Ukrainian
Language
Education
In
Canada
By their
very nature, international language programs prepare students for
expanding global opportunities. In addition to linguistic flexibility,
language education also encourages astuteness regarding international
issues, heightened cultural sensitivity, creativity and intellectual
growth – all highly desirable attributes for employers in business,
industry, international trade, finance, technology, government and many
professions.
Parental
leadership
and community support are the driving force behind every strong,
vibrant Ukrainian language program in Canada. A good example can be found
in Western Canada, where a concerted parental effort in the early 1970’s
led to the establishment of school-based Ukrainian-English bilingual
programs in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Many
Ukrainian community groups play a pivotal role in organizing pre-school
programs (Sadochky), after-school or Saturday programs (Ridni Shkoly) and
high school Ukrainian credit classes.
Ukrainian
language camps and scouting camps are popular during the summer months.
Children and youth enjoy the opportunity to expand their Ukrainian
language repertoire while participating in outdoor activities.
Program
Descriptions
In-School
Programs:
Bilingual
Programs
K-8:
In a
bilingual education program, students are immersed in the target
language for up to one-half of each school day. The Ukrainian-English
Bilingual model has been a popular alternative to total immersion, and
has provided the incentive for the establishment other bilingual
education programs in Alberta and Manitoba, such as German-English,
Mandarin-English, Hebrew-English, Cree-English and Spanish-English
programs. To date,
Saskatchewan
offers the K-8 Ukrainian-English Bilingual Program at one elementary
school in Saskatoon.
9-12:
At the high school level, one class per semester is offered in either
Ukrainian Language Arts or Ukrainian Christian Ethics in Grades 9 to 12.
A highlight in the senior grades is the opportunity to participate in a
student exchange with Ukraine.
Core
Programs
K-8:
Core language programs are those in which the target language is taught
as a school subject, much like Social Studies or Science. While a Core
Ukrainian program may begin at any elementary grade level, an early
start in the primary grades is always encouraged. When more time is
spent learning the target language, students are able to experience
greater progress with communication skills.
9-12:
In high school, students receive provincial credits for successful
completion of their Ukrainian language courses. Credit courses (also
called Kursy) may be taught during school hours, after school hours, by
correspondence or during the summer months. In each case, qualified
teachers and the appropriate number of hours of instruction must be
provided in order to meet provincial requirements. Provincial credits
are transferable to other provinces or jurisdictions.
Out – of –
School (After-School) Programs
Ridna
Shkola:
These Ukrainian programs, organized and offered by
local community groups, usually take place once a week after regular
school hours. The curriculum is often comprised of some instruction in
language, culture, history and spirituality. Out-of-school Ukrainian
program are an added commitment to a family’s schedule, much like music
lessons, dance lessons, swimming or sports.
Sadochok:
This term is used to describe
Ukrainian
Pre-school or Nursery School. Weekly schedules, location, type of
program and teacher qualifications may vary. These programs establish
meaningful connections to the Ukrainian community for young families
with children. They also help parents to understand the benefits of
having children nurtured in an environment of Ukrainian language and
culture.
Ukrainian
Language Education in
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan
Learning is responsible for all Pre-School, Kindergarten and Grades 1-12
Ukrainian language programs in the province. Language instruction is
delivered during regular school hours or through out-of-school language
programs organized by ethnocultural organizations, with the assistance of
Saskatchewan Learning.
Courses for adults
interested in pursuing Ukrainian language learning are also available,
although choices are somewhat limited.
For detailed
information and locations of specific programs, please select a
category from the upper right-hand corner (Pre-School, Elementary,
High School, Adult).
If you have any
questions or would like to speak with someone about Ukrainian language
education in Saskatchewan, contact the Ukrainian Education Consultant
at (Tel) 306.933-8497.
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