French Immersion in Nanaimo

[riverrat]

I don't speak French myself (yet), so I sympathize with my poor little guy as his first days of kindergarten have the added pressure of speaking in tongues. It was so cool when he came home after the third day and was counting to ten in French!
Ah, the opportunities I never had. My dad actually used to make fun of me for good marks in French class.

I'm pretty confident that French immersion will be a great experience for him. Elementary school needs to be challenging!

[Jensniffer]

my little one started kindergarten this year too! How exciting! He is in an english program though.

[Persephone]

My son was in French Immersion for 2 years down at Hammond Bay School... I think it is a great experience.
I have opted to teach him myself though and he is in regular school now.......

[sarah1234]

The thing I really like about the concept of French Immersion is that most of the students have parents that really care about academics and encourage their kids to succeed. This sounds like something so simple, but if the parents don't care about academics, then the students don't respect the teacher's authority and tend to be a little more cheeky, which then disrupts the class at the expense of the other students. This won't be a big issue in kindergarten, but when they get up to the intermediate grades you really start seeing a difference.

[fitz]

I for one am glad my parents put me in French Immersion - it is invaluable to learn an older language like that - I find some words that I don't know the meaning of in english - you can find a root to it through French... therefore, giving you a better grasp of 'language' in general.

Also - it proved to be quite useful when travelling through France - a nice feeling as you're travelling that you are not completely ignorant!

I went up to Grade 11 French, then challenged the Grade 12 exam in the second semester of Grade 11, and passed.

Glad to hear your son is getting the full experience - if it's offered - he might as well!

[grommet]

I have a 16 year old son who was in immersion and a 9 year old, who was, but who now is homeschooled. The concept of enriching and challenging a childs brain through having them learn a 2nd language is widely accepted and encouraging but with everything else, the experience depends heavily on a variety of factors - teachers, peers, administration, delivery of the language, etc. Our experience with a certain immersion school in Nanaimo was deplorable - based on the experience of 2 children. I learned 2 languages, other than English, by assimilation, by far the best way, but not available to all. I encourage parents to be strong advocates for their children, within the school system, and don't let a "language barrier" become an excuse for a bad educational experience for your children.

"Grommet steps down from her soap box and makes way for others...."

[riverrat]

...and don't let a "language barrier" become an excuse for a bad educational experience for your children.

Hey grommet, can you elaborate here? How do you mean? I'm understandably curious!

[MicheleandAngie]

I have a 16 year old son who was in immersion and a 9 year old, who was, but who now is homeschooled. The concept of enriching and challenging a childs brain through having them learn a 2nd language is widely accepted and encouraging but with everything else, the experience depends heavily on a variety of factors - teachers, peers, administration, delivery of the language, etc. Our experience with a certain immersion school in Nanaimo was deplorable - based on the experience of 2 children.

Hey, I love your honesty Grommet. Thank you. So since you're close to the hospital, did your kids go to Quarterway? I know what you mean when you say you have to advicate for your kids.
My dd has a Mme.X this year at Pauline Haarer and I heard she's from Quarterway. Did you by chance get her?
I feel like I'm in the dark as the teacher hasn't really said anything to me and I'm not used to that because I've been a stay at home mom all along. So I'm booked to go volunteer in the school.
I hear Private school's have better communication with the parents. That would be nice.
Great site here!
Michele

[sarah1234]

I don't think it is a good idea to name names on the forum... As a teacher, I cringe at the idea of being publicly slandered without being able to defend myself!

[grommet]

I don't think it is a good idea to name names on the forum... As a teacher, I cringe at the idea of being publicly slandered without being able to defend myself!

Were names mentioned? Slander? I thought that it was obvious from my previous posts, that I've gone out of my way to "protect the identities" of those involved. Apologies, if I didn't adhere to the guidelines of posting.

Sarah, do you have some insight to offer? Are you a French Immersion teacher? All input is greatly appreciated!