Teaching French can be a rewarding experience, yet this has not always been the case in Canada, where French is one of the official languages. There is a general misunderstanding of the average child's life at school and of the time and effort needed to develop any control of a second language. Departments of Education, publishers, politicians, and the general public set unrealistic goals for idealistic situations. In addition, the children may have a negative attitude toward French. Teachers can communicate to the public and to students more realistic expectations of an ordinary French course. In the classroom they can be less concerned about complete accuracy and instead train students to accept imperfection along the way. Like creative drama directors, teachers can set up situations in which students will have to use their limited knowledge and skills to communicate real messages to real people. Over a period of years, teachers can develop in students some ability to understand French in natural unstructured situations, to read for main ideas, and write with a fair level of accuracy in structure and spelling. Finally, they can ensure that the program materials are sympathetic to students' problems and in line with realistic goals. (AMH)