Referring to Criteria
If students are given project criteria, it is important that they check this regularly as they complete projects. Sometimes, without this step, students will put a tremendous amount of work into an unasked for element, and then feel frustrated when the assessment doesn’t match their expectations. As students do...
Setting up for Success – Time Management
Projects often mean that students are working on something for a longer stretch of time. This is where time management comes into play. It can be helpful to use a calendar be plan ahead. A student can block off days they know they won’t be able to work on...
Supporting Practice Sent Home
Students may bring math practice home, with which they may need help. It helps to uncover whether they need support with the language (understanding what they are being asked to do) or with the concepts (using math). If the issue is language, consider these strategies: What are key vocabulary...
French Grammar
If a student is wishing to review or grow their understanding of French grammar, there are many text and online resources in existence. One online website resource is Lingolia français, where users can find grammar topics, vocabulary categories and develop their reading and listening comprehension for free. If a...
Writing Tools
There are a number of tools that exist to support students in refining their writing. There are many dictionary sites where students can look up unknown words. Two useful ones are Word Reference and Linguee. Both of these sites allow the users to see examples of the word being...
Avoiding Translator Tools
Avoiding translator tools When a student is writing, it is better to use a online dictionary to look up unknown words. Students are encouraged to avoid writing a text in their home language and using translator tool to convert it to French, as it does not help the student grow...
Incorporating Writing
Help keep writing creative and fun! Here are some ideas: Have your child draw pictures and label them with French words or sentences they know. This can be assembled into a book that they then read to others! This helps build the tie between reading and writing. Have your...
Setting the Stage for Writing
Make sure to have materials that encourage writing available for your child. This could include: paper (such as lined paper, blank paper, notebooks) writing instruments (such as pencils, pens, pencil crayons, felt markers, etc) stage-appropriate scissors, stapler/paper clips/binder clips non-permanent surfaces for writing practice (such as whiteboard and whiteboard...
Reading with your Child
Before Reading Before reading, preview the book together. You may wish to do a picture walk or a word walk. Picture Walk Look at the cover and the pictures in the book together. Use this as an opportunity to discuss: What do you think the book is about? (prediction)...
Setting the Stage
Help make reading a part of a daily routine. Some families find it helps to schedule in reading time, like right after school or before bedtime. Set up a reading space that is comfortable and where the reader(s) won’t be disturbed by others. Provide a variety of reading materials...