Tips

  Start practising!

• Start learning about Ottawa and Canada – search the Internet for facts and pictures.
• Keep a journal in which you record your preparations for and feelings about coming to Canada. Include what you are learning about Canada.
• Start reading some English magazines, articles or stories.
• Practice reading aloud in English a few times a week to improve fluency and pronunciation.

  After you arrive

• Continue reading in English on a regular basis – newspaper articles, stories, magazines.
• Practice writing summaries of what you read or see (e.g. a film).
• Keep a journal.
• Have conversations with your host family.
• Speak to other Canadians when you have the opportunity.

  Tips for parents in ways to support their children

• Call or email them on a regular basis (but not during class time!).
• Inquire about their successes and difficulties.
• Encourage them to do their best but not what is beyond them.
• Show empathy when they are disappointed or frustrated.
• Contact the teachers when you are worried about a problem or low marks.
• Learn something about the new educational system so you can share it with your child.