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Preschool primer

Education options for your child, from kindergarten to montessori

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Originally published in Today's Parent February 2006

Confused by the education options for your preschooler? Would Montessori and its philosophy of the child as a whole be best for your family? Or are you leaning towards French immersion (which also concerns you because you don't speak much French yourselves)? What about tried-and-true kindergarten-what does it offer your child?

The choices for early learning of our children are many, and the decision comes down to much more than simply the school’s curriculum. The school’s learning philosophy, your family values, and household’s financial standing are all factors working their way into the decision. If you’re confused, read on to find out the differences between four early learning programs, which could help your decision.

French as a second language programs/French immersion

The program Immersion starts as early as junior kindergarten and is conducted in 100 per cent French. “The children use only the French they’re taught, so a lot of the interaction is the children speaking English to make themselves understood but the teacher’s response would be in French,” explains Paul Leclerc, a Toronto-based instructional leader with the program at the Toronto District School Board. (Note: French immersion involves 100 per cent French in the classroom until grade four, at which grade an hour of English a day is introduced.

The curriculum is the same as the kindergarten program, and parents are encouraged to read at home with their children in their first language and English, so that other language skills don’t drop off. As for homework, fear not non-French-speaking parents. “Teachers give the students enough support to do the homework at home,” assures Leclerc. “Whatever is done at home is not new—it’s an extension of what’s done in class.”

Is it for us? Is learning a second language, or being open to different cultures important to your family? If so, immersion might be for your child. These early years are ideal ones to teach children a second language—but keep in mind, in later grades, children need to work harder to maintain the language skills. Children are also not asked to leave the program if their skills are under par, or if a learning disability is identified.

Anything else? If you’re truly concerned about whether you can support your child’s new found language skills at home, check out Canadian Parents for French (www.cpf.ca). For a $25 membership, you can access additional teaching materials.

Where can I find out more? Check out the school board’s site at www.tdsb.on.ca for an early immersion school near you. Information sessions generally take place in January, and applications are due by mid-February for the coming year.

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