Your Text Here
Tips For Parents:
How to Foster French Fluency
1. French Art Tutorials
Children learn languages best by actively interacting with them in meaningful contexts.
French art tutorials help develop listening comprehension as students follow spoken instructions and infer meaning through visual demonstrations.
Combining language learning with creative activities like drawing and painting engages multiple areas of the brain, supporting language acquisition.
Many free French art tutorials are also available on YouTube.
2. Videos with French audio AND subtitles
Turn familiar movies into language-learning opportunities by watching them in French.
Children already know the characters and storyline, so they can use that knowledge to better understand unfamiliar French dialogue.
Many streaming services and DVDs offer French audio and subtitle option
3. Bi-Weekly Journals
Journaling helps children develop their writing by expressing their thoughts and opinions. Using prompts and guiding questions encourages idea generation, overcomes writer's block, and helps children expand and support their responses.
The term "Writer's block" refers to the inability to create new ideas. To mitigate this challenge, guide students with questions that push them to develop their ideas (for example, do you think the protagonist of Wonder is a good role model? What challenges did he face? What would you do if you were in his place? Why might you encourage a friend to watch Wonder?)
4. Make your phone a learning tool
In addition to downloading educational French apps, you can help your child develop language skills with the following tips:
-
Set the phone's default browser settings to French so queries are automatically directed to the francophone version of websites.
-
Make your default home page a fun French website for games and lessons. This will drastically increase the likelihood your child starts to use these sites on a regular basis.
-
If your child has reached an advanced level, you can change your phone's OS language setting to French. (Just make sure you know how to switch it back!)
5. French Comics
Here are 5 ways comics and graphic novels can serve as learning tools:
-
Children are more motivated to learn when reading materials are interesting and enjoyable.
-
The Illustrations help children understand unfamiliar French words and sentences by providing context clues.
-
Regular comic reading can develop a love of reading and encourage children to explore more complex texts.
-
Comics reinforce commonly used French vocabulary, expressions, and everyday language.
-
Short, manageable reads help children gain confidence, and follow-up activities like summaries or journal entries extend learning.
6. Free Audiobooks
Audiobooks provide a convenient way to practice French daily by improving listening skills, pronunciation, and vocabulary. They can be enjoyed during everyday activities, and platforms like OverDrive offer free titles with features such as adjustable speed, sleep timers, and automatic returns.
You can borrow popular titles such as Harry Potter et la coupe de feu, and the app will automatically return the title on its due date.
7. Free E-Books
E-books are a convenient language-learning resource, offering portable access to thousands of free titles, including comics and magazines.
Features like highlighting, digital dictionaries, and instant word definitions support vocabulary development, while platforms like OverDrive and Dias Learning provide accessible French e-book options.
8. Word Searches and Crosswords
How can kids develop their vocabulary without having to study lists and memorize words?
One simple method to build vocabulary is by completing French crosswords and word searches.
Crosswords help children interpret and understand the different meanings and applications of French words. Word searches help teach correct spelling. Children are generally more engaged when completing word searches and crosswords because they tend to view them as leisurely activities as opposed to tedious drills.
Click on the PDF symbol to download a sample beginner-level French word search.
9. Clubs and "Language Buddies"
French clubs and activities provide meaningful opportunities to practice French while exploring Francophone cultures.
Schools can promote language learning through clubs, multicultural activities, and partnerships with Francophone communities, allowing students to connect with peers and discover diverse perspectives.
10. Weekly Goals and Learning Targets
Consistent practice is essential for effective French learning. Create a simple weekly plan with varied activities, adjust it based on the child’s age and needs, and maintain regular practice to achieve the best results.