Several educators claim that learning French is good for nurturing minds. It also opens up lots of job opportunities in the future. In fact, French Immersion is a common topic in Canada. Canadian parents focus on French Immersion while thinking of their kids’ academic life. Since the decades of 70s, public schools in Canada have started offering this program as a way to encourage bilingualism. After the introduction of the Official Languages Act 1969, French had officially become the second language in Canada. Still, some Canadian parents like to know- Is French Immersion a perfect choice for our children?
Over the past few years, there have been an increasing number of Canadian parents flocking to the French Immersion program. Better cognitive development, potential career advantages, and multilingualism are some reasons that have made this program popular. However, does not it give the desired result to your kids? Canadian parents like to know the answer to this question.
French Immersion- How does it work?
This program is intended to make your children bilingual. Participants of this program will be able to speak French and English. There are 2 stages involved in this program. The first one ranges from the kindergarten level to the middle school. Over 50% of classes are in the French version. Again, at the high school level, there are also Extended French classes.
The overall instructions delivered in French can cover 3800 hours. French is not only a mode of instruction but also a separate subject for students.
Is the French Immersion program suitable for your kids?
To make your decision, you have to focus on some factors.
1. Early talkers can speak French more easily
Do you have chatty kids who have learned to talk within a short time? They can progress faster while learning French. You will find some positive signs in them. Some intelligent kids are able to learn new vocabulary very easily. They are also efficient in imitating speech from parents and books. Moreover, they can identify sounds and have a close affinity for language. These kids are highly interested in learning a different language.
Kids who have encountered problems with the first language may not be successful in understanding another language. Parents with language-delayed kids do not like to think of the Immersion program earlier. They think that there will be a risk to their kids while learning the language. But, these children can join the late immersion program and take advantage of it. However, make sure that your kids have no fear of making mistakes.
2. Your children cannot learn the French language overnight
Your kids have already joined the French Immersion program. Although they have covered a few months of the program, they are struggling to learn the language. Nevertheless, it does not denote that the immersion program will not work for you.
Your anticipations from your kids have to be realistic. It will give your children the best scope to adapt to the new language. Although some kids have good performance, they feel frustrated at first. The biggest truth is that new language acquisition is a time-consuming process. While some children can learn French in a month, others need a longer period.
Your little ones may face obstacles in the first year. But, you must not assume that they will not be successful in their language learning approach.
3.The availability of the best French Immersion teachers
Based on your location, there may be a difference in the accessibility to efficient French teachers. Some schools have a staffing problem. The qualifications and skills of these teachers are also important. Before choosing the school for the French Immersion, you have to find information about the teachers. The best teachers have clear accents in the French language, and thus, they will help your kids to learn it easily. Your teens can avoid misspellings of French words.
4. French homework can become easier with the parents’ guidance
It is not mandatory for parents to know French to guide the children enrolled in a French Immersion program. However, kids may ask you questions when they have some issues with their French school homework. Still, kids of bilingual parents have a chance of learning the language faster. The best fact is that the Immersion program accepts students from any background. In most cases, parents do not speak, and they have strived much to help their kids to learn the second language. You can at least encourage your teens to concentrate on the language.
French Immersion program- How does it benefit you?
Learning the second official language in Canada is highly advantageous for your kids.
-
Develop better cognitive ability
When the kids in the age group of 5 to 7 years learn a new language, they develop a stronger memory. Thus, they will be able to engage in mathematical calculations and reading more effectively. Bilingualism will be highly beneficial to mental health. Your kids will have creative thinking ability. They will also be able to adapt to unfamiliar circumstances when they become adults.
Overall, your children will obtain multiple benefits from learning French in Canada.
-
Economic and educational benefits
With French and English language speaking skills, your teens will find lots of educational opportunities. For instance, they can attend any Canadian institution for post-secondary education. Interestingly, bilingual candidates easily get employed in international companies. Their earnings are also higher than those speaking only English.
-
Other social benefits
French language knowledge will give your kids a chance to travel to different countries. They will become familiar with different cultures.
These are some reasons why several parents enroll their children in a French Immersion program.
Struggling to learn French?
Your children may have already become a member of the French Immersion program. Still, they are not able to speak and write French properly. In this case, you can talk to the French teacher and create the best strategy to let your kids overcome the challenges. You may also continue checking the performance of your child.
However, the best solution is to hire a private French teacher online. Your children will find a chance of solving their personal problems during the direct interaction with the tutor.
Every child has a unique preference and learning style. He may not always feel comfortable with the new environment in a French Immersion school. But, in the case of online tutoring, there will be no issue.
How to locate the best school for the French Immersion program
Several parents like to choose a school where their kids can receive instructions in both English and French. It will prevent the little learners from feeling confused. Whatever be the language of instruction, there is no significant difference in the curriculum.
In the first few months, your kids may face some issues for different reasons. However, dedicated classroom teachers provide good assistance to their students. They also interact with parents to identify the personal issues of children.
Still, you like to help your kids in a better way. So, you can hire online tutors and provide the best guidance to your children. These private tutors will arrange regular online classes for your little ones.
You can look for a reliable platform where qualified tutors are available to serve your purpose.
