1. How do students learn English?

We have English instruction with grades 3 and 4.
Students attend English Language Arts daily at Anishinaabeg Kinomaagewgamig starting at Grade 3.  In order to preserve the immersion environment Jr-Kindergarten through Grade 2 students are immersed in the Anishinaabe language.  Understanding that English Language development should be guided at home is part of the commitment that families make when enrolling their children in a language immersion school.  

2. Will my child’s English skills suffer in a Anishinaabemowin Immersion program?

This “Immersion” question has been studied extensively in Canada and abroad. The conclusion is: knowledge of another language is actually beneficial in improving capabilities in the first language, and increases the ability to learn a third and fourth language.

A recent study of the EQAO reading, writing and mathematics assessment conducted in English revealed that at grade 6 “immersion students outperformed those in the regular program in all skill areas.”

3. What about math and other subjects?

All core subjects and specials, including Anishinaabe Language Arts are taught through the medium of Anishinaabemowin.  Starting at Grade 4 students are offered English language instruction in both English Language Arts and Science.  

4. What does it mean to say a language is endangered?

An endangered language is one that is likely to become extinct in the near future. Many languages are failing out of use and being replaced by others that are more widely used in the region or nation, such as English in the U.S. or Spanish in Mexico. Unless current trends are reversed, these endangered languages will become extinct within the next century. Many other languages are no longer being learned by new generations of children or by new adult speakers; these languages will become extinct when their last speaker dies. In fact, dozens of languages today have only one native speaker still living, and that person's death will mean the extinction of the language: It will no longer be spoken, or known, by anyone.

5. Will my child be prepared to go to college if they learn in an Anishinaabe language medium classroom?

A survey of Canadian university students (Canadian Parents for French, 2005) found that the majority of immersion graduates surveyed reported no difficulty in adjusting to university courses offered in English. In fact, immersion graduates have more options than other students because in Canada they may choose to take some or all post-secondary courses in their second language. The majority of survey respondents reported no difficulty in making the transition from high school to university courses in French.
http://carla.umn.edu/immersion/acie/vol10/may2007_parentsten.html

6. When will my children learn about Anishinaabe culture?

The goal of the Anishinaabeg Kinomaagewgamig Immersion School is to not only immerse our students in their language, but also their culture.  Staff is guided by elders and teach their students through Anishinaabe seasonal activities, aadizookaanan and beliefs.  

7. How can I help?

Learn Anishinaabemowin!  Putting your children in a language immersion school is a great step forward for their education and for the preservation of the language being used but more can be done!  Using the target language with your children will not only increase their access to the language but will also encourage and reinforce the work they do toward learning the language as important.  

Parents can play an additional important role in ensuring their child’s success by:

• Showing an interest in their child’s progress.

• Encouraging and supporting their child’s efforts.

• Reading to their child regularly and listening to him/her read aloud.

• Finding ways to expose their child to Anishinaabemowin outside of school time.

• Listening to children’s music by Anishinaabe artists.

• Communicating your questions, suggestions, and concerns with teachers.

Even if you do not speak or understand Anishinaabemowin, you can discuss your child’s work with them, communicate regularly with the teacher and read to them in English or in their mother tongue.

The following website has a few quick, easy, and important suggestions for immersion parents:
http://www.graniteschools.org/curriculuminstruction/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2014/08/Dual-Parent-Supporting-Your-Dual-Language-Immersion-Student.pdf

8. How can I learn Anishinaabemowin?

Learning a new language is a time consuming activity.  Find partners in your endeavor and people who can teach you.  Center aspects of your life around these partners and your language learning.  Spend less time thinking and talking about learning and start doing.  

See the links tab under Anishinaabemowin Resources on our website to find great resources for all learners.