What if French is not Spoken at Home?
The French Immersion program is specifically designed for non-native speakers, while enriching and complementing a child's first language. The program was built on the foundation of giving English speaking students the opportunity to become bilingual. First and foremost, the best thing parents can do to help support their child’s learning is to read to their children in their native language.
Vocabulary, syntax and other reading related skills are transferable skills across languages!
While students may receive homework, all assignments are setup with the understanding that there aren’t the same supports available at home as there are in the classroom and are specifically tailored with that in mind. Any at home exercises are started in class with a teacher available to guide them through. Homework clubs can also be available at lunch our or recess to also help support students that might need a little extra help.
Supports for Parents
Because the program is specifically designed for non-native speakers, parents of students in French immersion are not alone – they have the support and help of all the families in the school!
Many of our schools also work closely with Canadian Parents for French, a non-profit organization that helps support parents of children in French Immersion. This can include monthly meet-ups at local restaurants or coffee shops or web-related activities and resources.
Furthermore, Edmonton Catholic’s French Immersion schools offer a number of opportunities for parents to get involved in their children’s education within the school.
School councils, for example, are very involved in supporting the children in the school. They can offer a variety of resources including parent engagement evenings, which may identify specific subjects that many parents are struggling with.
There are also several opportunities to volunteer throughout the school and get involved in the culture. Volunteering for Carnavale, for example, is a great way to immerse yourself in the French culture!
Web-based supports may also be available through virtual classroom, so parents can access their children’s textbooks, view videos, and other online resources might be available and are all trackable for the student’s teachers.