FSL Family Toolkit

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FSL Family Toolkit

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Welcome to the Simcoe County District School Board’s French as a Second Language (FSL) Family Toolkit. This space is meant to offer activities, supports, and resources for families to participate in their child's learning of French, either in the Core FSL program or French Immersion in Ontario.

Parent involvement leads to student success

Parent engagement matters. Study after study has shown us that student achievement improves when parents play an active role in their children's education, and that good schools become even better schools when parents are involved.

Students are more likely to be motivated, to earn higher grades, to have better behaviour and social skills, and to continue their education to a higher level when their parents are actively engaged in supporting their success at school. Ministry of Education, Parent Engagement

Ways to support your child in French

It’s not necessary for you to speak French to support your child’s French language development. One of the most important factors contributing to your child’s success in French is a positive attitude at home about learning a second language and the program.

It is important to give your child time to adjust to learning in a new language so that they have the opportunity to gain confidence with the program. If your child is eager to speak French at home, offer encouragement. Please remember that some children may be reluctant to initially express themselves in French outside of the classroom.

Ask your child about their day, what they are interested in at school. Ask questions and show your interest in their responses.
.Read daily with your child in their home language. By approaching language learning in a relaxed and enjoyable way, their vocabulary will be enriched, and their self-confidence grows as does their love of reading.
If your child demonstrates a willingness to speak, read, or write in French beyond the classroom, show your enthusiasm for what they wish to share with you.
Provide opportunities for enjoying French beyond the classroom, such as French music, videos, community events, playdates with another French Immersion student, etc.
When attending open houses, school events, and school conferences, visit with your child’s French teacher.

Check your child’s method of home-school communication daily (agendas, communication binder, Google Classroom, SeeSaw, emails, etc.)
If you have concerns, speak to your child’s teacher directly. Try to avoid voicing negative comments in front of your child.
If you have questions, it’s important to ask. We all share a common goal of creating a rich learning environment that your child feels safe and ready to learn.

Current research shows that students with special education needs benefit from learning FSL. Academic benefits included heightened phonological and metalinguistic awareness and an enhanced ability to use reading strategies. Reading strategies are transferable across languages. Studies suggest that students who learn to read in a second language often receive more explicit instruction in reading strategies.
Social benefits associated with the participation in FSL of students with special education needs include increased motivation, self-esteem, and confidence which can be linked to being included with one’s peers.
With the right strategies and level of support, all students can be successful within the FSL program and receive the many benefits that come from learning an additional language.