on.cpf.ca

To How to Support

your Child in French

ProgramsPART 1

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About CPF

We are a national network of volunteers which values French as an integral part of Canada and which is dedicated to the promotion and creation of French-second-language learning opportunities for young Canadians.

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CPF was founded in 1977 by a small group of concerned parents who wanted to ensure that children would have the opportunity to become bilingual in the Canadian school system.

Today CPF is a national organization with its headquarters in Ottawa and branch offices in 10 provinces and in the Northwest Territories.• Over 22,000 members in Canada• Over 5,000 members in Ontario, 29 local CPF chapters

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Engaging Parents & Students

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• French-language activities to engage students of all ages from across the province

• Informative brochures and publications to support parents

• Provincial and regional conferences and parent workshops

• Advocating on behalf of parents to the Ministry of Education in support of access to quality FSL programs.

CPF Ontario offers a broad range of support for French Second Language (FSL) programs across the province including:

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Chapters

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Chapters help strengthen French education by:

• Building bridges between local CPF members, decision-makers and other stakeholder groups

• Building links between CPF members and the provincial / national levels of CPF

• Receive support and funds from the CPF branch office to run local events

• Organize workshops for parents and French activities for children, such as:

- French Story Time in the public library

- French Summer Camp

- French Movie Night for the entire family

- French Homework Club…and more!

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Tips on Supporting Your Child's French Education

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General Homework Help

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Parents don’t need to speak French to help their child

• Ensure that your child has a quiet place to work

• Read with your child daily in your native language

• Don’t do your child’s work for them

• Allow them to make mistakes

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What you can do when you don’t understand French

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• Communicate with your child’s teacher

• Send a note in your child’s agenda for clarification

• Contact another parent

• Have French resources available at home

• Understand your child’s learning style

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‘Understanding French strategies’

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• Don’t jump to the dictionary

• Skip the word

• Look at the illustrations

• Look for commonalities with English words

• Consider the context

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Homework Help Tip Sheets

• FRENCH IS NOT REQUIRED TO HELP!

• ONLINE FRENCH RESOURCES

• HOW TO DEAL WITH « LES DEVOIRS »

• ASSISTING WITH FRENCH HOMEWORK

• MOTIVATE YOUR TWEEN

• DO’s AND DON’Ts: K OR GRADE 1 FRENCH IMMERSION

• SUGGESTIONS FOR DEALING WITH DIFFICULTIES

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Homework Help Tip Sheets

• Relax! Do the same as if your child was going to English Kindergarten.

• An important objective for your child’s first experience in French Immersion is to enjoy coming to school feeling safe and confident.

• Foster a positive attitude towards reading. Read aloud to your child every day in English or your home language.

• Listen to your child read in French. Encourage comprehension by asking questions, but don’t ask for a translation.

• Support and encourage your child – you are not expected to teach.

• Parental involvement is crucial to achievement and to a positive attitude to learning.

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French Resources

• Use the public or school libraries

• Order books online or through companies like Scholastic

• Play French DVDs or play their favourite videos, in French this time!

• Internet – visit tfo.org; fslhomeworktoolbox.ca; radio-canada.ca/jeunesse and more….

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French Resources

• Produced by the Rainbow District School Board

• Based on a Needs Assessment conducted by CPF Ontario and supported by the Ministry of Education

• Audio files in French

• English video clips demonstrating instructional strategies

• Reference guide for specific topics

• List of French-language learning websites

• General tips for learning French

FSL Homework Toolbox