Dutch and I exchanged pleasantries, examining various greeting options in French. When encouraged to repeat the responses with more feeling and expressiveness, Dutch used the proper inflections and intonation to convey differences in expressive meaning, and we had fun exchanging rapport. We used the DuoLingo app to assess our knowledge and progress, reviewed basic vocabulary, and Dutch was given a basic introduction in the use of articles. He learned that which article should be used depends on three things: the noun's gender, its number, and its first letter. For example, if the noun is plural - use 'les;' if it's a singular noun, starting with a vowel or 'h,' use 'l'; and if it's singular and starts with a consonant or an 'h,' use 'le' for a masculine noun, and 'la' for a feminine noun. We practiced a few examples and some possible answers one might offer when questioned about how one is feeling.

Dutch and I reviewed the basics of introductory conversational French. He shared that he visited France a few times with his mother and that she is fluent in the language. We began discussing basic introductory phrases, phrases of well-being, and vocabulary words, and I was delighted that - when asked how he was, in French - Dutch responded by offering a two different possible responses, although he was tentative when suggesting them. I assured him he was doing well and Dutch was responsive to praise. We went over responses such as "ca va bien' (things are going well), and simply 'ca va,' the literal translation of which is “it goes” or “that goes,” which is most commonly used to ask how someone is doing, even if a reply is not necessarily expected. Dutch remembered the phrase, 'comme ci, comme ça,'(or so-so), and 'mal'(bad). I then engaged Dutch in a language learning platform I had downloaded, and Dutch was amenable to answering questions to better gauge or assess his level of French knowledge. He mentioned that he'd taken French at the Benjamin School and that today's lesson was helping him recall some phrases. We reviewed a few common masculine and feminine nouns and the present form of one of the most important French verbs, 'être,' which literally means "to be;" I added that it also serves as an auxiliary or helping verb, and is the key to the passive voice to show different tenses, moods, or voices. We enjoyed a pleasant interaction and Dutch remained engaged throughout the session.

Lesson started with feeding a cricket to Lokobe the chameleon, recorded by Sebastian on video. Feeling inspired we decided to feed him a cricket outside to get video in a more natural setting. The chameleon was with us on picnic table and pooped, signaling his health. But he was not wanting to eat another cricket. Lokobe regularly lives outdoors in a lanai when temperatures are higher than 65-low at night, but preferably not less than 70 degrees. The species, Furcifer pardalis, lives in habitat with lows usually around 70 F and highs 85-95 F. Since he didn't want to eat, Sebastian suggested a video of them climbing the tree together. Sounded good to me as we have climbed trees and the play set with the chameleon other days.

Today we looked in detail at a special presentation I prepared showcasing ~50 photographs of animals from around the world ranging from sea horses to insects to frogs to reptiles (including chameleons) and large mammals. After finding each hidden animal, the French name was spoken, and the animal's geographic location of the photograph was clarified. Perfect pronunciation, starting to write down words, and will add Google Translate to Sebastian's phone apps, a great way to explore more.

Will talk about fishing and boats in French next time so Dutch could speak French with clients in his charter fishing business.

We chatted about the holiday break and different games online and outside. Learned the words grande mere (grandmother) and grand pere (grandfather). mere is mother, pere is father. Went outside to kick soccer balls and discussed how the name of that game in French, I was delighted that Sebastian already knew that the French called soccer football.

Absent, did not answer video calls. Sent messages in both French and English.

Wanted to talk about boats and fishing in French today. Instead sent a few messages in both English and French via TEAM app. I think in the new year after some good fishing that we can talk about the catches in French. Have a very Happy Holiday!

We practiced common greetings in French, and discussed the expression 'C'est la vie.'
Next session will focus on common French expressions used by Americans, to gain more familiarity, e.g., Bon appetit. Shared my old passport and encouraged that travels are more fun when you speak languages. We then proceeded to speak a few words of Spanish. His pronunciation was excellent! Please encourage him to do his homework :)

Dutch was absent today. Spent time planning for next week. In his goals to run charter fishing trips, sometimes one will have clients from other countries. For example in Madagascar I have had clients from France who hire me to guide them on the reefs. Next week wee will look at a few websites from SCUBA and fishing charter boats in Madagascar, written in French, read content to work on pronunciation, and then create a list of 20-30 new words that are useful for boat and fishing activities.
I will show Dutch on iPhone/MacBook various tools to aid translation and as we progress he will see how Google translate is not always the best but can serve as a starting point.

I assessed current student knowledge and exposure to French language via his family travels. Dutch pronounced words perfectly. Discussed usefulness of French in countries with excellent fishing, such as Madagascar. I looked up names of fish I know in French but not English because I (Dr. Clark) lives 2-3 months per year in a fishing village in Madagascar. I increased student interest in subject by talking about common interests in both English and French.