1. THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSION 2011

2. DESCRIPTION The French Immersion Program has been designed for students who have little or no French language skills. The entry point of the Early French Immersion Program is at the Primary level. The program extends to Grade 12.

3. CANADIAN MADE! The origins of the French Immersion Program date back to 1965 in St. Lambert, Montréal, Québec. Research shows that the Immersion experience is the most effective way for children to become functionally bilingual without having adverse effects on their social, academic or personal development.

4. CURRICULUM The French Immersion Program follows the same learning outcomes as defined by the Nova Scotia English Provincial Guides.

5. Research Many language concepts and skills learned and developed in French are similar to those applied in English. Studies supported by CASLT (Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers) 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)

6. 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. The integration of subjects taught in French is also conducive to language acquisition.

7. NOVA SCOTIA The Early French Immersion Program began in 1977. The Late Immersion Program (Grade 7-12) began in 1985.

8. EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION (P-12) Students receive a French Immersion Certificate upon completion of requirements.

9. FRENCH IMMERSION CERTIFICATE 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

10. EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION WITHIN HALIFAX REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD As of September 2010, HRSB has 33 schools (elementary, junior high and senior high schools) offering Early French Immersion.

13. PERCENTAGE OF INSTRUCTION IN FRENCH (IMMERSION PROGRAM) Primary- Grade 2 90%-100% (varies due to Music and Physical Education) Grades 3-6 80%- 85% (formal instruction in English is introduced) Grades 7-9 60%- 75% Grades 10-12 50% (minimum of nine credits taught in French)

14. SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES All students should have equal access to special services where available. It is recommended that there is a close working relationship among the Immersion teachers, the Resource teachers and the parent(s)/ guardian(s).

15. WHEN CONSIDERING THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM… How developed are your child’s first language skills? Does your child appear to be developing in terms of social and emotional growth? Does your child have positive self-esteem? Does your child have any major perceptual or auditory problems? Can your child adjust easily to unfamiliar situations?

16. THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO... enable all students to communicate effectively in French using listening, speaking, viewing, reading, writing and other various means of representation.

17. LISTENING... uses teaching strategies that foster a positive classroom environment. helps the students achieve success in French while learning the core subject matter.

18. SPEAKING... permits students to engage in meaningful & constructive dialogue.

19. Visualization Questioning Making Connections Predictions Analyzing READING... FOR COMPRENSION

20. Ideas Conventions Word Choice Sentence Structure Organization Écrivains à l’œuvre 4-9 (Writers in Action) This initiative is helping students across the province to develop strong written skills WRITING... WITH A PURPOSE

21. ENGLISH INSTRUCTION... begins in Grade 3 and students readily transfer acquired reading strategies and skills.

22. MATHEMATICS Students develop problem solving abilities using a variety of communicative strategies.

23. SOCIAL STUDIES... enable and encourage students to examine isssues, respond critically and creatively, and make informed decisions as fellow citizens of an increasingly global community.

24. SCIENCES Students will construct knowledge and understanding of concepts in life science, physical science, and Earth and space science, and apply these understandings to interpret, integrate and extend their knowledge - (GCO 3 – Department of Education P-6 Learning Outcomes Document)

25. THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO … enable all students to work and study purposefully, both independently and cooperatively.

26. THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO … enable all students to solve problems individually and collaboratively.

27. THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO … encourage personal development of skills, attitudes and values.

28. THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO … enable all students to express their ideas and feelings in various art forms.

29. THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO … enable all students to locate, evaluate, adapt, create and share information using a wide range of sources and technologies.

30. THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO … enable all students to demonstrate a better understanding of their own and others’ cultural heritage with a particular emphasis on French speaking communities.

31. THE FRENCH IMMERSION TEACHER... has an excellent command of French (written and spoken). teaches the subjects according to the established Provincial guidelines.

32. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT... is ongoing and collaborative (English & French).

33. PREPARATION AND SUPPORT FOR PARENTS French section of community libraries. HRSB website and French links. French language television. Extracurricular and community activities which promote French language and culture. Read to your child in English to foster a love of language.

34. USEFUL LINKS www.cpf.ca (Canadian Parents for French)www.cpf.ca http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/bgromick/ (To enroll or not to enroll... that is the questions) www.caslt.org (Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers)www.caslt.org

35. Primary Orientation Dates Monday, February 7 th – Primary FRENCH IMMERSION meeting in Library from 6:30 – 7:00 pm. Presentations by classroom French Immersion teachers, administration, and Canadian Parents for French. This meeting is designed to give a brief overview of the Early French Immersion Program. Thursday, May 12 th – Primary Orientation at school for ALL PRIMARY STUDENTS AND PARENTS, both English and French Immersion, who will be entering school for the 2011-2012 school year. Parents are asked to bring their children to school for 9:30. This session is designed to allow Teachers to have an opportunity to meet your children and get to know them through a variety of activities setup in their classrooms. Parents will meet with school staff and be provided with an overview of Primary expectations and general routines of the school. Parents will also be given an opportunity to visit classrooms and join their children for a small snack. All should be completed by 11:00. Thursday, June 9 th - Second visit for ALL PRIMARY STUDENTS AND PARENTS. This day will run from 9:30 until 11:00 and is designed to go over the activity packet provided by The Learning Partnership.