Robious Elementary School chose French as its second language educational focus many years ago. In some sense then, French immersion at Robious grew out of that tradition. The French language and culture have remained our choice because they are an integral part of who we are. French history is intertwined with the history of our own Robious community. In fact, Robious Elementary School and the neighborhoods surrounding it sit on land that was settled by French Huguenots many centuries ago. The name Robious comes from the family name of Anthony Robiou, a Frenchman who settled in the area circa 1850 and who lived in the Bellgrade Plantation home, now occupied by Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. The French language, culture and history run through the ground beneath us, and many Chesterfield County residents trace their roots back to Huguenot settlers. The French language isn’t just a tradition at Robious Elementary. It is part of our own local history and culture.
How does the lottery work for the DLI program?
A detailed description of the lottery process, as well as an application form to be considered for the DLI program, can be found HERE.
What subjects will my child learn in French?
Kindergarten and 1st Grade: Students begin learning the basics of French literacy and math, including the alphabet, colors, numbers and shapes, calendar talk, as well as basic greetings and beginner vocabulary through sight words.
2nd and 3rd Grades: Students continue to develop French literacy skills. Math, science, and social studies content are also taught in French.
4th and 5th Grades: Students continue to develop French literacy skills and learn math content in French. In 4th grade, science content is taught in French; in 5th grade, social studies content is taught in French.
Will my child be tested or assessed in French?
All content areas are assessed in English. In French literacy, students are given formative assessments to determine their progress toward proficiency in the language; these assessments do not factor into students' report card grades.
How much time during the day will my child spend learning in French?
The Dual Language Immersion program is currently working toward a 50/50 model. This means that students will spend half their day learning in French and half their day learning in English. However, in Kindergarten, exposure to content in French occurs over a shorter time period.
How do I help my child if I don't speak French?
You do NOT need to speak French to help your child learn. First, and most importantly, encourage your child to explore and enjoy French language and culture outside of school! In addition, the Robious DLI website provides a wealth of resources to promote your child’s growth in language development and cultural appreciation. Allow your child to share with you what she/he is learning in French; if they are comfortable, you can even ask them to teach you a song, a word or phrase, or a fun fact they have learned. The language learning process in school is fun, and so it can be at home as well. There is no need for you, or your child, to feel any pressure.
Will learning in French hinder my child’s growth and academic progress in other areas, such as reading in English or developing math skills ?
No. In fact, data has shown the opposite. Research in Dual Language Immersion has demonstrated that children perform better across all academic areas as a direct result of their second language development. A sampling of those research results and data can be found below:
What Does the Research Say About Dual Language Immersion?
Academic achievement of students in dual language immersion
The Astounding Effectiveness of Dual Language Education