French Immersion Parents - esp. non-French speaking - Page 2

[Cujobunny]

Originally Posted by whatsnextmom

It might help to clue him in that his teacher DOES understand English. I know, the first few grades it's a big deal for the kids to NOT hear their teachers speak English at all (and many think their teacher's "can't" speak it.) However, a child with anxiety about it might feel better knowing that if something bad happens, they can tell their teacher in English and they will understand. I've also heard teacher's break into English to offer comfort to a kindergartener is she falls and hurts themselves, ect.

That is excellent, thank you, I will do that.

[sanguine_speed]

Originally Posted by Cujobunny

I explained to him that only the teacher will be speaking French, all the other kids are going to be English speaking, just like him,

It's true that most students will not know any french in SK french immersion, but my experience has been that a number of families that speak french but cannot or do not wish to access the french school board in our town use the immersion program for their kids. So there have been kids in kindy for my first two kids (so far) that are quite bilingual already. This may be less prevalent in areas with a lower francophone population however.

And, while the kids may be English-speaking, the kids are encouraged and expected to use french in class. So, there won't be a bunch of kids around with whom your child can speak english.

It sounds like it's important to prepare him for what may happen in his class.

[Cujobunny]

Originally Posted by sanguine_speed

It's true that most students will not know any french in SK french immersion, but my experience has been that a number of families that speak french but cannot or do not wish to access the french school board in our town use the immersion program for their kids. So there have been kids in kindy for my first two kids (so far) that are quite bilingual already. This may be less prevalent in areas with a lower francophone population however.

And, while the kids may be English-speaking, the kids are encouraged and expected to use french in class. So, there won't be a bunch of kids around with whom your child can speak english.

It sounds like it's important to prepare him for what may happen in his class.

Hmmm that's interesting, I guess we'll just have to wait and see what the population is like in his class. His fear, I think, is that he's going to be expected to know French right from day one. Most kids won't and though I expect he will pick it up as easily, or more easily than a lot of others, it's important for him to know that most, if not all, the other kids will be learning right along with him. Anyway, it's going to be a learning experience for all of us!

[Limabean1975]

I'm glad we have a meet-the-teacher appointment this week, with class not starting till next week, so I can clarify all this stuff.

[shelleyd]

Hi everyone. My dd is going to be starting in SK French immersion on Wednesday. She hasn't done any formal preschool, jk or daycare and her sk is going to be full time. I expect it to be a big transition for her. I do not speak any French. Dh did study French in school but doesn't remember any of it. I really hope that this is okay. The school has told us that we do not need to speak French.

I'm really excited for dd. I think that this is a great opportunity for her. I do expect that initially she is going to be a bit overwhelmed. It is nice to hear others FI experiences.