Bilingualism is a SUPERPOWER!

When you decided to enroll your child in the French immersion program, you may not have fully realized the benefits that your child would experience. It might have seemed like the right thing to do because their friends or siblings were in the program, but being bilingual truly is a superpower when you consider the various benefits children will experience in their lifetime resulting from that decision. 

Fostering bilingualism in children unleashes their potential, developing cognitive, social, personal, and economic superpowers.

1. Improved Cognitive Abilities

Bilingual individuals often experience enhanced cognitive abilities and improved problem-solving skills due to constantly switching between languages and needing to understand and interpret different language patterns.

2. Enhanced Communication Skills and Cultural Awareness

Being bilingual can improve communication skills and increase cultural awareness. It helps individuals connect with and understand people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, fostering tolerance and empathy.

3. Better Job Opportunities and Earning Potential

Proficiency in more than one language can open the door to expanded job opportunities and potentially higher earning potential as the demand for bilingual individuals in the workforce grows. This skill set can also lead to increased creativity and flexible thinking, which are valuable in various career fields.

4. Increases creativity and flexibility in thinking

Learning a second language can increase creativity and flexibility in thinking as it exposes students to different linguistic structures, cultural concepts, and ways of expressing ideas. This cognitive flexibility can enhance problem-solving skills and the ability to think outside the box.

5. Better Memory and Multitasking Abilities

Studies have shown that being bilingual can lead to enhanced memory and multitasking abilities, which can also delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline, offering long-term benefits as individuals age.

6. Improved Academic Performance

Being bilingual has been linked to improved academic performance and higher educational achievements.

7. Greater Adaptability and Travel Opportunities

Bilingual individuals may experience greater adaptability to new environments and situations, enhanced travel experiences, and more meaningful intercultural interactions.

8. Increased Self-Esteem

Being bilingual can lead to increased self-confidence and personal growth. As individuals navigate the complexities of language and culture, they develop a unique and valuable skill set that can enrich their personal and professional lives.

Fostering bilingualism in children unleashes their potential, developing cognitive, social, personal, and economic superpowers. Let's work together to support our students and ensure that they reach their full potential.

Should you pull your child out of the French Immersion program?

I get this question a lot. When your child encounters academic challenges, it may be tempting to consider withdrawing them from the French Immersion and transferring them to the English program. While it may seem logical that learning in their native language would ease their struggles, research suggests otherwise.

The transfer could impact their self-esteem, leading to feelings of inadequacy and failure.

Grades will not improve

Studies show that when transferring to the English program, students encounter the same learning challenges, and it's unlikely that their academic performance will improve. They may even need to invest extra effort initially to grasp the subject-specific vocabulary and at the end of the day. From my personal experience, I have never seen a student's grades improve when transferring to an English program. 

Their self-esteem might be impacted 

When a child is pulled out of the French immersion program, the ramifications could extend beyond their academic performance. It could impact their self-esteem, leading to feelings of inadequacy and failure. The social repercussions are also significant, as their peer group will likely change, potentially affecting their sense of belonging.

They might have less «teacher time»

You also might want to consider the fact that most English classes have a higher number of students with diverse learning challenges, and teachers and specialists have less time for one-on-one or small-group interventions. 

They will miss out on all the benefits of being bilingual

Switching your child to an English program may not only fail to improve their grades and affect their sense of self, but they would also miss out on the cognitive, social, and economic advantages of being bilingual. Read more about in this post: 

Be your child's advocate and insist on getting the support they need.

Before deciding to transfer your child from the French immersion program to the English program, consider the reasons for the potential transfer. Keep in mind that the transfer may not result in improved grades. Initiate a conversation with your child's teacher, seeking their guidance and recommendations. As a parent of a French Immersion student, remember that you are entitled to expect full support from the school. If necessary, don't hesitate to seek assistance from sources outside the school. You are not alone in this process. 

Should kids take French reading classes this summer? Or do they need a break?

During the summer, it is essential to find a healthy balance between academic enrichment and leisure activities.

French summer reading programs are essential for keeping children engaged and preventing the loss of academic skills acquired during the school year, known as the "summer slide."

Summer Reading - French programs

Here are four reasons why MpM's programs are invaluable for French immersion students:

1. Bridging Educational Gaps: Our programs help students bridge any gaps in their French reading acquisition, focusing on the basic foundation of reading skills.

2. Maintaining Existing Skills: They allow students to maintain and strengthen their current French language skills, preventing regression during the summer break.

3. Preparing Students for the Upcoming School Year: Our programs prepare students for the challenges of the upcoming school year, giving them a head start and building their confidence.

4. Providing Continuous Exposure to the French Language: Offer students ongoing exposure to the French language, helping them become more fluent and confident in their language abilities.

Summer is the perfect time for kids to unwind, discover new passions, and continue learning in a relaxed and enjoyable manner.

In addition to structured learning, it is equally important to ensure that children have the opportunity for unstructured play, exploration of hobbies, and spending time outdoors.

Summer should be a time for kids to recharge, explore new interests, and continue learning in a relaxed and enjoyable manner. Finding the right balance will ensure that children return to school rejuvenated, motivated, and prepared to take on new academic challenges.

Check out our summer programs https://www.mpm-frenchreading.com/clinics