What is French Immersion?
Immersion students learn the same curriculum as their English peers; however, some subjects are taught in French. This is based on the idea that students learn more French when they are required to use it to complete real tasks (i.e. Science). Over 30 years of research has produced overwhelming evidence that the Canadian model of French Immersion works.What does EFI look like?
Students begin Kindergarten with approximately 100 percent of subject instruction in French. This percentage decreases after the Grade 2 level, as English Language Arts is introduced in Grade 3. In general, the following table illustrates in French.
| K-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 |
| French Language Arts Science Social Studies Religion Health Math Art |
French Language Arts Science Social Studies Religion Health |
French Language Arts Social Studies Options |
How is EFI different from other French programs?
- Late French Immersion (LFI)
Students begin in Grade 7 with approximately 75 percent of subject instruction in French. The percentage of French instruction decreases in each grade as more English is introduced. By Grade 9, EFI and LFI students study approximately the same percentage of French. - Core French (CF)
Students spend approximately 10 percent of the day studying French as a subject within the curriculum from Grades 4 to 9. - Intensive Core French (ICF)
ICF is a method of organizing the Grade 6 curriculum so that students receive an increased amount of instruction in French for half of the school year.
Why choose French Immersion?
Learning a second language:- creates opportunities for higher education, jobs and travel
- develops an awareness and appreciation of other cultures
- improves understanding of the first language
- makes it easier to learn additional languages
- improves listening, concentration, problem-solving and communication skills (since students learn to process two languages instead of one)
- develops organization and study skills
- develops teamwork skills
- demonstrate equal or better learning in other subjects
- have high self-esteem
- be independent and self-disciplined learners
What if I don’t speak French?
EFI was created for children of English families; therefore it is common for parents to have little or no knowledge of French. Here are some things you can do:- Show interest and encouragement. Your attitude will influence how your child sees him/herself as a learner and, in turn, will influence success.
- Help your child to be organized. Take time to ask about school and homework.
- Initiate an open line of communication with your child’s teacher and contact him or her when you are uncertain about something.
- Establish a quiet time and place for homework where you can monitor progress. Do not be concerned if you do not understand French; teachers are aware of this when assigning homework. Homework is meant to review what students have already practiced in class.
- Read to your child regularly in English.
- Have your child read to you in both English and French.
- Provide your child with a good French-English dictionary for home use.
- Encourage your child to review homework with you. Students can summarize the concepts presented in class.
- Encourage your child to read French books, watch French television, listen to French radio and become involved in French cultural events.
- Encourage your child to contact a classmate in case of difficulty. It is beneficial to share concerns, ideas, talents, as well as frustrations. These are the first steps to becoming independent learners.
- Communicate with other parents of EFI students. It can be a source of comfort and support, especially if another parent has an older child in the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child fall behind in his/her English skills?This is sometimes a concern at the beginning of EFI. However, there is no detrimental effect on a child’s achievement in English. Your child may experience a temporary lag once English Language Arts is introduced in Grade 3, but he or she will catch up quickly. This is because children have already developed literacy skills in French, which are easily transferred to their first language. Normally, English skills are enriched and EFI students usually catch up to and often surpass their English counterparts by the end of Grade 6.
Is course content similar to English?
The outcomes and basic content are the same as the English program, as outlined by the Department of Education.
Will my child be forced to speak French from the first day?
Children often express themselves in English while in Kindergarten; only the teacher speaks consistently in French. After a period of continual input in French, students begin to use French as they become comfortable with the language.
Will my child progress at the same rate as English stream students?
In the beginning there may be a difference in rate of skill development in all language areas, including reading and writing, because of the time spent developing second language vocabulary. The gap between English and French Immersion students narrows over time with most students catching up by the elementary level.
