Foreign language teachers

I've struggled this past year with trying to teach French 1 and 2. My original plan in college was to teach French, but I fell in love with English literature, and everything changed. I went on to minor in French and become certified to teach, but I have never taught it. Until this year. Now, I graduated from college in 1982! Knowing French came in handy when I worked at a publishing house because I could read contracts from French publishers and do some translation.

I was terrified when I opened the French 1 textbook. The method of teaching is completely different from the way I learned. There are no drills or grammar exercises. It's total immersion, almost like you're transported to France for 90 minutes a day and have to sink or swim. I'm afraid I sank this year.

Does anybody have any suggestions for me? Any resources that would be helpful? Should I throw away the textbook? Heaven help me if even students sign up to make a French 3 class!!!

I don't teach a foreign language, but I know when I took French in high school many moons ago, it was also total immersion.  My teacher said we could talk and pass notes, but ALL communication had to be in French.

When I taught in South Korea (English as a Foreign Language) I taught English Conversation. We watched Seinfeld and other sit-coms and then discussed the humor and why it was funny.  We discussed the differences in cultures and daily activities.  We discussed events at the university where I taught, went shopping in the local market, planned meals, etc.  all in English. We listened to English radio and read English newspapers.

You might consider teaching it from that standpoint.  Lots of visual aids, hands-on learning, conversation, and complete immersion.  Have them call your phone and leave a message in French.  Have them explain simple techniques and household products (mixer, how to tie shoes, how to eat an Oreo) in French. 

Who says you can't have drills?  Vocabulary is essential, and sometimes that has to be drilled. 

I'm sure you didn't "sink" like you think.  :)  Keep up the good work, and keep looking for things you can use that will bring out the best in your teaching style and their French skills.  Good Luck!