Grade One French Immersion Information Night Sheridan Park P.S. Grade One French Immersion Information Night

The aim is fluency in French by Grade 12

Is French Immersion right for my child? - strong skills in first language - likes to talk - likes to work in groups - imitates easily - good memory - demonstrates confidence - risk-taker - enjoys new challenges - enjoys books - successful transition from home to kindergarten Is French Immersion right for my child?

Indicators that children are successful in French Immersion Happy Enthusiastic about learning Positive about school Report card indicates progress Feedback from teacher

Indications that French Immersion might not be the right choice now performing below average in their first language children who will be absent from school for extended periods struggling with the transition to school pre-existing learning difficulties disagreement within the family about the program

By the end of Grade One: Follow written and verbal instructions in French Speak in French about familiar topics Pronounce familiar French words correctly Read short, simple materials in French Follow simple written instructions Produce short, simple pieces of writing in French

Help your child at home Read provincial French Immersion curriculum Talk to your child every day about school Read with your child every day in English or your first language Listen to your child read in French Regular time and place for homework

How can I help my child, especially since I don't speak French? Be supportive, encourage your child to reuse language skills Help your child feel secure by maintaining regular routines relating to meals, bedtime, and putting away their things Attendance and punctuality are very important – develop good habits by being prompt every day On a daily basis, help to strengthen the child's first language skills

Helping my child learn French… watch a French television show and movie borrow French tapes and books from the library listen to French children's music French games, software, websites French summer camps subscriptions to French magazines at home Canadian Parents for French (CPF)

Helping my child, continued! Establish an open, on-going line of communication with the teacher – be attentive to suggestions and recommendations! Do not “over-program” your child, especially for first term. Consider limiting after school involvement to: one sport activity one arts activity

French is part of every child's school experience - another immersion option— Extended French starts in grade 7 - all students study French 40 minutes/day from grades 4 to 8 - at least one high school French credit

Grade One at Sheridan Park 50% French (morning) 50% English (afternoon) In grade one, students will have one teacher who will teach both French and English

First Term (September to January) Progress and First Term Reports Focus is oral and development of vocabulary Shared reading and writing tasks Until Winter Break, emphasis will be on Learning Skills and developing routines and “PAWsitive” student habits.

Second Term (February to June) Reading (strategies and the four roles of a literate learner) Writing (conventions, sentences, writers workshop) *** Oral (experiment with the French language to communicate simple ideas and thoughts)

Students should be able to… Tie own shoelaces Zip up coat and back-pack Recognize upper and lower case letters (in English) Write their full name using upper and lower case letters Use scissors with ease Know their street address and phone number Read simple sentences and books Verbally express their own ideas, needs and wants Take risks and be willing to make mistakes

Arrival Supervision Begins 8:45 am Entry Bell 8:55 am Classes Begin 9:00 am Lunch 11:55 am – 12:55 pm End of School Day 3:30pm

Bus Info! Attend Young Rider’s Orientation Day Saturday August 22 – 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Be at the bus stop 5-10 minutes before your expected pick-up/drop off time. Help your child recognize some key landmarks along the route.

Bus Info Continued Expect late buses in early September until system glitches get worked out. Remind your child to stay on the bus if they do not recognize their stop.

STOPR.CA For bus inquiries, go to www.stopr.ca You will need the OEN number found at the top of the report card (Students need to memorize this number for library and computer lab use)

Agendas

Dismissal School ends at 3:30 p.m. Kiss 'n Ride students will meet their parents at Kiss 'n Ride- located off Thorn Lodge. Please remain in your car! Bus students will line up in the gym prior to boarding the buses Walkers are met by their parent/care givers at their entry door and released by the teacher at the bell

Recess and Lunch Break There are 2 fifteen minute recess breaks and 1 hour lunch break as follows: Morning Recess - 10:20 am – 10:35 am Lunch - 11:35 am – 12:35 pm Afternoon Recess - 1:55 pm –2:10 pm Students should have a nutritious snack to eat before going to play outside during recess. Students are encouraged to use the washroom at break times.

Volunteers We sincerely appreciate help in the school and participation on field trips. Speaking French is not a requirement! Should you wish to volunteer, a current Criminal Reference Check for Volunteers must be completed. Forms are available through the school office.

Two Pairs of Shoes 1 indoor only (to be left at school) 1 outdoor pair

Clothes Review the daily weather forecast before sending your son/daughter to school in the morning in order that he/she arrives with the appropriate outdoor clothing.

Merci et à bientôt! Thank you and we look forward to having a wonderful year together!