French Immersion

Early and extended French immersion are optional programs which were designed to provide children with the opportunity to develop a high performance in the French language without any detriment to the development of their English language skills. It is intended for students whose mother tongue isn't French.

Early French immersion begins in grade one. The teacher speaks to the children in French using gestures and visual clues to aid their comprehension; however, the children speak English to the teacher and amongst themselves. The French language is taught through games, nursery rhymes, simple stories, drama, films and special themes.

Please check out the following link to "Canadian Parents for French"

http://www.cpf.ca

As the children's comprehension improves and they begin to develop a basic French vocabulary, they are encouraged to use these words, interspersed with English ones, in conversations with the teacher and their peers. Through these informal interactions the children develop both their fluency in the language and a proper pronunciation. Efforts are made to make the children feel comfortable with the program and to develop at their own pace.
Subjects are taught in French through the use of activity centers, small group instruction, chart stories, films and music. They are also taught to read and write in the French language. By the end of the school year their comprehension is greatly improved and they are generally able to express themselves fairly well in the French language.

Many of the same procedures are used throughout the ensuing years; however, the instruction is no longer totally in French because English instruction, in varying percentages, is introduced at the grade one level.

Early Total French Immersion

This program begins in grade one and is a full day program conducted totally in French. English language arts are introduced at the grade two level and the amount of English instruction that the pupils receive gradually increases throughout the grades. In all cases, the French immersion curriculum is the same as the one used in the total English program.

In the secondary school program (Gr. nine - OAC), students are required to complete a combined total of nine credits in French and other subjects taught in French in order to begin an OAC in immersion French.

COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What type of accent will my child have, Quebecois or Parisian?

Standard International French is taught. Various accents exist in all languages. During the child's school career, he will be exposed to teachers from various parts of the world.

What if we're transferred to another province or school district?

French immersion is growing rapidly and is available in urban and rural areas across the country. Contact Canadian Parents for French or the Ministry of Education in each province. Children who leave the program before the end of grade three may experience a brief lag in English language arts.

No one at home speaks French. Does that matter?

No. The program was designed for children of non-French speaking parents.

Is the taught curriculum the same as the English program?

Yes. The curriculum must follow the guidelines of the provincial ministry. Programs do follow the curriculum developed within each district; however, it must be remembered that some time is taken from curriculum to teach vocabulary.

Are extracurricular activities in French necessary?

No, but desirable. Some advantages are: provides other "models" to copy; increases vocabulary; demonstrates that French is a living culture.

What language do the children use at recess and lunch?

The children's mother tongue is used (usually English in an English-speaking community).

Won't their spelling suffer?

French Immersion students do very well in the grade three EQAO tests and by mid-grade five the French immersion students have shown equal or better performance than students in the regular program.

SOME DO'S AND DON'TS

DO have, in your home, books for your child.

DO read them stories in English. On special occasions, accompany your children to a French bookstore and let them select books, records, etc. of their choice.

DO allow your children to speak French at home if they are eager, but never force them to do so.

DO volunteer to help out at school. There are many ways in which you can help that won't require any knowledge of French.

DO take advantage of situations that increase your child's exposure to French language and culture.

DO give your child the benefit of the doubt. Refrain from correcting your child if you are uncertain of the correct pronunciation.

DO be proud of your child's achievements. Let him/her know that you are pleased with his/her progress. Show that you really care. Display schoolwork at home.

DO NOT ask your child to "translate".

DO NOT hesitate to expose your child to French television programs, especially those that are made for children.

DO speak positively about the program/teacher. Remember that your child's success will be affected by your attitude.

DO let your children know that you are pleased with their progress. Be supportive at all times. Never criticize, but celebrate mistakes because we all learn that way.

DO remember that your children have had to pay very close attention to the teacher all day. This is excellent training for them, but it can be tiring. If necessary, let them relax after school.

DO wait patiently and encouragingly because your child may be a late bloomer - a deep thinker - or a slow mover. Remember how fleeting childhood years are.

DO maintain close contact with your child's teacher should you have any concerns.