Parent information about early French immersion

Nov. 18, 2010

WelcomeBienvenue

About our school

- number of students in FI, English

- clubs, teams, extracurricular activities

- arts, physical education, library, etc.

- special features/programs

- school council

- student council and/or student leadership opportunities

- opportunities for parent involvement

- any other unique features of your school

French immersion in Peel board

early French immersion – starts grade 1

extended French – starts grade 7

Growth of the French immersion program

- 38 schools offer early French immersion

- 20 per cent of first graders in immersion

- 11,000 student in French immersion across Peel

- [#] of French immersion students at our school

French immersion class size

- limit of 20 students per class in grade 1

Immersion teachers are highly qualified

- proficient in speaking, reading and writing French

- additional training in teaching French as a second language

French as a second language

- no requirement for previous French experience

The aim of the immersion program is fluency in French

By the end of high school

- more than 6,000 hours of French instruction

- conversations with francophones

- understand the language of the French-speaking community

- read French newspapers, magazines and books

- write day-to-day correspondence

Benefit of French immersion

- challenge and enrichment

- learn about the French culture

- gain understanding of Canada’s bilingual and bicultural heritage

- appreciate value of learning another language

- prepare for future employment opportunities

Grade 1 French immersion program

- 85 per cent in French

By the end of grade 1

- follow written and verbal instructions in French

- speak in French about familiar topics

- pronounce familiar French words correctly

- read short, simple materials in French

- produce short, simple pieces of writing in French

- use verbs like être and avoir

- create questions in a variety of ways

Grade 1 French immersion program

- same provincial curriculum expectations as the English program

Grade 2 to 6

- 50/50 French and English - math taught in English

- social studies and 2 units of science in French

Grade 7 and 8

- 50/50 French and English

- math, music and physical education taught in English

- social studies and all of science taught in French

- immersion students go to [name of middle school]

Secondary school

- 10 credits in French

- certificate of bilingual studies

- immersion students go to [name of secondary school]

Immersion students read and write English as well as other students

- EQAO provincial tests

- Canadian Achievement Test, compared to other Canadian children

- Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test

Help your child at home

- read provincial French immersion curriculum

- talk to your child every day about school

- read with your child every day in English or your first language

- listen to your child read in French

- regular time and place for homework

- show your child that French exists outside the classroom

- watch French version of favourite DVDs

Help your child at home

- watch French children’s shows—Caillou and Carmen à la campagne

- borrow French books, magazines and books on CD from public library

- French games and software

- enrol your child in French summer camp

- family vacation, exchange programs

- Canadian Parents for French—www.cpf.ca

Canadian Parents for French (CPF) is the national network of volunteers that values French as an integral part of Canada and is dedicated to the promotion and creation of French Second Language learning opportunities for young Canadians.

There are four local chapters in Peel that offer:

French activities for kids Support for parents & schools

Brampton, Caledon, Mississauga South & Mississauga West

Questions? Call 905-366-1012 or visit www.cpfont.on.ca

- strong skills in first language

- likes to talk

- likes to work in groups

- imitates easily

- good memory

- demonstrates confidence

- risk-taker

- enjoys new challenges

- enjoys books

- successful transition from home to kindergarten

Is French immersion right for my child?

What if English is not your child's first language?

- strong skills in the child's first language

- continue to speak first language at home

Indications that immersion might not be the right choice now

- struggling with the transition to school

- pre-existing learning difficulties

- disagreement within the family about the program

- performing below average in their first language

- children who will be absent from school for extended periods

Indicators that children are successful in French immersion

- happy

- enthusiastic about learning

- positive about school

- report card indicates progress

- feedback from teacher

Moving out of French immersion

- students return to the English program in their neighbourhood school—no flex boundaries

French is part of every child's school experience

- another immersion option—extended French starts in grade 7

- all students study French 40 minutes/day from grades 4 to 8

- at least one high school French credit

Registration deadline

January 28, 2011

Busing eligibility

- grades 1 to 4 – 1.6 km (1 mile)

- grades 5 to 6 – 2 km (1.25 miles)

- grades 7 to 8 – 3.2 km (2 miles)

To find out if your child qualifies for busing, visit www.stopr.ca.

Central bus stops

- bus does not pick up in front of your home

- child may walk up to 700 m to bus stop

Questions?