As the back-to-school season settles in, families are finding their rhythm again—packing lunches, juggling activities, and helping with homework. For parents of children in French immersion, the return to routine also brings a special opportunity: supporting your child’s bilingual journey. Even if you don’t speak French yourself, there are plenty of fun and simple ways to weave the language into your family’s daily life.
Everyday French at Home
Start with small, everyday moments. Label items around the house with their French names, like porte for door or chaise for chair. Children love showing off what they know, and parents often pick up words along the way. At mealtimes or in the car, ask your child to share something they learned at school or to teach you a new word or phrase. You can also make French part of practical skills such as telling time or counting coins and bills. These little touches show children that French is useful beyond the classroom.
Learning Through Media and Entertainment
Media and entertainment are another powerful way to bring French into the home. Try tuning in to Radio-Canada or Envol 91 FM, Manitoba’s French community radio station, for music and local content. On screen, explore kid-friendly programs on TFO, Télé-Québec, or Radio-Canada’s streaming platforms. Children often don’t even notice they’re learning when they’re enjoying a favourite show or singing along to catchy French songs.
Reading Together in French
Books can be just as effective. The Winnipeg Public Library has an excellent selection of French and bilingual storybooks, making it easy for parents and children to read together. One person can follow in English while the other reads in French, or you can simply enjoy the story side by side.
Bringing French Into the Community
Beyond the home, local experiences bring language to life. Families can enjoy Francophone music through 100 Nons, join in activities at the Festival des Parents de la Francophonie manitobaine (FPFM), or take part in arts and cultural programming at the Centre culturel franco-manitobain (CCFM). These experiences show children that French is not just a school subject but a living language and culture.
Resources and Supports for Families
There are also excellent supports for families. 233-ALLÔ, a free information and referral service offered by the Société de la francophonie manitobaine, is a great place to start when looking for tutors, community programs, or cultural activities. The CCFM also continues to offer family-friendly programming, including theatre, art workshops, and events where both children and parents can participate together.
Canadian Parents for French: A Key Partner
Canadian Parents for French (CPF) is another key partner in your child’s bilingual journey. Our mission is to create more opportunities for children to learn and use French in fun, engaging ways. In Manitoba, we host the annual Concours d’art oratoire, a public speaking competition that builds confidence and celebrates French learning in schools. We also organize French family nights, from math nights to concerts, making language learning interactive for the whole family. Through our French for Life program, students hear first-hand about the benefits of bilingualism with the slogan “Say Oui to Opportunity.” And for parents who want to get involved, CPF offers volunteer opportunities on local teams and boards, where you can help shape French opportunities in your community.
Say Oui to Everyday French
Supporting your child in French immersion doesn’t mean you need to be fluent. It’s about encouragement, exposure, and connection. By adding little touches of French into your daily routine, you’ll help your child see the language not just as something they learn at school but as part of everyday life. This school year, say oui to new opportunities and watch your child’s confidence in French grow.
