This document provides information to parents about homework expectations, French homework, research expectations, library books, notebooks and tests being sent home, integrating French into other subjects like social studies and science, and ways for parents to support their child's French learning at home such as asking questions about lessons, listening to reading, encouraging use of French media and interactions, and providing French dictionaries.

1. September 18, 2014

2. September 18, 2014
Home/School
communication
613-825-4300
Students will write all homework assignments
in their agenda and will bring the agenda home
daily.
The plastic pouch at the front section is
very useful for inserting forms and money.
Please review homework expectations with
your child and sign the agenda everyday.

3. September 18, 2014
HOMEWORK! DEVOIRS!
Homework
Grade 4, 5 and 6 students will be assigned between the French and
English teachers, on average, up to 40, 50, 60 minutes of homework a
night respectively. According to the new Ontario progress report,
homework is going to be assessed based on its completion and "may also
be noted on the report card as part of the evaluation of the student’s
development of the learning skills and work habits" (p44 Growing
Success).
Homework is not included as part of the overall evaluation rather it is a
means to practise skills, consolidate knowledge and skills, and/or prepare
for the next class. It will consist of drills, practice, review, study,
reading, researching and watching or listening to French Media etc. If
there are circumstances which make it impossible for homework to be
completed, please write us a note in the agenda.

4. September 18, 2014
HOMEWORK! DEVOIRS!
Research on the internet
On a regular basis your child will be encouraged to do
research on the internet on a specific topic/concept
or to find words in French. The initial research can be in English.
Notebooks
Notebooks and tests will be sent home periodically.
Library
Please encourage your child to bring his/her French
library book home for reading. Ideally each student
should have access to a French- English dictionary at
home.

5. September 18, 2014
“
The Common European Framework of reference
The CEFR has been developed from more than thirty years of work
on language teaching, learning and assessment by the Council of
europe. It is intended to provide a common basis for defining
language proficiency […] not a uniform system of language
learning or teaching, nor a national curriculum.”
The Common European Framework of Reference for language learning is the
inspiration behind the new Ontario FSL Curriculum.
The CEFR is based on developing oral communication first through the action-oriented
approach to language acquisition .
The action-oriented approach to language acquisition views
communication as a social activity designed to accomplish specific
tasks.
It recognizes students as active participants in the learning process.
In Ontario, this reference tool is recognized as a valuable asset for
informing instruction and assessment practices in FSL education.

6. September 18, 2014
Why teach through inquiry
Inquiry-based learning concerns itself with the creative
approach of combining the best approaches to instruction,
including explicit instruction and small-group and guided
learning, in an attempt to build on students’ interests and
ideas, ultimately moving students forward in their paths of
intellectual curiosity and understanding.
Inquiry-based learning offers promise in supporting
students to become thoughtful, motivated, collaborative
and innovative learners capable of engaging in their
own inquiries and thriving in a world of constant
change.

7. September 18, 2014
French and integrated studies
Social Studies/Science/The Arts
Please note that our Language Arts program is taught through integrated studies
(Social Studies and Science). The language skills are taught as required by the
students to help them communicate orally and in writing to do their work
As part of Comprehensive literacy, we will be focusing on
teaching our students strategies to enhance their reading
and writing skills.

8. September 18, 2014
Social Studies
In GRADE 4, our themes this year are:
1. People and Environments: Political and
Physical regions of Canada.
2. Heritage and Identity: Early Societies, 3000 BCE–
1500 CE
In GRADE 5, our themes this year are:
1. People and Environments: The Role of
Government and Responsible Citizenship
2. Heritage and Identity: First Nations and
Europeans in New France and Early Canada
In GRADE 6, our themes this year are:
1. People and Environments: Canada’s
Interactions with the Global Community
2. Heritage and Identity: Communities in
Canada, Past and Present
www.edu.gov.on.ca

9. September 18, 2014
Science and technology
In GRADE 4, our strands & topics this year are:
Life Systems: Habitats and Communities
Structures and Mechanisms: Pulleys and Gears
Matter and Energy: Light and Sound
Earth and Space Systems: Rocks and Minerals
In GRADE 5, our strands & topics this year are:
Life Systems: Human Organ Systems
Structures and Mechanisms: Forces Acting on Structures and Mechanisms
Matter and Energy: Properties of and Changes in Matter
Earth and Space Systems: Conservation of Energy and Resources
In GRADE 6, our strands & topics this year are:
Life Systems: Biodiversity
Structures and Mechanisms: Electricity and Electrical Devices
Matter and Energy: Properties of Air and Principles of Flight
Earth and Space Systems: Space

10. September 18, 2014

11. September 18, 2014
How can I help my child Learn French
• Ask questions about what is being taught
in class and suggest that the child teach
you some vocabulary or structures.
• Listen to your child read you the work
they have written. If you do not
understand listen then ask the child to
explain what was read.
• Encourage your child to interact in
French with French speaking neighbors or
acquaintances
• Encourage your child to spend small
amounts of time listening to French
television (cartoons, sports, games, music
videos).
• Encourage your child to borrow French
books from the library.
Teachers understand
that parents do not
always have knowledge
of French. Homework
will not demand that
you as parents be able
to correct or help in
the production of your
child’s work. The most
important thing for
French is for parents
to show an interest in
the child’s learning.
Provide your child with a French/English dictionary.
In primary grades a visual dictionary is best. Later
in grades 7 and 8 you might also want to get a
Bescherelle (Verb Conjugations).