Transcript EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION - Halifax Regional School Board

THE EARLY
FRENCH
IMMERSION
PROGRAM
Halifax Regional
School Board
INFORMATION
SESSION
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.
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.
CURRICULUM

The French Immersion Program follows the
same learning outcomes as defined by the
Nova Scotia English Provincial Guides.
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)
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.
NOVA SCOTIA
 The
Early French Immersion Program
began in 1977.
 The Late Immersion Program (Grade 7-12)
began in 1985.
EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION (P-12)
 Students
receive a French Immersion
Certificate upon completion of
requirements.
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
EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION WITHIN
HALIFAX REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD
 As
of September 2012, HRSB has 25
elementary schools offering Early French
Immersion.
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)
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).
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?
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.
LISTENING . . .
 uses
teaching strategies that foster a
positive classroom environment.
 helps the students achieve success in
French while learning the core subject matter.
SPEAKING . . .
• permits students to engage in
meaningful & constructive dialogue.
READING . . . FOR COMPRENSION
 Visualization
 Questioning
 Making
Connections
 Predictions
 Analyzing
WRITING . . . WITH A PURPOSE
•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
ENGLISH INSTRUCTION . . .
• begins in Grade 3 and students readily
transfer acquired reading strategies and
skills.
MATHEMATICS
• Students develop problem solving abilities
using a variety of communicative strategies.
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.
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)
THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION
PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO …
 enable
all students to work and study
purposefully, both independently and
cooperatively.
THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION
PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO …
 enable
all students to solve problems
individually and collaboratively.
THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION
PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO …

encourage personal development of skills,
attitudes and values.
THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION
PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO …
 enable
all students to express their ideas and
feelings in various art forms.
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.
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.
THE FRENCH IMMERSION TEACHER . . .
 has
an excellent command of French
(written and spoken).
 teaches the subjects according to the
established Provincial guidelines.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT . . .
• is ongoing and collaborative
(English
& French).
•Early Literacy Support where needed
•New Math curriculum
•Oral Language development
•CSI (continuous school improvement)
etc…
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.
USEFUL LINKS
•www.cpf.ca (Canadian Parents for French)
•http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/files/Downloads/pdf/
registration/doe-french-immersion-faq.pdf
(Frequently asked questions about French
Immersion)