners and explore strategies to help students highlight language skills on academic and job applications including resumes, certification, Seals of Biliteracy, CommonApp. Included is powerful research showing that the highly desirable soft skills employers seek are language-learning byproducts. Join us to unlock the full potential in your students and empower them to thrive in a global world.
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Logan

2:00pm CDT

[Session #32] Incorporating Daily Culture: Engaging Students with Francophone Diversity
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Discover strategies for integrating a daily/weekly culture segment from 46 francophone countries into your French classroom. This session includes a supplemental activity to expand on francophone culture as well as tips for organized lesson preparation across multiple classes. Enhance your teaching with practical approaches to bring the richness of francophone culture to your students.
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Salon 2

2:00pm CDT

[Session #45] Le tour du monde en 80 secondes!: un voyage virtuel de la Francophonie
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
This session will explore the many facets of la Francophonie readily available to us via daily technology. Access to often free French-language resources allows us to come closer than ever before to recreating a surround-sound experience, traveling virtually to French communities both around the world and closer to home, and embracing a novel conceptualization of “le Français chez nous.” We will sample a variety of listening, reading, writing, and speaking exercises designed around the integration of contemporary French news clips, music videos, podcasts, TV shows, and films. Reflections will be shared with regard to scaffolding activities appropriately for different levels from middle school through university courses, and participants will be invited to contribute to an ongoing database of shared links with accompanying exercises for future use.
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Salon 10

2:00pm CDT

[Session #49] Let's Get Graphic!
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
This session will share assignments that tap into student creativity by first asking them to imagine modifications to an existing bande dessinée or other graphic text and then tasking them with creating their own original work combining images and text. These assignments can be used across a range of levels, with individuals or groups, as a short activity or longer project. Attendees will brainstorm possible variations. Sample assignment description, peer feedback form, and assessment rubric will be provided.
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Madison

2:00pm CDT

[Session #6] Caring for Our Common Home: Stewardship and Sustainability in the Faith-Based French Classroom through the Lens of LE CIEL ET LA TERRE
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
This session will explore teaching environmental stewardship in faith-based French classrooms through the documentary, LE CIEL ET LA TERRE which can engage students with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The presentation will demonstrate how the film bridges theological perspectives on creation care with global sustainable development objectives. Teachers will learn to inspire discussion and ecological consciousness. The presenter will offer activities (intermediate, advanced) and an IPA (advanced) that connect faith-based ethics with actionable environmental protection.
Speakers
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Salon 12

2:00pm CDT

[Session #86] Leveraging Assessment for College & Career Readiness
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
College and Career Readiness (CCR) is becoming an increasing focus in our country. Explore how world language programs can be strategically integrated to meet these goals and help preserve your program! The session will focus on leveraging language testing, particularly through the Seal of Biliteracy (SOBL) and ACTFL credentialing, to enhance and promote the value of language programs for students, educators, and employers.
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Marshfield

4:00pm CDT

Walking Tour #3 (by ticket only)
Wednesday July 9, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Wednesday July 9, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Lobby

5:00pm CDT

Dîner en ville avec des ami.e.s
Wednesday July 9, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Join us for our dinner groups, Dîner en ville avec des ami.e.s. Be escorted to a restaurant by a local chapter member. Each person will pay for his/her/their own meal, but will eat in the company of other AATF members. It's a great way to make new friends and experience favorite local restaurants!
Wednesday July 9, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Lobby

6:00pm CDT

Walking Tour #4 (by ticket only)
Wednesday July 9, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm CDT
Wednesday July 9, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm CDT
Lobby

7:30pm CDT

Beauty and the Beast show (by ticket only)
Wednesday July 9, 2025 7:30pm - 10:00pm CDT
Playing at: Cadillac Palace Theatre
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Runtime: 2 hours and 30 minutes including an intermission

Be Our Guest at Disney’s newly reimagined 30th Anniversary production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the breathtaking musical filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love.

This enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar®-winning and Tony Award®-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

Reuniting to create this new production are members of the original Tony Award®-winning artistic team, including composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, book writer Linda Woolverton, with direction and choreography by Matt West, scenic design by Stanley A. Meyer, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward and lighting design by Natasha Katz.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is the beloved musical that will fill your heart with joy and Disney magic.

**The show is suitable for ages 6 & up. All persons entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket**
Wednesday July 9, 2025 7:30pm - 10:00pm CDT
Cadillac Palace Theatre (offsite) 151 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
 
Thursday, July 10
 

7:30am CDT

Chapter President Breakfast (by invitation only)
Thursday July 10, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Thursday July 10, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Crystal Room

7:30am CDT

Commission for the Promotion of French Breakfast (by ticket only)
Thursday July 10, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Commission members and others are invited to join together in a light working breakfast to discuss the goals of this commission. **Ticket required for participation**

The Commission for the Promotion of French was created in the fall of 1994 as a Task Force and chaired by AATF Past-President Marie-Christine Koop until fall 1997, when it became a commission. Its main objective was to help teachers recruit students by producing various documents such as flyers, guides, teaching ideas, and letters to convince students, parents, and administrators of the value of French. Many of the materials developed by the Task Force and the Commission are available through the AATF Materials Center and Online Store.

The Commission is currently working on promotional materials for social media. Based upon the success of that project, other materials will be rolled out in the future. The possibility of a new series of promotional posters is also being explored.
Thursday July 10, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Crystal Room

7:30am CDT

Registration Table Opens [Thursday]
Thursday July 10, 2025 7:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Quiet reflection room available on request.
Thursday July 10, 2025 7:30am - 12:00pm CDT
TBA

8:30am CDT

[Session #36] It's all about CAFES: Cultural Activities For Every Student!
Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
The Middle School Commission is creating a volume of cultural activities that target the Americas! Come preview some of what we have prepared and give us your suggestions for finalizing it for publication!
Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Wilson

8:30am CDT

[Session #1] À la découverte de notre histoire partagée: La Traite des fourrures et le dévéloppement du nord des États-Unis
Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Wonder why there are so many French names in the United States? Come explore the impact of early French exploration, commerce and politics on the development the northern US and the Mississippi Valley. A sample interactive unit will be presented, including a variety of resources that help the people and history come to life for our students, as we reflect on this history that continues to impact our daily lives.
Speakers
Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Marshfield

8:30am CDT

[Session #47] Les J-O de Paris 2024: Bringing an International Event into Your Classroom
Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
I propose sports as a “Big C” cultural lens for exploring French. To explore sports, we ask ourselves the following “little c” questions Which sports are popular? Who practices them? How are sports consumed (e.g., professional or national sports teams watched)? When do people practice or watch sports? Where do athletes get their training? What are the inequities in access to sports training, and how can these be addressed? I had the immense privilege to be in Paris both in 2017 when the city was making its bid and in 2024 when the Games took place. I was able to observe the city making its final preparations for the Olympics before attending several events. I was also able to witness the presence of the Games at other events and sites around the city, including museums with exhibitions related to sports and the Olympics, and activities in the arrondissements of Paris. In this session, I will share what I learned as well as how I will bring it into my classroom.
Speakers
Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Logan

8:30am CDT

[Session #5] Boosting communication Skills: Using a Class Mascot to Connect Home and School
Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Découvrez comment une mascotte de classe peut transformer votre enseignement en créant une communauté vivante et connectée. En reliant école et maison, elle permet aux élèves de partager leur quotidien tout en renforçant leurs compétences en écriture. Au-delà des apprentissages, elle apaise l’anxiété et apporte de la joie, même aux plus grands. Et si elle parlait français ? Cette touche ludique et immersive stimule la motivation et favorise un apprentissage authentique et engageant de la langue.
Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Salon 10

8:30am CDT

[Workshop #4] Un Monde de resources au bout de vos doigts: AATF's Curated Content & Resources
Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 11:00am CDT
Comment peut-on trouver, organiser et incorporer des ressources authentiques autour desquelles on pourra créer des expériences d'apprentissage qui valorisent l'engagement social? Comment peut-on soutenir les voix et l'engagement de nos apprenants aux niveaux local et mondial ? Lors de cet atelier, nous examinerons le cadre des compétences globales ainsi que les objectifs de développement durable. D'autre part, nous verrons quelles ressources authentiques sont les plus appropriées pour aborder les thèmes des Nations Unies tel qu'il est promu et organisé par l'AATF. Enfin, nous discuterons de la conceptualisation et de l'enseignement des unités, à partir du contenu, des activités communicatives et des évaluations authentiques qui encouragent les compétences interculturelles et les recherches. Des modèles d'unités, d'activités et de ressources seront partagés.
Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 11:00am CDT
Salon 12

9:45am CDT

[Session #90] Transnational Crossings in Francophone Literature: An Unconventional Path towards the Cultural Comparisons Standard
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
This presentation will address the "Comparisons" standard from World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages (French), which can be found in pages 43-48 of the manual. In two concurrent sections of a university-level course on contemporary Francophone literature, the professors challenge their students to investigate migration patterns from the global South (specifically Senegal, Rwanda/Burundi, Guadeloupe, and Cameroon) to Metropolitan France. The students are then invited to compare these literary crossings - push factors, demographics, modes of travel, safety, success rate, etc. - with similar migration patterns towards the US. The goal of this comparison activity is to understand what motivates people to embark on such transnational crossings in hopes of finding a better quality of life. A selection of students from both sections will be invited to share their findings at the AATF convention in Chicago.
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Wilson

9:45am CDT

[Session #55] Monuments to Museums: A Teacher's Key to Paris
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
This session offers curated information to teach students abroad from a guidebook being written by Ray Kleinlein, artist and art historian, with Joan McRae, French professor. Focusing on key elements from the architecture, art, history, culture, and customs of Paris, this is not Rick Steves, but is made so teachers have at hand the information needed when standing before the grand monuments, the art in the Louvre, the metro system or shopping in the Marais.
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Marshfield

9:45am CDT

[Session #68] Une journée dans le monde francophone
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
This session will discuss & demonstrate the development of a student-led French Immersion Day as a celebration of National French Week.
Speakers
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Logan

9:45am CDT

[Session #87] Salma's Story - Fighting Stereotypes in Molenbeek, Belgium
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
What comes to mind when you think of a boxer? Mike Tyson or Mohamed Ali? In the short documentary "Salma the Boxer" you'll meet another type of boxer: a 14-year-old Moroccan Muslim immigrant who challenged the preconceived notions surrounding her. Salma's compelling story provides a rich listening comprehension experience for novice to advanced learners, encouraging discussion about identity and immigration. Participants will leave with lesson plans in hand!
Speakers
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Salon 10

9:45am CDT

[Session #93] Art Institute
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Salon 2

11:00am CDT

[Session #13] Des Champs-Élysées à la salle de classe : organiser un festival de cinéma indépendant à des fins pédagogiques et interculturelles
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Cette communication présente l’organisation d’un festival de cinéma universitaire issu d’une collaboration entre le Champs-Élysées Film Festival et l’Université de Chicago. Elle propose divers modèles pour créer un espace d’échange culturel autour du cinéma francophone indépendant en classe et en dehors. Les aspects budgétaires, la sélection et l’intégration pédagogique des films, ainsi que les événements filmiques et leur impact sont notamment abordés. Cette initiative favorise une approche immersive de la langue et de la culture.
Speakers
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 10

11:00am CDT

[Session #56] No Prep or Low Prep
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
For those times when unplanned events occur, 25+ activities beyond the norm that you can use right away with no planning or materials needed, little stress and great results…come ready to try some!
Speakers
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Marshfield

11:00am CDT

[Session #59] Promoting Intercultural Competence and Language Proficiency in the French Class: A Virtual Partnership
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
How to enhance a French class with a virtual partnership? This session discusses a sample project conducted at the presenter’s institution. In it, a college class in the US partnered virtually with a High School class in France. Presentation points include project rationale, course units, course goals, oral and written assignments designed to meet ACTFL goals, as well as student feedback. The presentation concludes with the benefits, limitations, and future of this virtual partnership.
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Wilson

2:00pm CDT

Art Institute Guided Tour (by ticket only)
Thursday July 10, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Join friends and colleagues to see the Impressionist galleries in a guided tour at the Art Institute of Chicago!
One hour group tours will begin Thursday, July 10 at 2:00 PM with the possibility of staggering the start time of different groups. (Tours will be conducted in English)
After the guided tour, attendees are free to explore the Art Institute of Chicago on their own.
Some exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago are not accessible with the general admission ticket included in this event. The purchase of any tickets to extra exhibitions, including the Caillebotte Exhibition, are the responsibility of the attendee.
Transportation to the Art Institute is the responsibility of the attendee. The Art Institute is within walking distance.
Thursday July 10, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Art Institute of Chicago 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
 
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