Page 14 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 to 12: French as a Second Language – Core, Extended, and Immersion, 2014

THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM | French as a Second Language
French, and work respectfully with peers. Through ongoing practice and reflection about their development, students will deepen their appreciation and understanding of the French language as well as of themselves and others.
In addition to their learning experiences in the classroom, students should be encouraged to:
• pursue opportunities outside the classroom to listen to and speak French;
• seek out recreational reading materials and multimedia works in French, as well as in their first language, to extend their knowledge of the world around them;
• discuss with their parents what they are reading, writing, and learning.
Parents
Parents4 have an important role to play in supporting student learning. Studies show that students perform better in school if their parents are involved in their education. By becoming familiar with the curriculum, parents can better appreciate what is being taught in the courses their daughters and sons are taking and what they are expected to learn. This awareness will enhance parents’ ability to discuss their children’s work with them, to communicate with teachers, and to ask relevant questions about their children’s progress. Knowledge of the expectations will also enhance parents’ ability to work with teachers to improve their children’s learning.
Effective ways in which parents can support their children’s learning include attending parent-teacher interviews, participating in parent workshops, and becoming involved in school council activities (including becoming a school council member). Parents who encourage and monitor homework or project completion further support their children in their FSL studies.
In connection with their children’s learning of French, parents can also:
• provide a language-rich environment in the home;
• encourage their children to talk, read, and write at home in their first language to strengthen their first-language skills, which are the foundation for learning French;
• encourage their children to go to the library to borrow books, music, and DVDs in their first language and in French, and talk about them with their children;
• watch and listen to French-language programs, films, and documentaries;
• join a local group to meet other parents and to find out about French resources and cultural opportunities in the community.
Teachers
Teachers and students have complementary responsibilities. Teachers develop appropriate instructional strategies to help students achieve the curriculum expectations, as well as appropriate methods for assessing and evaluating student learning. Teachers bring enthusiasm and varied teaching and assessment approaches to the classroom, addressing different student needs and ensuring sound learning opportunities for every student. Teachers reflect on the results of the learning opportunities they provide, and make adjustments to them as necessary to help every student achieve the curriculum expectations to the best of his or her ability.
4. The word parent(s) is used in this document to refer to parent(s) and guardian(s). It may also be taken to include caregivers or close family members who are responsible for raising the child.
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