The Late French Immersion Program Information Session Halifax Regional School Board

What is Late French Immersion? 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. Updated November 22, 2016

Why should we learn French? Canada’s official languages are a defining characteristic of our Canadian identity. Both French and English 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) Updated November 22, 2016

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. Updated November 22, 2016

Why is French Second Language important? 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. Updated November 22, 2016

Late French Immersion…by the numbers More than 2 million English-speaking students are studying French as a subject in school. More than 25% of young Canadians aged 18-29 are currently bilingual. Grade 7 LFI students will take 60-75% of their courses in French. Students are required to speak French 100% of the time! Updated November 22, 2016

Curriculum Outcomes 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 langauge in all subject areas. Updated November 22, 2016

Language Acquisition Students acquire French language skills in an environment modeled by the teacher’s oral proficiency, literacy awareness and pedagogical knowledge of second language acquisition strategies. Updated November 22, 2016

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. (http://www.unb.ca/slec/hot_topics/l2_children.html) Updated November 22, 2016

The LFI Program is designed to… 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. Updated November 22, 2016

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. Updated November 22, 2016

What is my child has a Learning Disability? 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). * Fred Genesee , PhD, is a professor in the Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec Updated November 22, 2016

What is my child has a Learning Disability? 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. Updated November 22, 2016

The Late French Immersion teacher… 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. Updated November 22, 2016

The role of the FSL parent 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. Updated November 22, 2016

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. Updated November 22, 2016

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. Updated November 22, 2016

Ideas for parents to help students 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 Updated November 22, 2016

When considering 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? Updated November 22, 2016

Trip to Université Sainte-Anne 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. Updated November 22, 2016

At High School Completion… 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 Updated November 22, 2016

Helpful Links Canadian Parents for French www.cpf.ca FSL Homework Toolbox http://www.fslhomeworktoolbox.ca/index.php French Homework Tips for Parents http://education.alberta.ca/parents/resources/youcanhelp.aspx BonPatron (created in Canada) www.bonpatron.com Updated November 22, 2016