5 Common Mistakes Parents Make When Supporting Their French Immersion Reader

As a former French immersion classroom teacher and the founder of our MpM French Reading Academy, I’ve seen firsthand that supporting your child’s French reading journey can be both rewarding and challenging.

Learning to read in French immersion involves unique challenges that differ from reading in English. While many parents worry about differences in language structure and pace, it’s important to note that some of the skills your child develops through reading in English do transfer to French. Research supports this idea:

This means that while your child is building new French phonics and vocabulary skills, the decoding strategies and comprehension skills from English reading are not wasted—they actually provide a useful foundation.

Below are five common mistakes parents make when supporting their French immersion reader—and how you can avoid them:

1. Expecting Reading to Develop at the Same Pace as in English

Many parents worry when their child isn’t reading fluently in French as quickly as they did in English. However, learning to read in a second language takes time. Immersion students are acquiring both the language and the reading skills simultaneously.

What to do instead: Be patient and celebrate small wins—whether it’s recognizing sounds, blending syllables, or understanding a simple sentence. Progress might be gradual, but every little improvement counts.

2. Over-Relying on English Phonics Rules

Even though English and French share the same alphabet, they have different phonetic rules. For example, the letter “i” in English might sound like /ai/ (as in time), whereas in French, it’s typically pronounced /ee/ (as in lit). Relying solely on English phonics can confuse your child when tackling French words.

What to do instead: Encourage your child to focus on French phonics. While the decoding strategies from English reading do transfer, it’s crucial to practice the specific sounds and rules unique to French.

3. Guessing Words Instead of Sounding Them Out

It’s natural for young readers to sometimes guess words based on pictures or context. However, relying too much on guessing can hinder the development of robust decoding skills. This becomes especially problematic as texts become longer and vocabulary grows more complex.

What to do instead: Guide your child to slow down and sound out each word. Breaking words into syllables and blending them carefully can strengthen their phonics skills. If they encounter difficulties, work together to identify patterns rather than jumping to conclusions.

4. Not Reading Aloud Enough

Many parents believe that independent reading is the quickest route to fluency. In reality, reading aloud is one of the most effective ways to build pronunciation, fluency, and comprehension skills. Listening to fluent reading helps your child internalize the rhythm and sound of French.

What to do instead: Spend time reading aloud together. Take turns reading pages or sentences, and model expressive and clear pronunciation. This shared experience not only improves reading skills but also builds confidence and a love for the language.

5. Sticking to Books That Are Too Hard

Pushing your child to read material that is too challenging can lead to frustration and a loss of confidence. While it’s important to provide a healthy challenge, consistently choosing books that are just beyond their current level may set them up for repeated failure.

What to do instead: Select decodable books that match your child’s current reading level and interests. Sometimes, it’s perfectly fine to opt for simpler texts—even if they seem “too easy.” Confidence grows with success, and gradually, your child will be ready to tackle more challenging material.

You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help

It’s important to remember that while reading in English does help as many underlying skills transfer to French, supporting your child’s reading journey is a collaborative effort. You don’t have to navigate it alone. Our academy is dedicated to providing expert guidance and tailored strategies to ensure your child’s success in French immersion reading.

If you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure about the next steps, please reach out. Together, we can create a nurturing learning environment where your child not only overcomes challenges but also develops a lifelong love for reading.

Ready for More Support?

At our academy, we believe that every child can thrive in a bilingual environment with the right support. Whether it’s refining phonics techniques or finding the perfect book level, our team is here to help you and your child succeed.

📅 Book a free reading assessment today and let’s work together to build a strong foundation for your child’s future in French reading.