French academic standards for children
I will be moving to France with two children (4&6) to start the school year in September. We are moving from Germany and my kids don’t speak French. The school they are going to is a bilingual school. From what I understand the bones of the school are the French academic standards with some bilingual bits tacked on. My oldest will be year 1 of elementary school.
I’m not concerned about the 4 year old. But I’m wondering if anyone can share what a child starting elementary school in year 1 would generally know in France. I don’t mean the language- they have a particular curriculum to teach French to non French children. I mean more are French children generally already reading, what level of writing, math etc.
Where I live in Germany is pretty relaxed and so far she’s been in kindergarten but it’s focused in play and practical skills not academics. She knows the alphabet, likes to write things if they are spelled for her can count but doesn’t have super advanced formal academic skills. It just hasn’t been a priority since the focus has been on general knowledge, independence and motor skills and things like this.
If she began school where I live in Germany I would have no worries with her measured against other children. However I know French children start compulsory schooling earlier and for example in my country where school is also earlier at 6 years old she would be expected to be reading. So I’m wondering if someone can share some of the standards or norms that children entering grade 1 would have so we can maybe do some work over the summer.
I know it’s going to be shocking to go from her German kindergarten into the long days of the French schools and not having any French is already one hurdle so I don’t want every other child to already be doing long division and it’s then harder for her at all levels.