Welcome to Hillcrest Early French Immersion

1. Welcome to Hillcrest Early French Immersion Bienvenue!

2. Early French Immersion • The program begins in Grade 1 and continues through Grade 12 • New to SCDSB this September 2013 • Two classes at Hillcrest

3. Why Grade 1? “The advantage of early immersion relates to children’s brain development,” says Janette Pelletier, a French immersion expert at the University of Toronto. “It is thought that the greater plasticity in a young brain is related to the ability to acquire second, third and fourth languages more easily, without a pronounced accent.”

4. The EFI Program In Grades 1 and 2 all subjects will be taught in French. Starting in Grade 3, some English will be introduced. Starting in Grade 6, time will be shared equally between French and English instruction.

5. Points to Consider • All classes are taught by teachers trained in second-language instruction whose first language is French. • For the first few months of Grade 1, the children do not acquire skills identical to those learned by children in an English program. • There may be certain lags in English Language Arts skills in the first few years of the program, but by the end of the elementary grades, French Immersion students perform as well as their peers in the regular program in areas of measurable English skills. Many of the skills students learn in French are applicable in English. • Reading to a child at home in a child's native language can strengthen literacy skills. Research studies confirm that children achieve greater academic success when parents read frequently (daily) to them. • Staff are aware that, in most cases, no one at home speaks French. All communication from the school and information for parents is provided in English.

6. I Don’t Speak French! • Showing interest in what your child is doing at school and providing encouragement and support is of the utmost importance. • Success in school is strongly influenced by activities in the home which stimulate a child’s imagination and intellect, enhance self-esteem, teach good work habits and provide motivation to learn and succeed. • Good development of oral and listening skills in your child’s first language will be a good foundation for learning a second language.

7. Is EFI Suitable for my Child? Parents should meet with their child's present teacher to determine suitability. The final decision to enter the program rests with the parents. There are risk factors when: • children are below the expected standard in their first language • support at home is divided • students do not want to be in the program • a child’s emotional well-being is suffering Children who thrive in the program usually display some or all of the following: • enjoy and play with language (rhyming and word games) • cooperate with others and work/play well in groups • persevere and make an effort when responding to challenges