Frequently Asked Questions.

Q. Do the Parents need to be of Ukrainian descent and/or speak Ukrainian?

A. It is not a requirement for parents to speak or be of Ukrainian descent. Many families in our program do not speak Ukrainian; in fact, some of our families are not of Ukrainian heritage. This will not inhibit your child's learning in any way.

Q. Will my child achieve good English skills while learning to speak Ukrainian?

A. Yes, by the end of the elementary grades, children in the Ukrainian Bilingual Program or Second Language Programs perform higher than others on tests of academic achievement, (such as Provincial Achievement Exams), cognitive flexibility, and creativity (Moran & Hakuta, 1995). Alberta Education states that students in second language programs readily transfer the skills they learn in one language to the other.

Q. Does the time devoted to Ukrainian take away from instruction in other subjects?

A. No, students must learn exactly the same curriculum as students in the English Program. In addition, students are taught Ukrainian Language Arts.

Q. How can I help my child with homework?

A. Your child's homework assignments are prepared in such a way that they will have little or no difficulty following instructions and completing the work. If a problem arises, your child's teacher would be happy to help you find a solution.

Q. How much Ukrainian will my child speak in the classroom?

A. Ukrainian is spoken to a maximum of 50% of the time in the Elementary Bilingual Program; students learn to listen, speak, read and write in both languages.

Q. Will my child be confused or overwhelmed by hearing another language?

A. Acquiring any new skill always has its challenges. However, many studies have found that English skills are actually enhanced by learning another language. Ukrainian Bilingual students often out-perform students in the regular program in some English skill areas.