Resources for Families in French Programs

• All students are welcome and supported in French programs at the TDSB. Educators will work to create a positive and inclusive learning environment that represents diverse identities, lived experiences, interests, learning styles and needs, including students who identify as Indigenous, Black, Racialized and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

• There is no expectation that families and/or caregivers speak French in the home.

• Any work that families, guardians and caregivers do with students that builds and reinforces language and math skills in their home language will be of benefit to the student. 

• Literacy and numeracy skills transfer from one language to another.

• Families and caregivers can opt to provide additional experiences with French using a variety of resources on the TDSB Virtual Library. 

In the early grades of an Intensive French program:

• In the case of simple texts, a student can read in French and explain what they have understood in their home language to a family member or caregiver.

• A  student could point out words in French that they do recognize.

• In writing, students may list and label in French, using vocabulary they already know.

• Students may create or refer to visual dictionaries.

• To express themselves more at length in writing, students can write in their home language and include words in French that they do know.

• Students may read and write as part of activities with their families and caregivers in their home language as well. This practice will support the development of literacy skills in general .

• Students may play games, use apps, read books, or watch videos in French that families, guardians and caregivers can access via the Virtual Library.

For students who are progressing further in the grades of the program:

• They have greater independence in reading and understanding French texts presented to them. They can explain to family members, guardians and caregivers what the book or video is about in the home language.

• They have been building a broader range of vocabulary to use in writing and so they can be encouraged to write in French.

• Have the student say out loud what they plan to write before beginning to write.

• For new or unfamiliar vocabulary, value ‘invented spelling’ or spelling words based on the sounds the students hear in the words.

• A student may pick a few of these less familiar words to verify for conventional (or ‘correct’) spelling.

• Encourage the students to refer back to the text or the prompt for words they might need.

• If they don’t know the specific word in French, encourage the student to describe the concept of the word using the words in French that they do know.

• Students may play games, use apps, read books, or watch videos in French that families, guardians and caregivers can access via the Virtual Library.