The value of French immersion

|BCI French Immersion | Why French Immersion| BCI students won national competition |Canadian Parents for French CPF | Rendez-vous for learning |

The knowledge of a second or third language is a wonderful asset for anyone interested in getting a complete education. French as a second language is the second most frequently taught language in the world after English (DICKS 2000). In Canada, French immersion is seen as one of the best methods of learning French if one is not able to move to a French speaking environment. French immersion is offered in most jurisdictions within the public school system, starting as early as kindergarten, or later French immersion starting as late as Grade 7.
Much research exists on the subject. Most experts agree that French immersion is a relatively easy way for a child to absorb French as a second language (CPF Reports 2000/2001). Studies show that although English spelling skills may suffer in the first few years, the French immersion child typically catches up and develops English skills that match or exceed his/her English-stream peers (Chorney 1998). Knowledge of French provides an immense aid for English vocabulary, as roughly half of all English words have a Latin or French root. The following diagram attempts to encapsulate advantages of French immersion to our students.

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|BCI French Immersion | Why French Immersion| BCI students won national competition |Canadian Parents for French CPF | Rendez-vous for learning |