Maternelle / Pre-Elementary

Download the FASRI Maternelle curriculum overview here.

The French "Maternelle" offers a unique and structured curriculum seeking to enhance the social, physical, emotional and cognitive development of children and to instill enthusiasm for life-long learning. The Maternelle – Cycle 1 of the French curriculum – acts as an integral part of the elementary curriculum with Pre-school (Petite Section) and Pre-Kindergarten (Moyenne Section) offering half-day and full-day options, and Kindergarten (Grande Section) offering full-day only.

The Maternelle is a full French immersion program, with an introduction to English literacy in Kindergarten. Teachers use songs, games, movement and hands-on activities to reach academic proficiency. Language learning is monitored and guided carefully throughout the day. Games and manipulation foster the acquisition of mathematical concepts. Teachers and assistant teachers create a climate of friendship, mutual respect and joy of learning in the classroom and follow a schedule which alternates rest and play, indoor and outdoor, group and individual activities.

The children learn to socialize, build comprehension and verbal skills, and fully understand the world of writing and reading. They learn to explore space, and discover the abilities of their bodies and the surrounding world (environment, matter, elements, the concepts of space and time). They become aware of the visual aspect of our world. They develop sensitivity, creativity and imagination through different aspects of the arts.