School logo Homework Survival for Early Immersion Parents

School logo Homework Survival for Early Immersion Parents Thank you to Government of PEI “Learn Grant” for support of this project and development team: Gail Lecky, Carolyn Mac. Kinnon, Lise Deveau and Mary Mac. Phee

Why homework? How much homework? How you can support your child

Children whose parents have a positive attitude towards learning and take an interest in their You are on the right track! child’s schoolwork do better in school and tend to have higher levels of motivation and fewer academic, behavioral or emotional problems.

1. The Goal of the French Immersion program 2 3 The goal of French immersion programs is to provide youth with the opportunity to become functionally bilingual, to be able to work in both official languages and to appreciate cultures other than their own. Cultural component/strand (Christmas Turkey vs Rappie Pie Same outcomes as English stream

New surroundings School readiness New people / older kids Different routine New language Longer days

100% 90% 80% 70% 65% 60% Time on task 50% 40% 30% 25% 20% 10% 0% K-3 gr 4 -6 gr 7 -9 EFI LFI gr 10 -12

Subjects taught in French Kindergarten – play based Grades 1 -3 Language Arts – 45% Math – 20% Visual Arts – 5% Health – 4% Science – 3% Social Studies – 3% Physical Education – 5% Music – 5% Locally Determined Time (LDT) – 5% 2 Grades 4 -6 Language Arts – 30% Math – 20% Visual Arts – 5% Health – 5% Science – 5% Social Studies – 5% Physical Education – 5% Music – 5% Core French – 10% Locally Determined Time (LDT) – 5%

Reading Matters

Oral language plays a key role in the language learning process and is the foundation of literacy development. What role does oral language play? Verbal communication skills are fundamental in developing proficiency in reading and writing and are also essential for thinking and learning. Students 1) learn; 2) reflect on what they are learning; and 3) communicate their knowledge and understanding through talking.

Homework: About homework üIs independent practice of what they have already learned. üReview is considered homework. üConcepts are key. If your child tells you there was no homework that night, they are probably not being truthful. üProvides an opportunity for growth. üGives you an insight. üPrivacy. üThe perfectionist child.

What is your homework struggle? q Set time and place for homework, discard distractions. q Child is ready (not hungry, knows schedule) q Their homework, not yours q Check for completeness not correctness Show your support by helping manage time, setting priorities, therefore developing good work habits (have a calendar for upcoming quizzes and tests) q

I don’t speak French Je ne parle pas français!? ? ? You don’t have to speak French, you are not needed to do the homework , only support the process. �Be supportive �Encourage �Positive attitude �Listen �Provide supplies, a good study environment �Don’t ask them to say something in French �Find ways to reinforce their language skills �Be interested in the school activities, join CPF �If you are working and your child isn’t, you are “helping too much”.

A place for homework What is your child’s study style? Computer smarts Simple things you can do Necessary stuff

Do you know your child’s learning style? 7 styles 3 associated with students (visual, auditory and kinesthetic/tactile) Take the test

Offer support … not criticism What to do when frustration, uncertainty and fatigue set in? Super! Fantastique! Excellent! � Bon travail! What “reward works for your child? ü Stay up extra 20 minutes ü More on –line time ü Special lunch ü Time together ü Family outing Bravo! Oui!

Help at school Tutoring, monitors, resource Peer support Meet the teacher nights/ etc. Extra-curricular activities (CPF or other) When to contact your teacher 1. Your child’s attitude changes. 2. Your child frequently struggles with homework. 3. You don’t understand the teacher’s notes on a test or instructions.

How are they doing? • Early Years Evaluation (K) • Provincial Common Assessments (K+) • PISA (international) • Pan Canadian Assessment Program • Student's Achieve (gr 7 -12) • Teacher

Cultural appreciation and awareness are important elements of second language learning. Browse through books together at a local or online bookstore or French library Subscribe to a French magazine for kids French is everywhere Watch French TV programs Buy some French CDs, DVDs Visit French websites for kids/teens Experience French in your community

CPF can help 100% of $25 membership fee goes into school programs You will receive : A copy of CPF National Helping your child become bilingual: A toolkit for CPF Members as well as this CPF PEI toolkit. You also get newsletters, early registration opportunities and programs for your children. Access to camps, contests Demonstrate you are involved Be informed about provincial policy and issues that affect your children and their French Second Language program Support extracurricular French activities Foster a sense of community and encourage parental engagement.

Swimming poule

Did you hear about the Frenchman who fell of the roof into a pile of baguettes? He survived but was in a lot of pain.