Parent Responsibilities:
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Strategies/ Resources for Parents1) Give your student the space and resources they need to practice or perform their work. 2) Support what they are learning in the classroom, in their first or second language. 3) Read with your student. Helping to strengthen their language skills in their first language will also strengthen their skills in French. 4) Communicate with your student's teacher. Ask him/her what units/topics are coming up and then check out the resources available through the classroom website and/or the local library. 5) If in doubt, NETWORK! There are a ton of other parents, just like you, who are wondering how they can best support their student. |
How to use them Have resources like: -pencil, pen, crayons, etc. -you! Give them an attentive and engaged audience -a French-English dictionary www.wordreference.com/ Knowing what your child is learning and providing them with books, games or shows that match that theme will reinforce the established structures in the classroom. Try websites like: www.education.vic.gov.au/languagesonline/default.htm (This website offers practice activities for several topics in several languages) french.yabla.com/ (This website offers several short introductory French videos.) www.tfo.org/fr/ (This website has several videos for students to watch. If you would like English videos, just change the "fr" to "en"!) This website has several audiobooks, in French, that you and your student could listen to together. Having them draw, paint or create something that shows what they think is going on is a great way to make connections. editionsnordsud.com/activites-jeux/le-moulin-a-paroles Youtube has several English audiobooks as well. Memberships are free to the Peterborough Public Library. This is something you could do as a family or just for your student. There are several groups and activities that are run through the library, and if you can't get there, there are several e-books available. www.peterborough.library.on.ca/ The following website, Canadian Parents for French, has several resources and materials to help you get started at home. cpf.ca/ |
Impact on FSL learning Giving them the support and tools they need will not only re-inforce the importance of learning French, but give them the tools they need to be successful. Science says it takes approximately 20 hours to learn something new. It is almost impossible to spend 20 hours on every single new thing introduced throughout the school year. By encouraging your student to take time at home to learn, you will help them master the skills being developed in the classroom. Learning a second language early in life can enhance a child's cognitive skills. 20,000 English words have their origin in French. By strengthening your child's English skills, you will help them in French as well. By communicating frequently with your child's classroom teacher, you will demonstrate to your student that everyone in their life wants to see them succeed at school. By preparing them for upcoming units, you are giving your student the tools that he/she needs to succeed before the learning has begun in the classroom. A major part of learning a language is culture or community. By connecting with other parents and adults who want to support you or your student in learning French, you are becoming part of a larger community. This support is essential in learning a language. |