Core French and French Immersion in Alberta: a guide for parents
Many Alberta families wonder how French as a Second Language and French Immersion differ, when each starts, and how to help at home if you don't speak French. Gradelings practises both as optional subjects you can switch on for each child. Programs and entry points are set by each school authority, so check with yours.
Core French and French Immersion side by side
| Core French | French Immersion | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | French as one school subject, taught every week alongside classes in English. In Alberta this is the French as a Second Language (FSL) program. | A program where a large share of the school day, including other subjects, is taught in French. |
| When it starts | The Alberta FSL program of studies begins in Grade 4 and runs through high school where a school offers it. | Early French Immersion usually begins in Kindergarten or Grade 1. Some school authorities also offer a later entry point. Check with your school authority. |
| Who it suits | Every child can learn some French. No earlier French is needed. | Families who want their child to become fluent. Spaces and entry points differ, so ask your school authority. |
| Name in the curriculum | French as a Second Language (Grades 4 to 12) | French Immersion language arts and literature (new curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 6) |
| In Gradelings | Grades 4 to 9. Prompts are in English, with French words and sentences to read, choose and build. | Kindergarten to Grade 9. Prompts and stories are in French, with English hints for parents. |
Programs differ by school district. Your school and district have the current details.
What Core French children learn
The FSL program builds everyday communication: greetings, numbers, family, school, food, weather, hobbies and describing people and places. Its four general outcomes are Applications (using French), Language competence (the sounds, words and sentences), Global citizenship (learning about French-speaking communities) and Strategies (ways to learn a language). The aim is confidence with simple, real conversations.
What French Immersion children learn
In immersion, children learn to listen, speak, read and write in French, and learn other subjects in French too. Younger children start with songs, stories and routines, then move on to sentences, paragraphs and longer texts. English language arts is taught as well, and how much of the day is in French depends on the school authority.
How report cards describe French
Each school authority decides how French appears on the report card. Teachers usually look at listening, speaking, reading and writing together. Gradelings shows practice, not a report card mark, so ask your child's teacher what the words on the report card mean for your child.
French in junior and senior high
Students can continue French as a Second Language or French Immersion courses through high school, and there are credits and, in some schools, exams. Ask your school's counsellor about the pathway that suits your child.
Helping if you don't speak French
You don't need French to help. Ask your child to teach you a word each day, listen while they read aloud, and celebrate effort over accuracy. Mistakes are a normal part of learning a language.
How Gradelings fits in
French is off by default. A parent can switch on Immersion, Core French or both for each child in Settings, under Subjects. French is not counted toward the Grade Champion trophy, and French lessons are read aloud with a French voice from your device. You can pick that voice in Settings.
Ways to practise French at home
- Pick one new French word each day and use it at dinner or on the way to school.
- Label a few household objects with sticky notes in French.
- Listen to French songs or watch a short French video together and talk about what you noticed.
- Ask your child to read a page aloud in French, then retell it to you in English.
- Play a French game: count stairs, name colours, or spell a word out loud.
Common questions
When does Core French start in Alberta?
The Alberta French as a Second Language program of studies begins in Grade 4. Your school or school authority can tell you whether it is offered and how much time it gets each week.
Can my child start French Immersion later?
Some school authorities offer a later entry point, and some have limited spaces. Entry rules differ, so ask yours.
Will French Immersion hurt my child's English?
English language arts is still taught in immersion, and research has generally found that immersion students do well in English. If you are worried, talk with your child's teacher.
Do French marks count toward the Grade Champion trophy in Gradelings?
No. French is a separate, optional set of subjects. Children earn their own French trophies instead.
Does Gradelings replace French class?
No. It gives short, kind practice that matches the topics in the Alberta programs of study. It doesn't replace a teacher, and its levels are not a report card mark.
Also see: Alberta report cards explained.
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