Frequently asked questions
MpM French Reading Academy is designed for students enrolled in French immersion programs. Whether your child is struggling with basic reading skills or ready for a more advanced challenge, our personalized approach helps all students succeed in their French language journey.
Our program is tailored specifically for French immersion students who may need extra support with reading and language skills. We follow the principles of the science of reading, which emphasizes a structured, phonics-based approach to teach the foundational skills essential for reading fluency. This includes decoding, word recognition, and phonemic awareness, all backed by research on how the brain learns to read.
In addition to phonics, we focus on sound fusion, vocabulary development, and comprehension strategies, addressing the unique challenges of learning French as a second language.
For French immersion students, learning to read in French typically happens first, before developing literacy skills in their first language. This presents a few key differences:
Language Foundation: Students are learning to read and understand French as a second language, which means they need to master new vocabulary, sounds, and structures that are different from their first language.
Phonics and Sound Fusion: French has its own set of phonetic rules, and students must learn how to blend sounds and recognize letter patterns specific to the French language.
Comprehension in French: Since French immersion students are reading in French first, they are developing comprehension skills in a second language, which can be more challenging than reading in their native tongue.
Building Confidence: As they navigate reading in French, students often need additional support to build fluency and confidence, especially when they haven't yet developed strong skills in their first language.
The MpM program was developed by a French immersion teacher and reading specialist who understands these unique challenges. We focus on providing tailored support to help students become confident and fluent readers in French, setting them up for success in their French immersion program and beyond.
We mainly support students in Grades 1 through 6 in French immersion programs. Our services are tailored to meet the individual needs of each student, whether they are just starting out, need extra support to catch up, or are ready for more advanced challenges. Occasionally, we also have availability for specialized classes, such as DELF preparation or other advanced language learning needs. Please feel free to inquire about these opportunities!
For the best results, we recommend three 30-minute sessions per week. Research shows that frequent, consistent instruction with spaced repetition leads to better retention and reading fluency.
Why three sessions?
Struggling learners need multiple exposures—sometimes 100+ repetitions—to fully grasp certain concepts.
Spaced repetition (reviewing skills over time) is far more effective than cramming.
Regular, explicit instruction helps build automaticity, which is essential for reading comprehension and fluency.
For younger learners, 3 sessions of 30 minutes per week provide enough practice without overwhelming them.
Older students in Grade 4 and up benefit from 2 to 3 sessions of 45–60 minutes
Each lesson follows a structured approach to support reading development:
Review & Skill Building – We begin by reviewing concepts from previous lessons and introducing key skills such as phonics, word patterns, and vocabulary development.
Reading Practice – Students read decodable books or more complex texts based on their level and interests, applying the skills they’ve learned in a meaningful way.
Review & Reinforcement – We wrap up with interactive games designed to reinforce key skills, improve comprehension, and enhance reading fluency in a fun, engaging way.
Each lesson is personalized to meet the student’s individual needs and ensure steady progress.
Interactive and fun: Online classes include games and activities that make learning enjoyable.
Consistent teacher: Children usually stay with the same teacher, building a positive relationship that supports their learning.
Flexible and convenient: Students learn from home, eliminating travel time and fitting easily into busy schedules.
Effective: Our online classes are based on a structured, research-based approach tailored to French immersion students, making them just as effective as in-person classes.
Ongoing support: Students receive personalized feedback and have access to our Parent Portal for extra support to stay engaged and make progress.
Progress can vary depending on each student’s starting level, lesson frequency, and engagement with the material.
Many students begin to show noticeable improvement within a few of consistent lessons. However, significant changes in reading fluency and confidence may take longer, especially for struggling learners.
Our program is designed to support steady, ongoing progress, focusing on long-term success rather than quick fixes. With consistent effort and support, your child will see gradual, meaningful improvements in their reading skills.
Our program offers a range of benefits that directly contribute to your child’s success, both academically and personally, with noticeable improvements that parents and teachers will appreciate.
Improved Reading Skills: As your child progresses, parents will notice their child becoming more fluent and confident in reading. Teachers will observe stronger comprehension and the ability to decode more complex words. These improvements are crucial for success in French immersion, where strong reading skills form the foundation for success in all subjects.
Increased Confidence: With consistent progress, children gain more confidence in their French abilities, which empowers them to participate more in class and take on new challenges. A confident reader is more likely to engage with the material and excel in learning, both in French and other areas.
Stronger Engagement and Motivation: Students will feel more motivated and engaged in their learning. This is important because an enthusiastic learner is more likely to continue progressing and enjoy the process, building a lifelong love of learning.
Better Classroom Performance: Parents may notice their child’s improved performance in class, particularly in reading assignments and group activities. Teachers will see a student who is better equipped to handle the demands of French immersion programs and contribute meaningfully to discussions.
Consistency and Repetition: The program’s focus on regular, spaced repetition ensures that your child’s skills are continuously reinforced, which is essential for reading fluency and long-term retention. This consistency helps students develop automaticity and confidence, which directly impacts academic success.
Ultimately, these benefits are important because strong reading skills are key to academic success, especially in a French immersion environment. They lay the groundwork for not only reading but also for excelling in other subjects that rely on comprehension and fluency. As your child’s confidence grows, so does their motivation to engage with their learning, creating a positive cycle that sets them up for success in school and beyond. These skills don’t just help them now—they build a foundation for a lifetime of learning and achievement.
Yes, this program is designed to support students who are struggling in French immersion. We specialize in helping learners at all levels, including those who need extra help to keep up with the pace. Our program focuses on building key foundational skills like phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension, which are essential for success in French immersion. We provide personalized support tailored to your child’s specific challenges, helping them build confidence and competence in reading. Whether your child needs to catch up or simply wants more support to feel confident in their French abilities, this program can make a significant difference.
The MpM team is a group of dedicated reading specialists who genuinely care about each of our students—they become like family to us.
With a mix of expertise, including Orton-Gillingham training and backgrounds in drama and music, we bring diverse skills to our lessons to make learning engaging and effective.
We are committed to providing personalized support that helps students thrive in French immersion, while creating a positive, supportive relationship where every student feels valued and encouraged.
