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FRENCH |
HELPFUL LINKS |
Facts about French Immersion in Lambton Kent District School Board
Tips for Parents
rench 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
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Un |
Research proves that
learning a second language strengthens first language skills. |
Quatre |
Knowing French enables people not only to function but to
compete effect-tively in
the global economy of the future. |
Sept |
Knowing French enhances travel abroad to |
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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. |
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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. |
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Dix
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French opens up an entire world of sporting events to
enthusiasts. |
TESTIMONIAL:
In the end, it wasn’t a government report or retrospective study
that convinced us [to enroll our children in French Immersion] rather,
conversations with two young women, both in secondary school, both products of
French Immersion. The young women were
already able to see the benefits of their French Immersion and were very
enthusiastic about doors opened to them as bilingual Canadians. How could we turn our back on such a great
program when it was offered at our home school?
We could not. We haven’t looked
back since.”
![Cloud Callout: TESTIMONIAL:
In the end, it wasn’t a government report or retrospective study that convinced us [to enroll our children in French Immersion] rather, conversations with two young women, both in secondary school, both products of French Immersion. The young women were already able to see the benefits of their French Immersion and were very enthusiastic about doors opened to them as bilingual Canadians. How could we turn our back on such a great program when it was offered at our home school? We could not. We haven’t looked back since.”
LKDSB parent](This%20documenta1_files/image009.gif)
LKDSB
parent
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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 rhymes, songs, short
stories and play-acting.
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Grades 1 and 2
All instruction,
including
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Grades 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.
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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.
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
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:
• Do I like to talk?
• Do I follow verbal instructions?
• Do I have strong language skills?
• Do I enjoy books?
• Do I imitate easily?
• Do I have a good memory?
• Am I confident?
• Do I experiment and take risks without fear of making mistakes?
• Do I enjoy new challenges?
• Do I listen well?
• Do I have a good attention span?
• Do I adapt well to change?
French Immersion is currently
available at the following schools.
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BOSANQUET CENTRAL P.S.
Steve
Thomas, Principal |
Gr. 7 to Gr.8
519-296-4962 |
Thedford NOM 2N0
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BROOKE CENTRAL P.S.
Leo
Spence,
Principal |
J.K. to Gr. 8
519-847-5218 |
7989 Brooke Line,
Alvinston N0N 1A0
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CATHCART BLVD. P.S.
Paul
Veriker,
Principal |
J.K. to Gr. 8
519-542-5651 |
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ERROL ROAD P.S.
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J.K. to Gr. 8
519-542-9341 |
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HARWICH-RALEIGH P.S.
Brad Holmes, Principal |
J.K. to Gr. 7
519-676-5481 |
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HIGH PARK P.S.
Karen
Dunning, Principal |
J.K. to Gr. 8
519-332-0474 |
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John n. given P.S.
Mary
Douglas,
Principal |
Gr.7 and Gr. 8
519-352-8252 |
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McNaughton Avenue P.S.
Deborah
Ellacott, Principal |
J.K. to Gr. 6
519-352-8252
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Blended Schools: |
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HILLCREST Nancy Blandford-McFadden, Principal
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J.K. to Gr. 3
519-882-2260 |
Petrolia, NON 1RO |
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QUEEN ELIZABETH II (P)
Todd
Hayward, Principal |
Gr. 4 to Gr. 8
519-882-2123 |
4104 Kerby
Petrolia, NON 1RO
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Sir John Moore
Nancy
Swanstrom, Principal |
J.K. to Gr. 8
519-862-1089 |
Corunna, NON 1G0 |
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CHATHAM-KENT S.S.
Tom
Rogers, Principal |
Gr. 9 to Gr. 12
519-786-2166 |
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L.C.C.V.I.
Bert
Phills,
Principal |
Gr. 9 to Gr. 12
519-882-1910 |
4141 Dufferin Ave., Box 5100
Petrolia, NON 1R0
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NORTHERN COLLEGIATE
Tim
Hummel, Principal |
Gr. 9 to Gr. 12
519-542-5545 |
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Please contact the schools directly for more
information and registration.
HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD AT HOME?
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1. |
Show commitment to the French Immersion program by being
positive, curious and encouraging. |
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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 of
language, is what will make the difference in your child’s desire and ability
to read. |
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3. |
Go to your local library and borrow English and French books,
videos, and cassettes. |
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4. |
Communicate often with your child’s teacher to keep informed of
your child’s progress. |
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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. |
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6. |
Purchase a French-English dictionary. |
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7. |
Compliment your child on effort and achievement. |
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8. |
Buy French music CDs or cassettes. |
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9. |
Investigate opportunities for school exchange trips and summer
programs. |
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10. |
Offer experiences that support your child’s learning such as visiting
French restaurants or visiting a Francophone area. |
