Choosing Calgary French and International School opens doors to new languages, diverse ways of thinking, and a world of future opportunities. At the same time, it is very common for parents to feel some uncertainty about how to best support their child’s learning journey. You may find yourself wondering, “How can I truly help my child if I don’t speak French myself?” or “Will they feel unsupported if I can’t read in French?”

As educators, these are questions we hear often, especially before the summer months or school breaks when families are looking for meaningful ways to continue encouraging French at home. Please know this: your encouragement, curiosity, and positive attitude toward the language are incredibly powerful. Children thrive when they feel supported, celebrated, and excited about learning.

This journey is one we can take together, and even small, playful moments can make a lasting impact. Here is a guide filled with simple and meaningful ways to support French learning at home.

1. The magic of reading together

Reading together is one of the sweetest ways to connect. It’s also a wonderful chance to flip the script and let your child shine.

• Children love being the expert in the room. When you sit down with a book, ask them to "teach" you a few new words. When they explain that le chat is a cat, celebrate that knowledge! 
• Use audiobooks or podcasts. There are more and more French stories on audio players such as a Tonie Box or Yoto. For older students, listening to a French audiobook while your child follows along in a physical book helps them connect the sounds they hear at school with the words on the page.
• Did you know that the local Calgary Public Libraries have many French books? Even if you just borrow a book to discuss the pictures together in English, you are signalling that French literature has a place of pride in your home.
   

2. The power of music and songs

Music is a wonderful tool for language learning. It goes straight to the heart of rhythm and memory. You might already hear your little ones humming and singing tunes they’ve learned at school!

• Whether you’re driving to soccer practice, to school or heading to the grocery store, try putting on a French playlist. Younger children, especially, benefit from the repetition found in nursery rhymes. It makes the language feel like a natural part of their daily soundtrack.
• In our Early Childhood division, our teachers often share the songs they’ve been singing in class through their weekly communications. Many of these are available on music streaming platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music. 
• For older children, keep an eye out for Manie Musicale hits on Spotify! It’s a wonderful way for them to engage with modern French culture and discover that French music is "cool," vibrant, and incredibly diverse.
   

3. French movie night!

Some children have those movies they have seen dozens of times. Why not make the next viewing a French one?

• Turn on the French audio for a movie your child already knows well. Because they already understand the plot, their brains are free to relax and absorb the sounds of the language without the frustration of trying to figure out what’s happening.
• Beyond movies, there are wonderful short videos designed for French learners. If your family enjoys the Art for Kids Hub channel, your child might love the Dessin pour enfant channel on YouTube. It’s a creative, low-pressure way to practice following instructions in French.
   

4. Encourage speaking without pressure

It is completely normal for children to feel a bit shy about speaking French outside the classroom. 

• The goal is to help your child feel safe taking risks. Celebrate every attempt, even if the sentence is half-English and half-French. The effort to communicate is what matters most.
• Stay curious: Instead of asking, "How do you say this in French?" (which can feel like a quiz), try saying, "I wonder how they would say 'happy' in French? Do you remember hearing that word at school?" This invites them into a conversation rather than putting them on the spot.
   

5. Connect French to real life

Young children benefit immensely from seeing that French isn't just a school subject—it’s a living language used by real people, including right here in Calgary.

• Organizations like Canadian Parents for French (CPF) and Alliance Française Calgary are great resources. They host family-friendly events, French story times, and seasonal celebrations. These events allow your child to see other families engaging with the language, creating a sense of belonging.
•  If you find yourselves at a French bakery, encourage your child to say “Bonjour” or “Merci.” Even a tiny interaction can make the language feel "real."

At CFIS, we are guided by our values: We Care, We Connect, We Strive and We Grow. 

We Connect and We Care by recognizing that you are the primary advocate for your child’s well-being. We want to ensure that our school community feels like an extension of your home. We wholeheartedly welcome your questions, whether they are about your child's progress or how to navigate a specific challenge.

We Strive and We Grow alongside our students. We know that as the work becomes more complex in the older grades, homework can sometimes raise questions for parents who don't speak French. Please know that you are never expected to "teach" the curriculum at home. Any questions or concerns regarding homework should be directed to your child’s teacher. Our role is to provide the clarity and resources needed so that your child can continue to grow. By working together, we ensure that every student feels supported in their effort to strive for excellence.

French Immersion is about building communication skills, resilience, and cultural empathy. By creating an environment where French feels positive and playful, you are helping your child thrive. You are doing a wonderful job, and we are so glad to have you as partners in this journey at CFIS!