Learning to Read in French

Parents often have questions about how children learn to read in French, especially if their child isn’t really speaking much French yet. Learning to read in French is actually easier than learning to read in English because French sounds follow “rules”. English is a difficult language because it has borrowed words from many other languages so there is a lot more memorizing of unusual words that are exceptions.

Your child simply needs lots of repetition and teaching to learn the French sounds which are the building blocks of words. Practice is fundamental to being a good reader. Parents don’t need to speak French to provide this important practice. Your child’s teacher will provide guidance. Many of the consonants make similar sounds to English. The vowel sounds and blends (where 2-3 vowels combine to make a new sound) are usually different from English. If you practice daily at home, your child will make very quick progress! We want students to sound out the words, not guess based on pictures or the theme of the story or rely on memorizing whole words.

In grade 1 most of our teachers use La Roue which introduces the French sounds. However, we also want the students to know what they are reading so while they are sounding out La Roue words, they are also learning what those words mean, not by translating but by seeing visuals. There are videos to go with every La Roue page as well as videos providing pictures of each word your child will see in La Roue. There are also videos that show what the mouth looks like when each French sound is made properly. We also have songs to teach each important sound which the students really enjoy singing. These tools will make homework time productive for you.

Sometimes parents ask if they need to speak French or learn French in order for their child to succeed in French immersion. No, you really don’t and most parents in Saskatoon with children in French immersion do not speak French. However, if you support your child in doing their homework, you will learn a great deal of French. If you are interested in learning more, Canadian Parents for French has a local chapter and offers evening French classes for parents.

If your child is in grade 2 and still struggling with their French sounds, you can work with them using this website and they will make progress. The key is daily practice, a positive attitude and lots of encouragement. Working through the Grade 1 material with you might be appropriate for your struggling child – talk to the teacher.

If your child is new to French immersion and is starting in Grade 2 or 3, then they will need your support to succeed. Please look at the “New to French” tab and feel free to talk to your child’s teacher.