Benefits of French Immersion
Many times you will hear about children leaving the French Immersion program due to their struggle with learning. However, contrary to belief, remaining in the French Immersion program can benefit some students in ways the English program can not. French Immersion is accessible for all types of learners even those who are struggling or who have special educational needs.
Here are some benefits of the Canadian French Immersion public program:
- In French Immersion programs, students receive a wider range of learning strategies for overcoming learning difficulties that they would otherwise not receive in the English only program since teachers are committed to their students succeeding in the French language.
- The French Immersion program allows teacher to spend more time on basic sounds and letters as well as more repetition, making students in the French program stronger readers overall.
- In French Immersion classes there is more explicit instruction from the teacher and more small group work for extended opportunities in guided practice as well as specific feedback from the teacher.
- Skills that are learned in one language are transferable to other languages. Therefore, students who are learning a second language are also gaining skills in other languages.
- Students are able to use and construct more cognitive flexibility, creativity and a wider concept formation (Woolfolk, 2006)
- French Immersion students growing up in Canada can take part in the bilingual aspect of society. Students will be able to participate in Canadian society and gain a different perspective from studying the history and acquisition of the French language.