French Immersion

[Lee-Bee]

We have to make a decision about putting our daughter into French Immersion or not for her SK yr. What are people's thoughts? The school she currently goes to offers the French program so she wouldn't be switching. My concerns would be 1) We would not be able to help her with her school work 2) learning math and other complex concepts in another language 3) transitioning to an English high school down the road. Will she be lost once they are teaching concepts in English?

My daughter is smart, has good verbal skills and is already reading. She can definitely handle it (her teacher also recommends she go in)...just not sure. Leaning towards it but thought I would see what others think.

Having taught K-6...I found that if you opt NOT to do French immersion the class dynamics are VERY different as all the children with special needs and behavioral needs are in the English classes (the principal encourages these families to not have the those children in immersion as the children struggle more in a second language when they already have difficulties).

Keep in mind that the large majority of families in the French immersion program do not know French at home so homework expectations take this into account.

Such a hard decision...not looking forward to having ti make it myself in a few years!!!

[bright sparks]

Having taught K-6...I found that if you opt NOT to do French immersion the class dynamics are VERY different as all the children with special needs and behavioral needs are in the English classes (the principal encourages these families to not have the those children in immersion as the children struggle more in a second language when they already have difficulties).

Keep in mind that the large majority of families in the French immersion program do not know French at home so homework expectations take this into account.

Such a hard decision...not looking forward to having ti make it myself in a few years!!!

I find that very interesting about the English class dynamic and it is so incredibly true. My sons class every year is so chaotic and is unbelievably high needs. I think it's a serious disservice to the children with any kind of special needs to be recommended to not go to FI. That is a reflection on the system in my opinion. That being said, I'm not negating the realities of the limited resources available to teachers to deal with Special Needs to begin with so I can't imagine there would be a whole lot to help with a second language program. It's not the kids fault though is it, yet they are the ones to pay the price. I actually wish I'd taken a risk and put my son in FI now seeing as he is very good with French, but I think in reality he may be good in this area now because he stayed in the English program but was immersed in French due to the school really pushing French on all the kids attending his school not just the FI students. His French teacher for the last 3 years in the English program is also a FI teacher so I'm sure she teaches it differently than a basic core French teacher would.

[Lee-Bee]

I find that very interesting about the English class dynamic and it is so incredibly true. My sons class every year is so chaotic and is unbelievably high needs. I think it's a serious disservice to the children with any kind of special needs to be recommended to not go to FI. That is a reflection on the system in my opinion. That being said, I'm not negating the realities of the limited resources available to teachers to deal with Special Needs to begin with so I can't imagine there would be a whole lot to help with a second language program. It's not the kids fault though is it, yet they are the ones to pay the price. I actually wish I'd taken a risk and put my son in FI now seeing as he is very good with French, but I think in reality he may be good in this area now because he stayed in the English program but was immersed in French due to the school really pushing French on all the kids attending his school not just the FI students. His French teacher for the last 3 years in the English program is also a FI teacher so I'm sure she teaches it differently than a basic core French teacher would.

It is really unfortunate. Now, the parents get the final say as to which stream their child goes in. But, the school points out that the child gets the same resources whether in French or English and if they are already struggling then having all instruction in a second language can make it even harder for the child. The problem is you then (sometimes/often) end up with a higher concentration of higher needs students in the English classes so it is even harder to meet their needs.

Anyways...I can't speak for all schools/classes but this was my observation supply teaching in numerous schools. Just something to factor in while making your decisions!