Ask
Madame Donald

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do to support my student's French learning at home?

There is so much you can do with your student to enrich their learning of French at home! Typically, I recommend: Watching TV programs, videos, and movies en français with English subtitles, listening to French music together, using apps like Boukili and Duolingo together, borrowing simple French books from the library, go on a French scavenger hunt at the grocery store, and as always, emphasize the importance, fun, and opportunities you can experience when you learn French as a Second Language!

How do I know if my child is a good fit for French Immersion?

The key differences between the Core French program and the French Immersion program is the quantity of French learned, as well as a broader, academic context learned in Immersion. Core French often focusses on real-life scenarios and applications of French - travelling, shopping, conversation and communication, friends and school, describing oneself, etc. Believe it or not, there are many fluent French speakers who took core French all the way through elementary and high school (including Madame!) and the key motivators were the encouragement of my parents, the ability to see French in different applications in my life, and self-determination.

I don't speak, read, or understand French. Can I still help my student?

Please consider learning alongside your student! Letting them teach you oftentimes consolidates their learning, and if you approach French with a positive attitude and as something desirable, attainable, and useful, your student is much more likely to share a similar perspective. Your feelings towards FSL learning carry into my classroom more often than you would think!