French immersion education has existed in Alberta since the 1970s, and it remains a sought-after option for many families. Bilingualism is an asset in multiple settings, and can be the key to opening doors across your child’s lifetime. As principals at Calgary’s only independent French immersion pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 school, we live and celebrate the realities of French immersion education every day. There are so many reasons to choose French immersion, to start early, and to continue all the way until your child’s graduation. There are a number of myths about a French immersion education that persist - spreading through word of mouth without being grounded in facts. Here, we dispel the myths about this well-established and uniquely Canadian educational model. (Note: The facts shared here also apply to other language immersion programs. We focus on French because, as one of Canada’s official languages, it is the most commonly offered target language in immersion settings.)
It’s been more than 100 years since Dr. Maria Montessori began working with children, but her life’s work and legacy has transformed our understanding of children and how they engage with the world around them. Today, accredited Montessori schools around the world, staffed with Montessori-certified educators called 'guides', continue Dr. Montessori’s work. They strive to support the whole child, helping children at all stages of development become capable, independent, collaborative learners. Over a century later, her life’s work and philosophy help us understand how children are the key to a more peaceful world. What makes Montessori education more vital and important than ever?
As a parent, I get excited about that 15-minute slot allotted to have a one-on-one time with my child’s teacher. I look forward to hearing about my child’s progress and struggles and strengths through more than what I see on my child’s homework worksheets. Sometimes a parent-teacher interview goes great, but sometimes I walk away thinking I just heard a script that is being repeated for every student in my child’s class.
Packing lunches, doing nightly homework, studying for spelling tests, and scrambling about during the morning rush; the thrill of a new school year has long worn off and your child is dragging their feet a little more on school mornings during the second semester. How do you keep your kid motivated to finish out the last months of the school year strong?
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