The Pros of Elementary French Immersion

Value of 2nd Language for Work, Travel, Study

Many school districts across Canada offer French immersion school programs that begin in kindergarten or in Grade 6, but what are the pros and cons of these choices and what criteria should parents use to evaluate the options Reading and Writing French in a Cultural Context?

In Canada, French immersion is free and will teach students how to read, write and speak both in French and in English, with a stronger emphasis on the French component. It incorporates the curricula of both languages and emphasizes elements of French culture and grammar. Children are introduced to French movies, radio, books and other media that celebrate French culture from Quebec, France and other french speaking countries.

There are two different French Immersion programs offered in Canada: Late and Early Immersion. Late Immersion introduces French Immersion to students in Grade 6 or 7 (around age 12), whereas Early Immersion is a program children begin kindergarten. Both programs lead to the same graduation fulfillment and goals, however, they have different emphasis on the language along the way.

Parental Support for Language Acquisition at Home & School

The focus of French immersion is to teach each subject in the French language first, and then it re-incorporates English into the curriculum in later grades. This can provide students with English reading and writing challenges if it is not spoken and learned in the home. If parents are English speaking only, it may be more difficult for them to help their children with their homework.

However, in British Columbia and the Yukon, there is a parent-lead organization called CPF, Canadian Parents for French that incorporates parents into the school lives of French immersion programs in other ways - through P.A.C groups, executive boards, and leading school trips. This gives parents resources to help their child succeed in school.

Work, Study & Travel Benefits of Speaking a Second Language

When a child learns a second language at an early age, it is more likely and easier to learn additional languages later in life. The ability to speak French particularly facilitates the knowledge and learning of other romantic languages similar in dialect such as, Spanish and Italian, along with other Latin-based languages.

Speaking Canada's second official language also opens up job opportunities in governmental organizations at home and abroad for which knowing French is mandatory. Employment options for multilingual applicants extend to, but are not limited to teaching, working for airlines, as a translator and/or interpreter, and the list goes on.

There are also many different study abroad programs in Quebec, France and other French-speaking and African countries that expand student knowledge and enrich their appreciation of the cultures and countries by increasing interaction with locals. French immersion programs benefit students by enriching their learning environments and ease of learning other languages. Opening up work opportunities in bilingual or French-speaking companies or organizations facilitates a more interactive travel experience, and by provides opportunities to work or study in French-speaking countries.