NEW FRANCOPHONE PROGRAM IN KAMLOOPS

Last September, the Kamloops French-speaking students
finally joined the CSF family. Congratulations to the Kamloops
parents, who believed in the merits of the project and who
offered their support by enrolling their children. A big thanks,
too, to those people who directly or indirectly assisted the
parents during the past three years, and to the staff of the
Association Francophone de Kamloops, the CSF and the Fé-
dération des parents francophones de C.-B.

The program has 12 students in kindergarten to Grade 4.
They occupy a classroom at Beattie Elementary School, an
English-language school in the region. The classroom is very
large, comfortable, cozy and well-lit with windows that provide
a spectacular view of the North Thompson River valley. The
French-language program has received a warm welcome at
Beattie School. Administrators, support staff, the teacher, and
the parents are doing everything in their power to ensure
that the students’ transition and integration into the school is
a satisfying experience.

The following is translated from an extremely interesting arti-
cle from the ‘Bonjour’ newsletter, published by the Commis-
sion nationale des parents francophones Inc. and
Apprentissage illimité Inc.

“A child is more likely to talk if he is exposed to a verbally
enriched environment. Give him every opportunity to practice
talking. This does not mean forcing the child to speak, but
rather listening, expanding on what he says, and asking ques-
tions—in brief, being interested in the things that the child
finds interesting.

Children understand many words and concepts before they
can use these to talk. Expose the child to a broad variety of
environments (store, playground, library, shopping centre, bus,
wharf, farm, etc.). Use simple words to talk about what you
see.

Read illustrated books to the child, stopping to point out fa-
miliar objects. If the child comments in English, repeat the
remark in French. For example, if the child says, “That dog is
angry,” you would answer, “Oui, le chien est faché! Grr!” Read-
ing is a marvellous way to expose a child to the language. At
first, choose simple stories with rhymes that are pleasing to
the ear. Children like to re-read the same book. They may
realize instinctively that repetition is a good way to learn.”

Prepare the children for French-language kindergarten.
Paul et Suzanne program

Since 1996, many British Columbia French-language
preschools have used the Paul et Suzanne francization pro-

French and to contribute to the child’s overall development.
The program is designed for children from intercultural fami-
lies (one Francophone parent and one Anglophone parent).
The teacher reads the adventures of Paul and Suzanne aloud
in class. The stories are short, easy to understand, funny,
organized, and well illustrated. Parents participate by re-read-

PRESCHOOL : IDEAS TO HELP THE FAMILY ENCOURAGE
THE USE OF FRENCH AT HOME

gram. This curriculum is designed to facilitate the learning of

INFO-PARENTS - FEDERATION DES PARENTS FRANCOPHONES DE COLOMBIE-BRITANNIQUE PAGE 13

Hats off to the CSF for acting on parents’ advice
to hire the ideal person to introduce the new
program—teacher Anne-Marie Albert. Anne-
Marie taught at the Prince Rupert School for
two years. She is a dynamic, organized,
experienced, and extremely competent
individual. She was able to gain the trust of both ‘
parents and children right from the very first day.
of classes.

The parents are well aware that they cannot sit
back and rest on their laurels. Other challenges
await. Once we have formed a parents’ association,
we will have to work closely with the FPFCB, the-6:
and the Association Francophone de Kamloops to ensure the
success of the program and to see that it expands to meet our
expectations. To this end, establishing a French-language
nursery school is a priority to ensure continuity. All of the
players have to get to know each other and learn to work
together toward creating a climate conducive to the academic
and cultural education of our children.

ing the short stories at home and by encouraging the use of
French in the home. The Paul et Suzanne francization model
is an outstanding didactic instrument for teachers and pro-
vides excellent support for parents who wish to prepare their
children better for French-language school.

This year, Saute-Mouton in Victoria will read the Paul et
Suzanne stories at its daycare. We should point out that the
francization program is already in place at the Saute-Mouton
preschool, and the children really love it. We hope they en-
Joy their activities.

Why enrol your child in a French-language preschool?

By registering your child in a French-language preschool,
you are giving him a chance to maintain and enrich his first
language, while developing his French heritage. Attending
nursery school or daycare exposes the child to the French
language and affords the child an opportunity and desire to
express himself or herself and to learn new vocabulary. The
youngster also learns to share, to follow rules, to cooperate
with other children and adults—all in a rich, stimulating envi-
ronment.

Play is an important aspect of the preschool program. It is an
effective means to convey various lessons to both younger
and older children alike.

“Play is a natural, necessary activity for children of all ages.
It helps them to learn, to make friends, and to discover the
world about them. Play benefits both mind and body. When
children play, they learn about themselves, about others, and
about their environment. They become more imaginative and
better equipped to meet challenges and deal with change.
Studies show that time spent in play is beneficial for chil-
dren. This is why so many teachers and researchers refer to
play as the child’s job.” (translation)

References: _Vers un partenariat /Ressources Multilingues en
garderie pour les familles, Human Resources Development Canada
Child Care Vision