The Late French Immersion Program Halifax Regional School Board

Late French Immersion is a program designed for students entering into Grade 7, whose experience with the French language has been limited to elementary Core French. What is Late French Immersion?

 Canada’s official languages are a defining characteristic of our Canadian identity. Both French and English belong to us and are part of our sense of national identity.  “The federal government is Canada’s largest employer, and it needs bilingual employees.” Bilingual grads are in greater demand on the job market than ever. (Graham Fraser, Commissioner Report 2009) Why should we learn French?

 French is one of the world's most widely spoken languages. Native French speakers can be found on nearly every continent. French is also one of the least difficult languages for English speakers to learn. Why should we learn French?

 Students have significant advantages when they speak more than one language. Learning another language helps students: - strengthen their problem-solving, reasoning and creative thinking skills. - develop their understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures. - increase their competitiveness in an increasingly global job market. - enhance their first-language and overall literacy skills. Why is French Second Language important?

Many language concepts and skills learned and developed in French are similar to those applied in English. Studies supported by the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT) have shown that bilingual students “appear to have a number of intellectual advantages” such as the ability to think abstractly and problem solve at an earlier age. (

The Late French Immersion Program follows the same learning outcomes as defined by the Nova Scotia English Provincial Guides. There is however an additional component of appreciation of the French language in all subject areas. Curriculum Outcomes

 enable all students to communicate effectively in French using listening, speaking, viewing, reading, writing and other various means of representation.  enable all students to work and study purposefully, both independently and cooperatively.  enable all students to solve problems individually and collaboratively.  encourage personal development of skills, attitudes and values. The LFI Program is designed to…

 enable all students to express their ideas and feelings in various art forms.  enable all students to locate, evaluate, adapt, create and share information using a wide range of sources and technologies.  enable all students to demonstrate a better understanding of their own and others’ cultural heritage with a particular emphasis on French speaking communities. The LFI Program is designed to…

 French immersion does not cause discipline problems or learning difficulties.  Research finds that children with language impairment performed the same whether in immersion or non-immersion programs. This is powerful evidence to indicate that the neurocognitive machinery that allows a child to learn language – even when it’s not fully functioning – is capable of bilingualism. (Fred Genesee, 2012)  Immersion students have been placed on Individual Program Plans (IPP) and Adaptations (as is the case for all students). What if my child has a Learning Disability? * Fred Genesee, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec

 The Program Planning Team (PPT) will explore supports and make decisions about the student’s program. (As is the case for all students.)  Any decision to change the placement of a student must be in the best interest of the student. In such cases, parents/guardians should share their concerns with the school.  The decision to remove a student from the immersion program will be a program planning team decision involving the parent/guardian (and sometimes the student), the immersion teacher, the principal, and the French Consultant. What is my child has a Learning Disability?

 has an excellent command of the French language (written and spoken).  teaches the subjects according to the established provincial guidelines.  is dynamic in their approach to education. The Late French Immersion teacher…

The best way to help your child is to be positive and supportive: Continue to read with your child every night. Invite your child to read with you. Watch French television with your child. Take advantage of French cultural activities if they exist in your area. Encourage your child to speak French at home (but do not make it a chore). Ask your child to talk about the school day but in the home language. The role of the FSL parent

 Parents/Guardians must be reassured that what is vital in their involvement is providing a rich and supportive environment in the child’s first language.  French Immersion Programs are specifically designed for children of parents or guardians who do not speak French. The role of the FSL parent

 As parents you need to be patient as well! Language learning takes place over a period of time.  Students will learn at different rates depending on their aptitude, work habits, motivation and organization. The role of the FSL parent

 French section of community libraries.  HRSB website, French links, LFI Teacher websites  French language television.  Extracurricular and community activities which promote French language and culture.  Encourage your child to read in French.  Visit various Acadian regions of the Maritimes Ideas for parents to help students

 How is your child’s social and emotional development?  Does your child have a positive self-esteem?  Does your child have major perceptual or auditory problems?  Can your child adjust easily to unfamiliar situations? When considering

 Each Spring, Grade 7 students participate in a 3 day trip where they are totally immersed in an authentic French environment.  They interact in French with other HRSB Late French Immersion students, and enjoy an educational cultural event. Trip to Université Sainte-Anne

 Students receive a French Immersion Certificate at the end of grade 12 upon completion of course requirements.  Upon completion, students should be able to: - function in a French-speaking community - accept a job where French is the working language - pursue university or college education in French At High School Completion…

 Canadian Parents for French  FSL Homework Toolbox  French Homework Tips for Parents  BonPatron (created in Canada) Helpful Links