Core French and French Immersion in Manitoba: a guide for parents
Manitoba families often wonder how Core French and French Immersion differ, when each starts, and how to help at home without speaking French. Both follow Manitoba's French curricula, and Gradelings practises both as optional subjects you can switch on for each child.
Core French and French Immersion side by side
| Core French | French Immersion | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | French as one school subject, taught every week alongside classes in English. | A program where most of the school day, including other subjects, is taught in French. |
| When it starts | Core French is taught from Grade 4 in English-language schools. | Early French Immersion usually begins in Kindergarten or Grade 1. Some divisions also offer later entry. Entry points differ by school division. |
| Who it suits | Every child can learn some French. No earlier French is needed. | Families who want their child to become fluent. Programs differ by division, so check with yours. |
| Name in the curriculum | Core French (Français de base) | French Immersion (Français – immersion) |
| In Gradelings | Grades 4 to 9. Prompts are in English, with French words and sentences to read, choose and build. | Kindergarten to Grade 9. Prompts and stories are in French, with English hints for parents. |
Programs differ by school district. Your school and district have the current details.
What Core French children learn
Core French builds everyday communication: greetings, numbers, family, school, food, weather and hobbies. In the upper grades children write short texts, use common verbs and ask and answer questions. The aim is confidence with simple, real conversations.
What French Immersion children learn
In immersion, children learn to listen, speak, read and write in French, and learn other subjects in French too. Younger children start with songs, stories and routines, then move on to sentences, paragraphs and longer texts. English language arts is added in later grades. How much is in French in each grade depends on the school division.
How report cards describe French
French is reported with the same four levels as other subjects. French Immersion report cards also show engagement in using French. Gradelings shows practice, not a report card mark, so ask your child's teacher what the level means for your child.
Helping if you don't speak French
You don't need French to help. Ask your child to teach you a word each day, listen while they read aloud, and celebrate effort over accuracy. Mistakes are a normal part of learning a language.
How Gradelings fits in
French is off by default. A parent can switch on Immersion, Core French or both for each child in Settings, under Subjects. French is not counted toward the Grade Champion trophy, and French lessons are read aloud with a French voice from your device. You can pick that voice in Settings.
Ways to practise French at home
- Pick one new French word each day and use it at dinner or on the way to school.
- Label a few household objects with sticky notes in French.
- Listen to French songs or watch a short French video together and talk about what you noticed.
- Ask your child to read a page aloud in French, then retell it to you in English.
- Play a French game: count stairs, name colours, or spell a word out loud.
Common questions
When does Core French start in Manitoba?
Core French is taught from Grade 4 in English-language schools. Your school or division can tell you how much time it gets each week.
Can my child start French Immersion later?
Some divisions offer later entry, and some have limited spaces. Entry rules differ, so ask your school division.
Will French Immersion hurt my child's English?
English language arts is still taught in immersion, and research has generally found that immersion students do well in English. If you are worried, talk with your child's teacher.
Do French marks count toward the Grade Champion trophy in Gradelings?
No. French is a separate, optional set of subjects. Children earn their own French trophies instead.
Does Gradelings replace French class?
No. It gives short, kind practice that matches the topics in the Manitoba curriculum. It doesn't replace a teacher, and its levels are not a report card mark.
Also see: Manitoba report cards explained.
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