As stated on the MB government web page… *Intended for a Francophone child or, as stated in Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, for a child: of a parent whose first language learned and still understood is French; or of a parent who received primary school instruction in French anywhere in Canada; or whose sibling has received or is receiving primary or secondary school instruction in French anywhere in Canada. And, in the spirit of Section 23 of the Charter, for a child of a parent: with Francophone roots who wants to relearn the French language and reintroduce Francophone identity and culture into his or her child’s life; or who wants his or her child to retain French language skills and Francophone identity and culture (e.g. Francophone immigrants who are permanent residents of Canada). *https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/docs/parents/fr_programs/index.html

To raise a fully bilingual child, you must find ways to immerse them in the French language. The more you expose them to French, the easier it will be for them in the long run. Here are some ideas to incorporate French into your daily lives. If you are starting with a base of little to no French, we suggest you begin by choosing one thing from the list and add more things as you get comfortable. Home: 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 Family: 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 Community: 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 But above all… Make learning French FUN!

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... Presence: 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. Space: 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. Routine: 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? Rhythm: 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. Encouragement: 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

* To read a Parent's reflection on raising children in a bilingual home please click here.

Yes! We encourage all families who choose to incorporate French into their lives to participate in all of our programs. Although you may not understand everything that is going on because our programs are conducted in French, this is a great opportunity for your child to gain exposure to French language in a fun and creative environment. Participating in various activities provided by the FPFM will also allow you and your child to meet new people and development friendships with other families in your community.

For more information, please contact our Francophone Consultant at 204 237-9666 ext. 208 or email at francisation@lafpfm.ca Or stop by for a visit at the FPFM offices located at 2-622 B Taché Avenue, Winnipeg (Manitoba).