What your child is learning

In Grade 8, children participate in short conversations about their own lives in a variety of familiar situations. They ask and answer questions in complete sentences and use a variety of sentence structures to communicate their wants and needs, and to give their opinions. They also learn to read for different reasons and to show understanding by identifying the main idea and supporting details, by comparing, organizing and summarizing ideas, and by following instructions. Reading aloud helps them to practice correct pronunciation and to read fluently. Grade 8 children write ideas, opinions and a variety of short texts on familiar topics as demonstrated by the teacher and they revise their writing with help. Learning about Francophone cultures from around the world is an important part of Grade 8 French.

To find out more about what your child is learning, talk to the teacher.

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 understand when French is spoken slowly and clearly?

How well does your child present information and communicate ideas when he or she speaks with others?

Reading: Students read to understand meaning and respond to written text.

How well does your child show understanding, for example, by identifying the main idea and supporting details, by comparing, and by contrasting, classifying and organizing ideas, by summarizing, and by following instructions?

How well does your child read sentences aloud?

Writing: Students write to communicate ideas and information.

How well does your child write using compound sentences and descriptive language based on model sentences?

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
Information about the French courses in the English Program

French: Communication and Culture

Teaching Oral Communication: A Guide
Information about the new focus for the teaching and learning of French in Manitoba with an emphasis on oral communication

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

Saint Boniface Public Library (La Bibliothèque de Saint-Boniface)
A selection of books, videos and CDs in French

Festival du Voyageur
The largest winter festival in Western Canada where voyageur, Métis and First Nations histories are brought back to life

233-ALLÔ
Complete information about the Francophone community in Manitoba, including events and French services

Frequence Asked Questions

Why should my child learn French? Please visit the following links to better understand the importance of learning another language: 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 provides 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 books with short paragraphs on the page.

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. For a list of activities in your area, contact the Centre d'information 233-ALLÔ at 204-233-2556 or view their activity calendar online.