Updated: September 2026
Research shows that family involvement is one of the most important factors in a child’s academic success, especially in language learning. According to the Canadian Council on Learning, children who are read to and engaged in conversations at home build stronger literacy skills, regardless of the language spoken. In French Immersion programs, this means that support in your home language is not only helpful, it’s foundational.
You don’t need to be fluent in French to make a meaningful impact. Literacy development is about building comprehension, vocabulary, and confidence, and these skills transfer across languages. By creating a language-rich environment at home, you’re helping your child succeed in French and English, or any other language you may speak.
Five ways to build literacy at home:
- Read together daily in your home language or in French. Listening to stories builds vocabulary, imagination, and comprehension.
- Talk about their day and what they’re learning. Asking your child to explain things in their own words helps build thinking and language skills.
- Play games like word games, memory games, or board games. Participating in these activities builds problem-solving, communication, and language skills.
- Ask questions while reading, cooking, driving, or playing. Curiosity builds confidence and encourages your child to express ideas.
- Create routines such as a quiet space for homework and regular review time. Consistent routines build positive learning habits.
Your involvement, no matter what language you use, sends the message that their learning matters.
Resources
Decoding
One of the most important skills young readers develop is decoding. Decoding is the ability to break unfamiliar words into smaller parts, helping children figure out how to pronounce and understand them. As students build their decoding skills, they become more confident readers and are better able to focus on meaning and comprehension.
You can support your child's reading development at home by asking their teacher about decodable books to borrow or by visiting your local library and exploring the books they have there for beginner readers.
Watch this short video to learn more about how decoding helps children become successful readers.
Literacy Games
Utilizing Edmonton Public Libraires
Nightly Reading Best Practices
Oui Learn Together is the Division’s central hub for French Immersion learning at home, offering simple, accessible resources that families can use without needing to speak French.
Click here to explore other topics on our main Oui Learn Together page.