Parent-Teacher Conference Questions for French Immersion Reading: Expert Guide
- Véronique Tremblay
- Nov 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 13
Parent-teacher conferences are one of the best opportunities to understand your child’s learning in French immersion. Reading in a second language develops differently than in English, so knowing what to ask will give you a clear picture of progress, strengths, and areas that may need extra support. This guide is designed for parents who want to focus on overall academic growth as well as French reading skills.
1. General progress or stagnation at school
Start by asking whether your child is showing steady growth across all subjects or experiencing challenges in specific areas. In French immersion, signs of progress may include recognizing new sounds, reading familiar words independently, expressing ideas in French, or following instructions accurately.
Follow-up: “Can you share examples of recent growth or challenges you have observed?”
2. How does my child compare to their peers and grade-level expectations?
Every child learns at their own pace, and we don’t want to focus on comparisons alone. Understanding your child’s progress relative to grade-level standards can help you see where they are excelling and where they may need support. This perspective provides useful context for setting goals and celebrating milestones in their French learning journey.
Follow-up: “Are there specific targets or milestones we should focus on this term?”
3. Oral communication in French
Oral language is the foundation of reading success in French immersion. Ask about your child’s ability to understand instructions, participate in discussions, and express thoughts clearly. Vocabulary development and oral comprehension are key predictors of later reading fluency and comprehension.
Follow-up: “What activities or routines could we do at home to strengthen oral comprehension and expression?”
Tip: At home, encourage your child to describe a story, retell events, or explain activities in French. Focus on comprehension and expression, not perfect grammar.
4. Reading-specific questions
Focus on decoding, blending sounds, fluency, and comprehension. Ask whether your child can recognize new words, blend syllables, read short passages accurately, and understand what they read. You can also ask if they enjoy reading independently or picking up books on their own, as engagement and motivation are key indicators of confidence and progress in French reading.
Follow-up: “Which reading skills should we reinforce at home or in targeted practice?”
5. Does my child need extra support at school?
Some students benefit from small-group instruction, reading interventions, or extra support from specialists. Ask whether your child is currently receiving support and whether it meets their needs. Schools vary. Some have structured programs, while others do not. It is helpful to know details such as the number of students per group, the frequency of sessions, and the type of instruction provided.
Follow-up: If your child is not receiving support and you believe they should, ask whether it can be organized, whether there is a priority list, and what steps are needed to access the program.
6. How can I help at home?
Short, consistent routines at home can have a big impact. Ask for concrete strategies, such as reviewing sounds, reading aloud together, listening to short French stories, or playing simple vocabulary games. Five to ten minutes daily can strengthen skills without overwhelming your child.
Follow-up: “What daily routines or activities are most effective for building confidence and reading skills?”
7. Would outside help be beneficial?
Even with school support, some children need extra guidance. A reading specialist can provide personalized instruction to reinforce decoding, fluency, and comprehension, while helping your child gain confidence and enjoyment in reading.
Follow-up: “Would targeted support outside school help my child, and which skills should it focus on?”
Tips for Parents During the Conference
Take notes and ask for concrete examples of your child’s work.
Request clear, actionable next steps.
Focus on oral and reading skills, as oral comprehension and vocabulary are the foundation of reading success.
Celebrate small wins, such as recognizing a new sound, reading a familiar word, or expressing an idea in French.
Keep home routines short, consistent, and positive.
Look at performance across subjects to understand whether challenges are specific to French or part of broader learning differences.
Final Thoughts
French immersion reading develops in layers. Oral comprehension and vocabulary form the foundation for decoding, reading fluency, and comprehension. Asking these seven questions ensures your child receives the support they need to progress confidently and stay motivated. Understanding how they perform in other subjects provides additional context and helps you decide whether extra support is needed.
To make it even easier to prepare for your conference, we’ve created a one-page checklist PDF summarizing the seven essential questions to ask. It includes space for notes and tips on supporting your child at home.
Why download it:
If you would like expert guidance, our reading specialists at MpM French Reading Academy can review your child’s level and create a personalized plan for steady progress.
Book a free reading assessment today to help your child succeed in French immersion with confidence.
MpM French Academy
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