Why learn a language so early? Children have a natural ability to understand lanuages, especially at the time when they are learning their maternal language. Babies and young children who are exposed to a second language have a better ability to distinguish sounds than older children and adults do. For more information about brain development and language acquisition, check out the following link: Building Baby's Brain
In addition, children and adults who speak more than one language often have a better understanding of their first language, as well as stronger analytical and interpretive skills.
In addition, children and adults who speak more than one language often have a better understanding of their first language, as well as stronger analytical and interpretive skills.
My child and I don't speak French. Can we still attend?
Yes! Your child's experience in French class will be enhanced by your participation! This is a great way to start learning French since you'll be learning with your child. I supply all the words to the songs in class so parents can sing along. After each class, parents are given a sheet summarizing important words and phrases of the day along with their translations so they can practice French with their child at home. I encourage parents of children of any age to stay and participate in their child's class!
Yes! Your child's experience in French class will be enhanced by your participation! This is a great way to start learning French since you'll be learning with your child. I supply all the words to the songs in class so parents can sing along. After each class, parents are given a sheet summarizing important words and phrases of the day along with their translations so they can practice French with their child at home. I encourage parents of children of any age to stay and participate in their child's class!
What is a typical class like?
**Please note that the early-ages class is just as much for the parent/caregiver as it is for the child. By learning the songs, phrases and dances in class, you will be able to continue French class at home. Creating that bridge between home and class increases your child's appreciation and eventual acquisition of French.
1 to 2 year-old class:
We start with some free playtime to help with the transition of getting into the class. I play with your child and assist you in playing with your child in French for the first few minutes. Then we do our greeting song and then finger play. Finger plays are an important aspect of the class since the children learn gestures to go with some popular French nursery rhymes(Itsy, Bitsy spider(in French), Ainsi font, font, font, etc.) Then we enjoy playing with some animals or other props(puppets, stuffed animals, vehicles, balls). After that, we dance to popular French songs, play instruments and/or do scarf play(the children love to play peek-a-boo with the scarves) At the end, we finish with a French lullaby while the children and their caregivers rest.
We say goodbye to each other and by 2 years of age, many are able to blow a kiss and say bisou.
Between ages 1 and 2, language is more receptive, meaning they will hear and understand many words. In my class we put a lot to music and songs which makes receptive comprehension even stronger. You will receive a lot of the music we use in class so you may sing and dance with your child at home as practice. My goal is to make French fun for your child and you.
2 1/2 to 5 year-old class:
Learning a language is becoming more productive at this age. Children are taking what they have heard and seen(receptive learning) and trying to say, sing or dance something on their own. We continue to do the aforementioned finger plays since finger plays are a great way to learn a language by combine singing with kinesthetic activity. We also dance, play instruments, do scarf play and listen to a relaxing lullaby songs. Books, felt board stories and puppet shows are introduced at this age since children are starting to be able to sit for a few minutes to enjoy an interesting show or book. In addition, an arts & crafts (un bricolage) is given to the children at the end of the class. The arts & crafts reinforces in a multi-sensory way some of the words we learned during class.
6-year-olds and up
We continue to have fun learning French through music and dance. In addition, children are encouraged to speak to the teacher and to each other in French using le microphone. Visual cues on the wall help remind the children of different words and phrases we are focusing on. Children are also encouraged to speak by putting on a puppet show, helping each other with arts & crafts and doing group games.
Advanced class for 6 year-olds and up
During this 80 minute class, children will continue learning French through music, dance and art. In addition, children will be learning French grammar and phonics. They will have their own workbook with French writing, phonics and reading lessons. In addition, about once a month, we will be able to learn French through baking in the kitchen! A special treat for the children's hard work each month! This class is for children who have taken French for at least one year and who are ready to read and write much more in French. Please email Mme. Rebecca if you have questions: oldtownfrench@gmail.com
Children in this class may be asked to help as a camp assistant during the summer, a fun and enriching learning experience for our advanced students!
**Please note that the early-ages class is just as much for the parent/caregiver as it is for the child. By learning the songs, phrases and dances in class, you will be able to continue French class at home. Creating that bridge between home and class increases your child's appreciation and eventual acquisition of French.
1 to 2 year-old class:
We start with some free playtime to help with the transition of getting into the class. I play with your child and assist you in playing with your child in French for the first few minutes. Then we do our greeting song and then finger play. Finger plays are an important aspect of the class since the children learn gestures to go with some popular French nursery rhymes(Itsy, Bitsy spider(in French), Ainsi font, font, font, etc.) Then we enjoy playing with some animals or other props(puppets, stuffed animals, vehicles, balls). After that, we dance to popular French songs, play instruments and/or do scarf play(the children love to play peek-a-boo with the scarves) At the end, we finish with a French lullaby while the children and their caregivers rest.
We say goodbye to each other and by 2 years of age, many are able to blow a kiss and say bisou.
Between ages 1 and 2, language is more receptive, meaning they will hear and understand many words. In my class we put a lot to music and songs which makes receptive comprehension even stronger. You will receive a lot of the music we use in class so you may sing and dance with your child at home as practice. My goal is to make French fun for your child and you.
2 1/2 to 5 year-old class:
Learning a language is becoming more productive at this age. Children are taking what they have heard and seen(receptive learning) and trying to say, sing or dance something on their own. We continue to do the aforementioned finger plays since finger plays are a great way to learn a language by combine singing with kinesthetic activity. We also dance, play instruments, do scarf play and listen to a relaxing lullaby songs. Books, felt board stories and puppet shows are introduced at this age since children are starting to be able to sit for a few minutes to enjoy an interesting show or book. In addition, an arts & crafts (un bricolage) is given to the children at the end of the class. The arts & crafts reinforces in a multi-sensory way some of the words we learned during class.
6-year-olds and up
We continue to have fun learning French through music and dance. In addition, children are encouraged to speak to the teacher and to each other in French using le microphone. Visual cues on the wall help remind the children of different words and phrases we are focusing on. Children are also encouraged to speak by putting on a puppet show, helping each other with arts & crafts and doing group games.
Advanced class for 6 year-olds and up
During this 80 minute class, children will continue learning French through music, dance and art. In addition, children will be learning French grammar and phonics. They will have their own workbook with French writing, phonics and reading lessons. In addition, about once a month, we will be able to learn French through baking in the kitchen! A special treat for the children's hard work each month! This class is for children who have taken French for at least one year and who are ready to read and write much more in French. Please email Mme. Rebecca if you have questions: oldtownfrench@gmail.com
Children in this class may be asked to help as a camp assistant during the summer, a fun and enriching learning experience for our advanced students!
What is the PLAYGROUP?
The playgroup is structured similar to a typical day at preschool. The children begin with free play. This a great time to have one-on-one with the teacher or French-speaking assistant or use their French with other children in a creative play environment. They will also have the choice to do an open-ended craft. Next, the class will be divided into two small groups based on age. Each mini-group will have circle time with the teacher. During this circle time, we will sing, dance, have stories and do arts & crafts. At the end, we will finish as a group with a small yoga session and/or lullaby music.
In addition, we will have snack time (LE GOUTER) when children learn important vocabulary words related to eating. Children love the opportunity to eat with their friends and teachers. During snack they will learn to serve each other food using their French.
If your child is potty-trained, you may "drop-off" your child at the playgroup.
The playgroup is structured similar to a typical day at preschool. The children begin with free play. This a great time to have one-on-one with the teacher or French-speaking assistant or use their French with other children in a creative play environment. They will also have the choice to do an open-ended craft. Next, the class will be divided into two small groups based on age. Each mini-group will have circle time with the teacher. During this circle time, we will sing, dance, have stories and do arts & crafts. At the end, we will finish as a group with a small yoga session and/or lullaby music.
In addition, we will have snack time (LE GOUTER) when children learn important vocabulary words related to eating. Children love the opportunity to eat with their friends and teachers. During snack they will learn to serve each other food using their French.
If your child is potty-trained, you may "drop-off" your child at the playgroup.
Is there a theme? Yes. Each session has a theme, based on the time of the year and the children's interests. Examples of themes include : "At the Market", "What Moves", "Musical Instruments" and "Winter Animals". Each class also reviews counting, colors, the alphabet, parts of the body, salutations and common commands and phrases.
Do I need to stay in class with my child? If your child is under 4 years-old, either you or your caregiver need to participate with your child during the class. By participating with your child, you are able to reinforce at home what your child learned during the class. For children ages 3 1/2 to 11 years-old, the parent or caregiver does not have to remain based on teacher discretion and your child's comfort level. However, if a child between 5-10 years-old still needs re-direction, we will ask the parent to stay and participate with the class until the child can participate without constant re-direction from the teacher.
What is your cancellation policy? Class may be cancelled if Alexandria City Public Schools(ACPS) schools are closed due to weather but I will still email you and let you know whether French will be cancelled. Classes may also be cancelled due to teacher illness. I will send an email as soon as I know class will be cancelled. Please check your email before attending class in case class is cancelled due to weather or teacher illness and confirm to me that you received the email. I will make up the class at the end of the session if class is cancelled due to weather or teacher illness.
How can we practice French at home? (please also see Learning at Home) Many parents ask me where they can buy materials to continue learning French at home. Bonjour Maman in Kensington has a very large collection of new and used French books and magazines. http://www.bonjourmama.com/
Hooray 4 Books on King St. in Old Town Alexandria and French Politics & Prose in Washington, DC has a collection of French books for sale as well.
A few libraries in our area have books you may borrow: The library at Alliance Francaise in DC, DC Public Libraries and Beatley library here in Alexandria.
You may also join a French book club offered by the "L'ECOLE DES LOISIRS" publishers. For less than $10/month your child receives a French book. I often read these books in class so you may learn how to prononce the words with me and then read them with your child at home. Please ask me about joining this enriching book club. This publisher also offers many other books if you're interested in buying books that aren't in the subscription. Please see me for more information or click on Learning at Home and find the section about our French Book Club.
There are many French books to be found on amazon.com and amazon.fr
There are many apps available for children. Please see Newsletter and blog where I update and recommend apps for language learning.
Youtube is a great resource for finding children's shows in French. Please see Learning at Home for some of my favorites.
You may already have DVDs that can be played in French. My children like "Max et Ruby" and "Dora" which can be found for bargain prices at Ross or TJ Max.
Hooray 4 Books on King St. in Old Town Alexandria and French Politics & Prose in Washington, DC has a collection of French books for sale as well.
A few libraries in our area have books you may borrow: The library at Alliance Francaise in DC, DC Public Libraries and Beatley library here in Alexandria.
You may also join a French book club offered by the "L'ECOLE DES LOISIRS" publishers. For less than $10/month your child receives a French book. I often read these books in class so you may learn how to prononce the words with me and then read them with your child at home. Please ask me about joining this enriching book club. This publisher also offers many other books if you're interested in buying books that aren't in the subscription. Please see me for more information or click on Learning at Home and find the section about our French Book Club.
There are many French books to be found on amazon.com and amazon.fr
There are many apps available for children. Please see Newsletter and blog where I update and recommend apps for language learning.
Youtube is a great resource for finding children's shows in French. Please see Learning at Home for some of my favorites.
You may already have DVDs that can be played in French. My children like "Max et Ruby" and "Dora" which can be found for bargain prices at Ross or TJ Max.
May I bring my baby to his/her sibling class? Yes, you may bring your baby(12 months and under) to class with the older sibling but please let the teacher know you are bringing your baby.
No, you do not need to pay for your baby if he or she is under 12 months-old. If the sibling is older than 1 year-old, you will need to pay for a spot for your child. When toddlers get older, they usually want to participate in all aspects of the class and a spot needs to be paid for. There is a discount of $25 for the second sibling class.
No, you do not need to pay for your baby if he or she is under 12 months-old. If the sibling is older than 1 year-old, you will need to pay for a spot for your child. When toddlers get older, they usually want to participate in all aspects of the class and a spot needs to be paid for. There is a discount of $25 for the second sibling class.
Can we make-up classes during the session? If another class has a spot open, you may have one make up one class per session due to a child's illness pending availability in another class. If another class is full, a make up class cannot be offered in this class. When you sign up for a class you are committing to all the classes in the session in that class. I am committed to having small class sizes (8-9 children max in each class) and to creating a sense of community in each class so children are comfortable learning. In order for classes to run smoothly and in order to create a sense of community in each class, one make up class per session due to illness is all I can allow ( and it is pending availability). Please do not send your child to class if s/he has a fever or is contagious. I cannot accommodate families' absences due to travel or other reasons.
Can we have a refund? Refunds are not issued after the first week of class. Because of the small class size (8 children max.), materials bought and extensive planning based on the numbers of each class, it is not feasible to give refunds by the second class. No refunds or prorated credit will be given for late arrivals, early departures and absences. Only new students before the second class can be given a credit since they are allowed to try out the first class to see if it is the right fit for the child.
If we are new, can we have a trial class? Yes. If you are a new student, you may try the first week of class as a trial class (if the class is not full). Then you can let me know after the first class if you would like to attend the full session. Payment is required by the second class for new students.
