#1: Only children with French speaking parents can succeed in FSL classes.
The good news is, you don’t have to speak French to support your child in French Immersion. Over the years, I’ve seen many thriving French Immersion students with English-speaking parents. If you, too, want your child to have a positive French Immersion experience, you can support them in other ways.
#2: French is only useful in France and Québec
This could not be further from the truth! Not only is it one of the six official languages of the UN, it’s also the official language of nearly 30 countries. Believe it or not, around half of the world’s French speakers live in Africa.
And let’s not forget about all the French speaking communities right here in Alberta!
#3: Learning another language is only for academically strong students
Learners with diverse abilities perform well in French immersion, often matching or exceeding peers in English programs, especially in second-language assessments. With proper support, students with special needs can achieve English competency and functional fluency in French. Access to French immersion should be available to all students, including those with special needs.
#4: A French immersion setting means less time and resources are allocated to other subjects.
French immersion classroom time is allocated very similarly to that of English classrooms, with a comparable number of minutes designated to math and science instruction, especially in the early years.
#5: Learning a second language will weaken your first language.
This is a common fear, but there's no evidence to support that French Immersion has any negative long-term effects on first language development.
Early French immersion does result in a short-term delay in some aspects of English language writing (spelling, e.g.), but this is overcome.
In fact, French-immersion students tend to score higher on English tests than core students.
#6: Learning a second languages overtaxes the brain of an already struggling learner
There is no evidence that learning a second language somehow overtaxes the brain of younger learners and interferes with learning in other ways.
Rather, a second language enhances cognitive functioning, especially “executive control” – the decision-making center of the brain.
Did you know? More students are schooled in their second language in the world than in their first language.
#7: French is much harder to learn than English
The Foreign Language Institute states that French is among the easiest languages for anglophones due to its relation to English and other languages like Spanish and Italian. English speakers benefit from a nearly 30% overlap in vocabulary between French and English, giving them a head start in learning.
#8: In dual-track schools, my child may have no interaction with English speaking students.
Dual-track schools provide a balanced language learning approach that supports academic success and social integration. Students collaborate on projects, share spaces, and engage in English Language Arts classes, promoting interaction with English-speaking peers. Special events enhance cross-cultural understanding and friendships. This combination of language immersion and English instruction creates a supportive environment for developing strong language skills and valuable social connections.
#9: The only goal of learning French is to become bilingual
Bilingualism is like having a toolbox with two sets of tools. This lets you communicate effectively in two languages, even in complex situations. For example, French immersion students often achieve high levels of French proficiency, making them successful in French-language academic programs.
Even students who exit a language program before becoming highly proficient still gain valuable benefits. While they may not achieve bilingualism, the skills they've developed will continue to serve them well in their future education.
#10: There are no benefits to learning a second language
There are many benefits including:
Increased job opportunities
Higher earnings
Enhanced Global Mobility
Improved Communication and Collaboration
Enhanced Cognitive Abilities