PEI PLA French Immersion flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

BICS vs CALP

BICS is conversational fluency developed in 1–2 years; CALP is academic language proficiency taking 5–7 years. FI students may sound fluent socially while still developing academic French.

Comprehensible input (i+1)

Krashen's hypothesis that language acquisition occurs when learners understand input slightly beyond their current level. FI teachers use visuals, gestures, and repetition to make French comprehensible.

Output hypothesis

Swain's theory that producing language (speaking/writing) forces learners to notice gaps and refine accuracy. FI classrooms should include structured oral and written production tasks.

Early total immersion

A French immersion model where instruction is 100% in French in kindergarten to Grade 2, with English language arts typically introduced in Grade 3. PEI offers early French immersion.

Sheltered instruction

Teaching grade-level content in French with language supports such as visuals, sentence frames, and pre-taught vocabulary, so students learn both content and language simultaneously.

Recast

A corrective feedback move where the teacher repeats a student's utterance correctly without interrupting meaning. Example: student says 'J'ai allé'; teacher replies 'Tu es allé?'.

Backward design

Planning approach by Wiggins and McTighe: identify desired results, determine acceptable evidence, then plan learning experiences. Used in FI to align French outcomes with assessment.

Formative assessment

Ongoing assessment for learning that informs instruction. In FI, it includes oral feedback in French, exit tickets, and observation checklists aligned with success criteria.

Success criteria

Student-friendly descriptions of what success looks like for a task, shared before the task. In FI, written in French and include both language and content dimensions.

DELF/DALF

French proficiency diplomas aligned with CEFR levels A1–C2. FI teachers can use DELF-style rubrics to assess speaking and writing, though certification is not required.

Portfolio assessment

A collection of student work showing progress over time. In FI, portfolios may include 'Je peux…' self-assessments aligned with CEFR descriptors to build metacognition.

Report card comments

Written summaries of student progress on PEI report cards. For FI, comments should describe French language strengths and next steps in plain language accessible to parents.

Balanced literacy

A framework including read-aloud, shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, word study, writing workshop, and oral language. Used in French language arts.

French grapheme-phoneme correspondences

Letter-sound relationships in French that differ from English: ou=/u/, oi=/wa/, eu=/ø/, ch=/ʃ/, gn=/ɲ/. Explicit phonics instruction supports decoding in FI.

Mots fréquents

High-frequency French words taught explicitly for automatic recognition (e.g., le, la, les, est, et, dans). Supports fluency and comprehension in early FI reading.

Schéma narratif

A story map graphic organizer in French: situation initiale, élément déclencheur, péripéties, dénouement, situation finale. Used to support reading comprehension and writing.

Writing process in French

Planifier, rédiger, réviser, corriger, publier. FI teachers model each stage and use mentor texts to teach text types such as récit, lettre, and rapport.

Tableau SVA

A KWL chart in French: S (savoir), V (vouloir savoir), A (appris). Activates prior knowledge and guides inquiry in French language arts and content areas.

Literature circles

Small-group discussions around self-selected French texts with assigned roles. Build interpretive skills, oral interaction, and engagement with authentic French literature.

Math vocabulary in French

Key terms such as addition, soustraction, multiplication, division, fraction, dénominateur. FI teachers pre-teach these and use them consistently during math instruction.

Inquiry cycle in French

Science process: question, hypothèse, expérience, observation, conclusion. FI teachers model the cycle and teach associated vocabulary such as matière and énergie.

Historical thinking in French

Concepts such as cause, conséquence, perspective, and preuve taught in social studies. FI students analyze evidence and perspectives using French terminology.

Language objectives

Statements describing the language students need to succeed in a content lesson, e.g., 'Students will explain the water cycle using d'abord, ensuite, enfin.' Paired with content objectives.

Bilingual glossary

A reference tool listing key terms in French and English. Used as a scaffold in FI content areas to support comprehension without translating entire texts.

Sheltered content assessment

Assessment that separates content mastery from French language proficiency. Students may demonstrate understanding through diagrams, oral explanations, or labeled visuals.

Differentiated instruction

Adjusting content, process, product, and environment based on readiness, interest, and learning profile. In FI, tiered tasks and sentence starters are common supports.

Universal Design for Learning

A framework offering multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression. Applied in FI to make French tasks accessible to diverse learners.

IEP accommodations in FI

Supports such as extended time, oral assessment, or technology use that do not change learning expectations. Modifications change expectations and are documented in the IEP.

Response to Intervention

A tiered support model: universal screening, targeted small-group intervention, and progress monitoring. FI students may receive intervention in French or English as appropriate.

Culturally relevant pedagogy

Teaching that values students' home cultures and languages. In FI, it includes diverse French texts and avoids deficit views of bilingual learners.

PEI teacher certification

Requires a Bachelor of Education or equivalent. French immersion positions may include a French proficiency assessment; certification is issued by the PEI Department of Education.

FOIPP Act

PEI's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It governs confidentiality of student information, including assessment data and communication records.