What your child is learning

In Grade 4, children learn to participate in simple conversations about their own lives.  They learn to understand and answer simple questions in complete sentences. They also learn ways to understand and communicate about what they read with the teacher’s help. Reading aloud helps them to practice correct pronunciation and to speak smoothly. Grade 4 children use model sentences to write about familiar topics, and describe their likes, dislikes, wants and needs. Learning about francophone culture is an important part of Grade 4 French.

How your child is assessed

Your child’s progress will be reported in three categories:

• Oral Communication: Students listen and speak to communicate ideas and to interact with others.How well does your child show their understanding, for example by following instructions and answering questions?
  How well does your child present information and communicate ideas when they speak with others?
  
  
• Reading: Students read to understand meaning and respond to written text.
  How well does your child understand very short texts with pictures, as found in books, that have been read in class with the teacher?
  How well does your child use words, drawings and personal connections to to tell about what has been read?
  How well does your child read sentences aloud?
  
  
• Writing: Students write to communicate ideas and information.
  How well does your child write simple, short sentences based on a model sentence?

The teacher will report on your child’s progress three times a year. The information from each report helps you to support your child’s learning. You can use it to talk with your child and your child’s teacher about results, strengths, challenges and what your child will be doing next.

Resources

Bureau de l’éducation française

French: Communication and Culture

Teaching Oral Communication: A Guide

La DREF

Canadian Parents for French Manitoba: Links to activities and resources for learning French

Saint Boniface Public Library (La Bibliothèque de Saint-Boniface)

 Festival du Voyageur

233-allô

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should my child learn French? Please visit the following links to better understand the importance of learning another language: I Love French Class- video   The video, I Love French Class, provides testimonials from teachers, students, parents, and administrators as to the value of learning French in Manitoba A Guide to French Language Education in Manitoba - Answers to common questions about: French First Language, French Immersion and Basic French

Where can I go to read more about the French courses offered in schools? Parents are welcome to read online about French courses offered in the English Program in Manitoba.

Where can I go to find French books? The public libraries have selections of French books. Please keep in mind that your children will not be reading at the same level in French as they read in English. You will want to find picture books with few words on the page, preferably a sentence structure that repeats.

My child is really enjoying French class. What can I do to enrich my child’s exposure to French? You can play French music at home, watch French cartoons, and/or participate in French activities in nearby Francophone communities. For a list of activities in your area, contact the Centre d'information 233-ALLÔ at 204-233-2556.