French Immersion
Embracing courage, determination and joy in our language journey towards bilingualism.
Welcome to French Immersion
We are so excited that you are interested in enrolling your child in French Immersion! FI programs have been developed throughout Canada for non French-speaking students in order to become functionally bilingual in English and French by the end of secondary school. Over the long term, this can be accomplished without loss in other subject areas. French Immersion provides students with an education equivalent to what is available in the English language program, while providing opportunities to acquire a high level of proficiency in French. Students that graduate from the program in Grade 12 should be able to participate easily in French conversations, take post-secondary courses with French as the language of instruction, and accept employment with French as the language of work.
École Isabella Dicken Elementary School is pleased to offer a Middle French Immersion Program, which begins in grade 4. Most activities will be conducted in French right away as French is the language of instruction. English will continue to be taught, but focus will be on French language acquisition, in particular for the first three months. all core classes including Social Studies, Math and Science are taught in French. Most children entering Grade 4 French Immersion know very little to no French. Middle French Immersion continues to Grades 7-12 at École Secondaire Fernie.
There are many advantages to learning the French language, including graduation from grade 12 with a Bilingual Dogwood Certificate.
Canadian Parents for French (C.P.F.):
Canadian Parents for French is a registered charity, composed primarily of English-speaking members, advocating the value of French as an integral part of Canada. Click here for more information: www.cpf.ca.
The Role of the Parent:
Preparing Your Child for School
It is important to talk to your child about school before opening day in September. Let your child know that the teacher will be speaking French and that it's important to watch the gestures of the teacher while French is being learned. Be sure to encourage a growth mindset and a positive attitude toward the productive struggles of learning something new.
For all children, parental encouragement makes a great difference in a child's attitude towards school. Your enthusiasm for the French Immersion program is very important. Although you may not speak French (like most Immersion parents) you are still the positive force in encouraging your child at home. Be available to talk to your child about their day. Ask them to teach you new French words!
Reading to Your Child
We can’t emphasize enough the importance of continuing to read to your child on a regular basis in your family language to provide background experiences and vocabulary.
The Need for a Break
It is normal for your child to come home a little weary; after all, this is a very new experience. Your child will be concentrating hard on new vocabulary and concepts. Please ensure that your child has adequate rest and relaxation from the mental and emotional effort of the day. Children need 8-11 hours of sleep each day depending on their age!
Home and School Communication
Communication between parents and teacher is essential. Parents are encouraged to meet with the teachers to discuss the progress of their children. For a formal interview, contact the teacher ahead of time to set up a time and date. If something occurs in your home, which could upset your child, such as the death of a pet or a change in the family situation, it is important that the teacher be informed right away.
If you feel something at school is interfering with your child's learning, informing the teacher is key.
Please contact our school for further information or join us on Wednesday, January 21st for an information evening.
Please consider clicking on the link below for fun French activities to do with your child before and during their Grade 4 year!
Fun at-home activities in French!
