Frequently-asked questions

       Frequently Asked Questions

Image Source:

http://www.cortechsolutions.com/getfile/6159605f-7fa9-495f-b088-499898c3cb7c/faq.aspx

I have compiled a list of frequently-asked questions below for your viewing. If you have a question that is not addressed below please feel free to contact me at anytime. My contact information is listed under the About me tab.

Q: Isn't this material hard enough to learn in English? Why should my child have to put the extra effort in to learn it in French?

A: While the curriculum for Sciences 7 is more difficult than the material that your child would have learned in the lower grades, the program is specifically designed to be at an appropriate level for your child's development. French Immersion students become accustomed to learning different subjects in French from an early age, and therefore are ready for the progression into more difficult courses such as this one. In reality, your child will be meeting the exact same outcomes as the students in the English program, but will also be learning and developing new French language skills without even trying!

 Q: I would love to help my child with their homework, but I don't know French. What can I do to help?

 A: As the French Immersion Handbook for Parents states, "Most often, if a child is experiencing difficulty in a particular subject area, the confusion lies with the concept, not the language. Discuss and explain the concept in English. Parents can also provide valuable assistance in the preparation of speeches and projects, especially in the areas of research, planning and presentation of materials." (COECA, n.d) 

 Q: My child is struggling with Sciences 7. Should I remove him/her from French Immersion?

 A: Almost every student will have at least one subject that they don't excel in. This could be due to a lack of interest, or can even be as simple as the student not grasping one concept. You might find that once this concept is revisited they are able to move onto other concepts without difficulty. Most often, if a student is having trouble in any subject it is because of the material and not the language. I would strongly suggest looking into all other options before removing a student from the French Immersion program. If you are concerned about your childs progress at any point throughout the school year, please do not hesitate to contact me so we can come up with the best plan of action for the child.

 Q: Do you have any tips to help my child stay ahead in your class?

 A: I strongly suggest being consistent when it comes to establishing homework and study rules. Here is a list of suggestions that I find works:

• Set a specific time for homework/studying for your child. If they insist they have no homework, ask them to review.
• Provide them with a workspace which provides good lighting, which is quiet, and which is away from distractions.
• Do not allow them to take their cellphones or laptops with them to complete homework unless it is required.
• Set them up at a desk or table. Try to discourage them from working in traffic areas. Usually the dining room table works well.

 Q: All of the science courses are taught in English once they reach the tenth grade. Will my child be able to keep up?

 A: Students from the French Immersion program have been shown to be at least as well in English-based courses as the students completing the English program. In most cases, learning another language enhances a child's English ability. Various studies have shown that immersion students perform as well as English-stream students in all school subjects such as math, science, etc. In fact, "the loss of instructional time in favour of the second language has never been shown to have negative effects on the achievement of the first language." (Bournot-Trites, 2002.)

 Q: Will my child learn the same things as the students completing the English program?

 A: Yes. All of the outcomes for Sciences 7 are the same as the outcomes for Science 7. The only difference is that your child will be learning the material in French. They will learn just as much as the other students, but will also gain French language skills at the same time!

Q: How much of the material is taught in French for this course?

A: All of the material is taught in French for this course. As this course is from the French Immersion program, it is necessary to use the French language at all times in the classroom.  

Q: Do I need to purchase any materials for my child for this course?

A: No. All of the books required for this course will be provided free of charge at the beginning of the year. These books are expected to come back in the same condition in which they were handed out, or you will be responsible for the costs of replacing the book. Any materials required for the activities performed in class will also be provided.

Q: Everytime I ask my child if they have homework they tell me no. Is this true?

A: This is quite possible. Most work required for this course can be completed during class, as they are always given an opportunity to work on their assignments and homework at the end of each class. With that being said, there will be many quizzes and tests to prepare for, as well as assignments to complete at home if they are unable to complete them in school. There will never be a time where reviewing the material would be a bad idea!

Central Ontario East Consultants' Association. (n.d). French Immersion Handbook for Parents. Retrieved from http://amherstviewps.limestone.on.ca/documents/french_immersion_handbook.pdf