How do I know that my child is assimilating his French curriculum in elementary school?

Firstly, have a close look at the student’s report card, especially at the teacher’s comments. Parent- teacher interviews can also help if you ask the right questions (For example: Is my child participating in class? In what areas does he need to improve? Is he meeting the learning expectations of his grade? Should he continue to study French after grade 9?). You might need to read between the lines.  However, positive answers to these questions may not be a definite or reliable indication of your child’s true progress.  Indeed, many children perform adequately in tests, but soon forget the vocabulary and concepts they have only partly assimilated. One simple way of checking is to ask your child to orally translate simple sentences that you think he should know. A more reliable way is to have your child assessed by a professional tutor.

Is it important to do well in French in elementary school?

Absolutely!  Elementary school is the best opportunity for a child to begin assimilating the fundamentals of French. Too often, students drop French after Grade 9, because they are discouraged by the amount of work required to catch up and be successful. If you consider getting help, starting tutoring in Grade 5/6 is an excellent idea. Starting in Grade 8 may require much more effort!

My child is not good at French. Is this a big problem?

Well, no-one is always good at everything, but it is still important to try because French can open doors!

First of all, if your child wants to enter the prestigious IB program, he probably will have to continue with French unless another language is offered at the school. In the other curriculums, he will also have to pass Grade 9 French in order to graduate. Later, in university, he will be given the option to obtain credits in French (academic or applied), and should he intend to participate in a student exchange program or to go to Quebec, it will be very useful to have some knowledge of French. Without French, he might also have to renounce most government careers, since bilingualism is a pre-requisite. Last but not least, some companies offer career opportunities and better salaries to French-speaking candidates.
So, if your child is not keen on French, just encourage him to do his best and give him some support such as a regular French tutor.

My child did well in French in elementary school but his results dropped in Grade 9. How is this possible?

Maybe your child came home with a lot of B’s and you thought everything was fine. However, criteria in elementary schools are very much geared toward developing oral skills, so children are presented various vocabulary tests that often reflect existing sentences taken from school material.
In Grade 9, students have to assimilate grammatical fundamentals as well as apply them to new vocabulary. The learning pace is also considerably faster.
If this is the case with your child, don’t waste any time – Consult a French tutor as soon as possible!  This will get your child back on track, and assist him in obtaining the French credit.

I don’t want my child to drop French after grade 9, what can I do?

When your son or daughter arrives in grade 10, you will most likely have to let them choose for themselves. However, when a student excels in a subject, he is usually keen to keep it. A good French tutor will make French interesting for your child and will give him a perspective beyond the curriculum structure at all times. Your child will feel challenged and motivated.