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French: Early Start (K-3) and French: Language and Communication (4-12)
The French: Early Start and French: Language and Communication (formerly Basic French) program is familiar to many parents as they may have participated in Basic French classes when they were students. In High School, it is an optional course credit. The focus of French language instruction for English program students has changed over the years. Today, the goal is to help students gain a basic understanding of the language in order for them to be able to communicate simple needs or greet a person in specific settings. The focus has moved from a grammatical approach to a more communicative approach where they are encouraged to speak and use the language in everyday settings. Cultural components are included in the program as well.
Although students typically spend 20 to 30 minutes a day practicing French, some teachers will timetable their Basic French classes in larger blocks of time every second day. Generally, the homeroom teacher is responsible to teach French. For more information, see the Manitoba Education website at http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/french/index.html or the grade level expectations outlined at Manitoba Education My Child In School http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/mychild/index.html.