French Immersion - A Parent's Primer

(Re-printed with permission of Canadian Parents for French)

French immersion programs have mushroomed across Canada over the past several decades. Bilingual education is an increasingly popular option for parents. The benefits and opportunities - in Canada and across an increasingly interconnected world - are appreciated as never before. This discussion has been prepared as an overview of French immersion programs.

What is meant by "French immersion"?
Immersion is a program of intensive instruction of French as a second language for non-francophone children. Ideally, all activities and learning are in French, with the exception of English language arts classes. Where possible, the learning experience extends into the community.

How do I find out if French immersion programs are offered in my community?
You can call your local school board. You may want a copy of the CPF Guide - a listing of immersion and extended core programs offered in every province and territory - or check it out in the Member's Corner of the CPF website. CPF National Web Site

What benefits will French immersion provide my child?
French immersion provides children with many benefits, both tangible and intangible:

• A deeper understanding of their own and other cultures.
• A greater number of career options.
• A lifelong ability to communicate with French-speakers, in Canada and around the globe.
• Enriched travel experiences, especially to the 30 countries where French is spoken.
• Superior creativity and problem-solving ability.
• A facility for learning other languages.

What does academic research have to say about the advantages of immersion programs?
Learning a second language at an early age has been shown to have a positive impact on intellectual growth. Mental development is enriched and enhanced. Immersion children develop learning skills they then apply to their mother tongue, other academic subjects and life experiences. Academic studies have shown immersion students to be more flexible thinkers with superior listening skills. Many such studies, collected in the CPF Research Centre, can be accessed by members on the CPF website.

I've heard it said that French immersion is only for "gifted" children. Is this true?
French immersion was controversial in some quarters when it took hold a quarter-century ago. Some critics at that time portrayed immersion as a program only for privileged children of upper-income families. Today, the numbers prove that the belief in the value of second-language education has no boundaries. The hundreds of thousands of young Canadians enrolled in French immersion programs come from all social and economic backgrounds.

Just how widespread are French immersion programs in Canada?
French immersion education has exploded in popularity across Canada. More than 300,000 children are enrolled - a fourfold increase in a generation. Programs are offered in more than 200 communities, in every province and territory. Canada is an internationally-recognized expert in immersion, a program widely studied and often imitated by other countries.

Are there different kinds of French immersion instruction?
Yes. Generally speaking, there are three distinct elementary French Immersion programs, identified by their entry points:
¨ Early French Immersion (EFI) - beginning in kindergarten or grade one.
¨ Middle French Immersion (MFI) - normally beginning by grade three or four.
¨ Late French Immersion (LFI) - normally beginning by grade six or seven.

The Hamilton Wentworth District School Board offers an Early French Immersion program. Obviously, the more total exposure to French, the better the linguistic outcome. Roughly 80 percent of immersion students are enrolled in EFI. However, MFI and LFI have been shown to be extremely positive for children following those programs.

Why start children at so young an age?
Children are in fact capable of learning a second language from infancy. As with any subject, the more years a child can devote to learning a language, the better the outcome. Academic studies and experience have both shown that children who learn a second language before adolescence are more likely to acquire native-like pronunciation and fluency.

How does immersion compare to "core French"?
Core French - or basic French, as it is sometimes known - is taught as one subject of the regular English-language school curriculum. While any exposure to a second language is beneficial, immersion broadens and deepens that exposure. You may want to consult another CPF pamphlet, Core French: A Parent's Primer for more information on core French programs.

Do French immersion students study the same curriculum as children in the English program?
Yes. French immersion programs follow the curriculum guidelines set down by provincial Departments or Ministries of Education. Only the language of instruction is different.

What level of fluency can be realistically expected from French immersion graduates?
The goal of immersion is to equip the graduate with the ability to communicate naturally in French using a wide range of vocabulary. As with any academic endeavor, the personalities and abilities of students will affect individual outcomes. By secondary school graduation, immersion students should be able to function well in a French-speaking community, accept a job where French is the working language or pursue university or college education in French.

Will my child receive any English-language instruction in EFI programs?
Most certainly. English language arts classes are introduced by grade 3. The amount of daily English instruction is gradually increased to ensure that the child leaves elementary school with a thorough grounding in both languages.

But don't immersion students have poorer English-language skills than children in regular school programs?
Research has consistently shown that the English-language skills of French immersion students meet - or exceed - those of children in regular English-language programs. There is often an initial lag in English skills development, especially with spelling. This is to be expected in a predominantly French-language learning environment. However, the same studies show that the gradual introduction of English-language instruction closes this skills gap by the end of elementary school. In fact, given that roughly half of all English words have a French or Latin root, knowledge of French can aid in building English vocabulary and spelling.

I don't know French myself. Will this handicap my child?
Not at all. Immersion programs were designed for children whose parents have little or no facility in French. That said, parental support and encouragement are essential. You can still help your child by exposing him or her to French language and culture outside the school - books, videos, theatre, television and cultural events. Any activity that allows for extracurricular use of the language builds skill, vocabulary and confidence.

Won't immersion mask, or perhaps even worsen, any learning problems or disabilities my child might have?
Academic ability is not related to performance in French language skills. A child experiencing reading, writing or other classroom difficulties will exhibit that problem regardless of the language of instruction. Such problems should not normally be a barrier to a bilingual education. French immersion teachers are highly attuned to children who may be experiencing learning problems. Some school boards offer special education or learning assistance to immersion students.

I believe that French immersion would benefit my child and others. How can I help promote bilingual education in Canada?
Join us. Canadian Parents for French is a non-profit, member-driven association working with, and for, students of French as a second language, their families and their teachers across Canada. By becoming involved with CPF, you'll be taking an active part in the education and personal growth of your child. As well, you'll help advance the vision of CPF's founding parents - a vision of high quality, accessible French-second-language education throughout Canada.