What is French immersion?
French immersion is a highly successful approach to second-language learning, an effective way for your child to become functionally fluent in a second language while achieving all of the objectives of the regular school program.
French Immersion is designed specifically for children whose first language is not French. It is a program of choice, open to all children of the appropriate age.
French Immersion is designed specifically for children whose first language is not French. It is a program of choice, open to all children of the appropriate age.
Early Immersion: “The gentle approach”
In a typical French immersion kindergarten classroom, the teacher uses French all of the time, speaking in English only if a student’s health or safety is at risk. Gestures, mimes, pictures and objects are used to help children understand. Songs, poems, storytelling and choral speaking as well as routines or sequences of activities (such as beginning the day with “bonjour” ritual and then calendar and weather routine) are also used to help familiarize students with words and ideas and to encourage their earliest attempts to speak the language. Through watching and listening, students begin to recognize words and phrases, responding appropriately. Soon, they are singing along, joining in during the choral speaking and peppering their sentences with French words.
For the first couple of years, students are not expected to speak French all the time. Children will insert French words in their sentences as they learn
them. The teacher uses repetition and role modelling just as you did as your child was learning his or her first language.
In all other aspects, a French immersion kindergarten is the same as an English kindergarten. The same kind of themes and concepts are introduced and the same activities are carried out. The only exception is the inclusion of some aspects of French-Canadian culture.
For the first couple of years, students are not expected to speak French all the time. Children will insert French words in their sentences as they learn
them. The teacher uses repetition and role modelling just as you did as your child was learning his or her first language.
In all other aspects, a French immersion kindergarten is the same as an English kindergarten. The same kind of themes and concepts are introduced and the same activities are carried out. The only exception is the inclusion of some aspects of French-Canadian culture.
What if I don’t speak French?
Don’t worry; there is no expectation that parents need to be able to understand or speak French. However, there are many things you can do to ensure your child’s second-language experience is both positive and lasting.
Encouragement is key.
Be supportive and enthusiastic.
Research shows that students whose parents have positive attitudes to French do better in French immersion programs. Turn the tables—let your child teach you French! This will build his or her confidence and self-esteem. You can also help your child by exposing him or her to French language and culture outside the school. Any activity that allows use of the language builds skill, vocabulary, motivation and confidence.
Encouragement is key.
Be supportive and enthusiastic.
Research shows that students whose parents have positive attitudes to French do better in French immersion programs. Turn the tables—let your child teach you French! This will build his or her confidence and self-esteem. You can also help your child by exposing him or her to French language and culture outside the school. Any activity that allows use of the language builds skill, vocabulary, motivation and confidence.
Why Learn French?
Learning another language can help your child to:
·improve listening skills
·increase cognitive abilities, creating a more flexible thinker
·enhance communication skills in his or her first language
·develop a deeper understanding of his or her own culture
·improve overall school performance
·make learning a third or fourth language much easier
Knowing another language can give your child:
·a lifelong ability to communicate with more people
·an increased understanding of and respect for people of other cultures
·a competitive edge in the job market
·more opportunities to enjoy literature, art, music, theatre, sports and travel
·improve listening skills
·increase cognitive abilities, creating a more flexible thinker
·enhance communication skills in his or her first language
·develop a deeper understanding of his or her own culture
·improve overall school performance
·make learning a third or fourth language much easier
Knowing another language can give your child:
·a lifelong ability to communicate with more people
·an increased understanding of and respect for people of other cultures
·a competitive edge in the job market
·more opportunities to enjoy literature, art, music, theatre, sports and travel