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French Immersion Program

 
  What is French Immersion?

Facts about French Immersion in Lambton Kent District School Board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Locations

Tips for Parents

 

What is French Immersion?

French Immersion is a program offered nationally for children from primarily English-speaking backgrounds.  Its purpose is to provide students with the opportunity to learn a second language whereby French is the language of instruction and classroom communication, not a separate subject studied in isolation of other subjects.  Neither the child entering the program nor his/her parents need to have any knowledge of the French language or culture.

The French Immersion Program offered by the Lambton Kent District School Board begins at the Junior Kindergarten level and continues to the end of secondary school.

Speaking FRENCH:  an investment in the future.
 

Un

Research proves that learning a second language strengthens first language skills.

Quatre

Knowing French enables people not only to function but to compete effectively in the global economy of the future.

Sept

Knowing French enhances travel abroad to Europe, the Caribbean & Africa.

Deux

Speaking French will increase job opportunities and salary potential

Cinq

Learning a new language, like French, develops critical and creative thinking skills.

Huit

French is the language of culture, opening doors to art, music, dance, fashion, cuisine and cinemas.

Trois

Studying French increases appreciation of other people and their cultures

Six

Proficiency in French will improve chances of being accepted to university and to graduate school.

Neuf

French is the language of many great literary masterpieces.

 

 

 

 

Dix

French opens up an entire world of sporting events to enthusiasts.

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Facts about French Immersion at the LKDSB.

Junior and Senior Kindergarten

In Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten, the language of instruction is French. The children's introduction to the Early Immersion Program is "gentle," in that they continue to express themselves in English at this level - only the teacher speaks French. This builds listening comprehension in French so that when academic content is introduced in Grade 1, children have little difficulty following what is going on. Basic vocabulary is taught through the use of thymes, songs, short stories and play-acting.

Grades 1 & 2

All instruction, including Reading, Writing and Mathematics is in French. Speaking skills receive greater emphasis and the children are increasingly able to express themselves in French.

Grade 3 to 8

English language studies are introduced in Grade 3 for 50% of the instructional time. Specific study areas are designated for English or French instruction.

Grades 9 to 12

At the secondary level, students in the French Immersion program take one third of their course requirements in French. Upon successful completion of the program, they are granted a Certificate in French Immersion Studies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child be getting the same program as he/she would in an English class?

Yes. French Immersion programs follow the Ontario Curriculum that is mandated by the Ministry of Education and Training. Reporting of student progress is the same in immersion programs as it is in English programs and students in French Immersion receive the Ontario Provincial Report Card with the language of instruction indicated beside subject areas.

To ensure student achievement, students in French Immersion participate in annual provincial EQAO assessments along with English program students.

Will my child's English suffer?

No. French Immersion pupils are able to read, write, speak, understand and use English as well as youngsters instructed in English. In addition, they can also read, write, speak and understand French in a way that English pupils who follow traditional second-language teaching methods cannot. Since French Immersion is an available option in the Lambton Kent District School Board, instead of asking “Why French Immersion?” We might very well ask “Why not?”  No one ever says they wish they hadn’t learned a second language.

Must parents be French speaking?

No. The French Immersion Program is a French as a Second Language (FSL) program and there is no expectation that parents have any knowledge of French.  Parents receive communication from the school and classroom teacher in English.

Is French Immersion right for my child?

Students who do well in Early French Immersion programs will probably be able to say "yes" to many of these questions:

  1. Do I like to talk?
  2. Do I follow verbal instructions?
  3. Do I have strong language skills?
  4. Do I enjoy books?
  5. Do I imitate easily?
  6. Do I have a good memory?
  7. Am I confident?
  8. Do I experiment and take risks without fear of making mistakes?
  9. Do I enjoy new challenges?
  10. Do I listen well?
  11. Do I have a good attention span?
  12. Do I adapt well to change?

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Locations:

French Immersion is currently available at the following schools. 

Elementary Schools

BOSANQUET CENTRAL P.S.

Steve Thomas, Principal

Gr 7 to Gr 8

519-296-4962

8766 Northville Rd., R. R. 3

Thedford, ON  N0M 2N0

BROOKE CENTRAL P.S.

Leo Spence, Principal

J.K. to Gr 8

519-847-5218

7989 Brooke Line, Box 220,

Alvinston, ON  N0N 1A0

CATHCART BLVD P.S.

Paul Veriker, Principal

J.K. to Gr 8

519-542-5651

1219 Cathcart Blvd.,

Sarnia, ON  N7S 2H7

ERROL ROAD P.S.

Helen Lane, Principal

J.K. to Gr 8

519-542-9341

989 Errol Rd.,

Sarnia, ON  N7S 2E6

HARWICH-RALEIGH P.S.

Brad Holmes, Principal

J.K. to Gr 7

519-676-5481

231 Chatham St. S., Box 1060

Blenheim, ON  N0P 1A0

HIGH PARK P.S.

Karen Dunning, Principal

J.K to Gr 8

519-332-0474

757 Kember Ave.,

Sarnia, ON  N7S 2T3

JOHN N. GIVEN P.S.

Mary Douglas, Principal

Gr 7 & Gr 8

519-354-6100

92 Churchill Street

Chatham, ON  N7L 3T5

MCNAUGHTON AVENUE P.S.

Deborah Ellacott, Principal

J.K. to Gr 6

519-352-8252

480 McNaughton Ave. E.

Chatham, ON  N7L 2G9

Blended Schools

HILLCREST

Nancy Blandford-McFadden, Principal

J.K. to Gr 3

519-882-2260

433 First Ave., Box 119

Petrolia, 0N N0N 1R0

QUEEN ELIZABETH II (P)

Todd Hayward, Principal

Gr 4 to Gr 8

519-882-2123

4104 Kerby St., Box 479

Petrolia, ON N0N 1R0

SIR JOHN MOORE COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Nancy Swanstrom, Principal

J.K. to Gr 8

519-862-1089

274 St. Clair Blvd.,

Corunna, ON  N0N 1G0

Secondary Schools

CHATHAM-KENT S.S.

Tom Rogers, Principal

Gr 9 to Gr 12

519-786-2166

285 McNaughton Ave. E.

Chatham, ON  N7L 2G7

L.C.C.V.I.

Bert Phills, Principal

Gr 9 to Gr 12

519-882-1910

4141 Dufferin Ave., Box 5100

Petrolia, ON  N0N 1R0

NORTHERN COLLEGIATE

Tim Hummel, Principal

Gr 9 to Gr 12

519-542-5545

940 Michigan Ave.,

Sarnia, ON  N7S 2B1

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Tips for Parents

How can I help my child at home?

  1. Show commitment to the French Immersion program by being positive, curious and encouraging.
  2. Read to your child at home in English, even though your child is learning to read in French at school. Showing your child the importance of this skill, regardless oflanguage, is what will make the difference in your child's desire and ability to read.
  3. Go to your local library and borrow English and French books, videos, and cassetes.
  4. Communicate often with your child's teacher to keep informed of your child's progress.
  5. Encourage your child to bring home French books, notebooks, portfolios or other samples of school work and ask him/her to explain them to you.
  6. Purchase a French-English dictionary.
  7. Compliment your child on effort and achievement.
  8. Buy French music CDs or cassettes.
  9. Investigate opportunities for school exchange trips and summer programs.
  10. Offer experiences that support your child's learning such as visiting French restaurants or visiting a Francophone area.

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Last edited on: 04/01/2008

© 2008 Lambton Kent District School Board