Scoil Mhuire

French
Modern Language in Scoil Mhuire

Information Note for Parents

Introduction:
The Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative (MLPSI) supports the teaching and learning of modern languages in over 530 schools nationwide. It is a voluntary programme and your child’s school has chosen to be part of this exciting project because of the many learning opportunities and benefits it can bring to the children, teachers and wider school community. Currently, the MLPSI programme is offered to children in 5th and 6th classes, so your child will have the benefit of two years of modern language learning before they start post-primary school. For more information on the MLPSI, please see website – www.mlpsi.ie
Contact Details: Tanya Flanagan, National Coordinator, tanyaflanagan@mlpsi.ie Tel.: 045-530200.
The MLPSI is based in the Kildare Education Centre and is a Department of Education and Skills initiative funded by the National Development Plan.

Ideas for supporting your child:
Show an interest in what your child is learning in their modern language class. Discuss it with them and encourage them to practise the new words they have learned.
Display a positive attitude towards language learning – ask them to teach you what they are learning so that you can learn a new language together!
Encourage your child to speak the language not only with you but also in other situations, e.g. when you are in a restaurant serving Italian/ Spanish/ German/French food or when you travel abroad.
Encourage your child to be curious about other languages and cultures and point out how the
modern language they are learning is similar and different to languages they already know. Encourage your child to look for examples of other languages around them – on signs, labels, television, shop fronts and when you travel.
Encourage your child to collect artefacts from the target country – interesting items, stamps, menus, tickets, receipts, brochures, magazines, postcards, photos etc.
Keep informed of your child’s progress in the modern language. Also try to attend any language events or celebrations organised by the school.

Benefits of modern language learning:
There are many reasons why the learning of another modern language at primary school is beneficial for children. Research has shown that children who are introduced to other languages from an early age can become more proficient language learners and that learning another language can have positive effects on the learning of other curriculum subjects. Evaluations of the MLPSI have also noted the positive effects it has had on pupils not only linguistically and academically, but also socially in terms of their self-esteem, confidence and in assisting their preparation for second level.
As well as enhancing children’s literacy skills in their mother tongue, learning more languages lead to an enhanced awareness of and openness to other languages and cultures which can contribute much to children’s knowledge of the world and ultimately lead to improved social and cultural cohesion within a school and community context.
Learning another language in primary school will help ensure that your child has the necessary skills and strategies to help him/her with her language learning at second level. Even if your child does another language(s) at post-primary level, the skills and experience he/she has gained at primary level will help ensure that language learning is easier and more enjoyable.

In our school, the modern language teacher is: Yvette Jegouzo