FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child have the right to attend a francophone school?
What can we do as a family to incorporate French language and culture into our daily lives?
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Speak French daily (even a single word here and there helps) -
Add French music to the background while children are playing -
Listen to French music in the car -
Select the French option on DVDs -
Make bath time, French time -
Sing French songs (Frère Jacques is a classic) -
Read French books before bed -
Repetition is key -
Encourage their efforts -
Adopt the concept of “one parent, one language”, meaning the francophone parent speaks French to the child and the non-francophone parent speaks his or her native language
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Encourage French-speaking family members to speak French to your child -
Ask grandparents, aunts and uncles to buy French books for your child at Christmas and birthdays
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Enroll your child in a French child care centre, nursery school program or home daycare -
Go to French festivals, kids’ concerts, other francophone events, etc. -
Participate in French activities in a different community (contact the CRÉE or your local CPEF) -
Hire a French piano teacher -
Ask for a French-speaking swimming lesson instructor -
Let your child choose French books from the library
What is my role as the non-francophone parent?
Can my child and I participate in the activities provided by the FPFM even if I do not speak or understand much French?
Who can I contact if I would like more information or resources to help me on my journey to raising my child in a French environment or learning French myself?
How can I help my child with his or her homework if I don't speak French?
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to be fluent in French in help your child with their homework. Here are a few tips and tricks to support your child with their school work assignments...
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Take a few minutes with your child as they explain what the school assignements are. -
Ask them what you can do help with their homework. -
Be available to answer questions or to review their work. -
When homework starts to get frustrating for either you, take a little break and resume later.
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Offer a clean, quiet space, with sufficient lighting and minimal distractions to allow your child to concentrate on their homework. -
Find new ways and different materials to keep them engaged such as, using a white board for spelling and dictée, using objects to solve math problems, etc.
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Establish a consistant yet flexible daily homwork routine. -
Allow your child to make choices, this gives them a sense of control over homework assignments. For example... Would you prefer to do your math homework before or after supper? or Would you like to do your reading on the couch or in your room?
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Children learn in many different ways, either by seeing, listening, reading, and / or by doing. -
Discover what works best for your child and implement the necessary changes to maximise their learning. -
If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of homework, focus on one assignement at a time. Do your best and leave the rest for tomorrow.
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Find strategies to encourage them to finish their work, such as using a timer or allowing them to choose a fun activity to do together later. -
Be positive and find new creative ways to make learning fun. -
Congratulate their efforts