 FRENCH IMMERSION AT KLOWhat is Immersion?
French Immersion is a highly successful approach to second language learning – an effective way for a child to become functionally fluent in a second language while achieving all of the objectives of the regular school program. Designed specifically for children whose first language is not French, the basic concept is simple: if you can’t take the child to the language (that is, have him live where the language is the common means of communication), then bring the language to him (that is, bring it into the school as the primary means of communication).
There are six characteristics that define the French Immersion program:
- the target language is acquired primarily by using it for meaningful communication within the school – that is for instruction in other subjects (math, social studies, science, etc.)
- the students all begin not knowing the target language and instructional strategies and materials are designed with that in mind
- the target language is not the prevalent language of the community
- the program begins with intensive instruction in and via the target language by teachers fluent in that language, with instruction via the first language often increasing in later years
- instruction of subject material is never repeated in the two languages
- the program is expected to take several years to achieve its objectives (in most cases these objectives are defined at the end of grade 12).
School District 23 currently hosts what is known as an Early French Immersion Program. Students begin studying French in kindergarten. English language arts are introduced in grade 3. Up to grade 3, students receive one hundred per cent of their instruction in French. From grades three to six, students are provided with about ninety per cent of their instruction in French.To be enrolled in the French Immersion program at KLO, students are required to take: Français langue, Sciences humaines, Sciences, and Mathématiques at every grade. This constitutes about 70% of French instructional time. Where staffing allows, students may also receive French instruction in applied skills, fine arts, Health and Career Education and physical education.
| 