10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Introducing the French Language at Home

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Introducing the French Language at Home

Teaching your kids a new language can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. As a parent, you want to give your children the best possible start in life, and learning a second language can help them in many ways. If you're considering teaching French to your kids at home, there are a few things you should know. Here are ten tips that I wish I had known before I started teaching French to my own kids.

1. All kids have different learning speeds

Every child learns differently, so it's important to be patient and flexible. Some kids may pick up new words and phrases more quickly than others, while some may struggle with pronunciation. It's important to remember that each child has their own pace of learning, and that's okay. You can adjust your teaching style to suit each child's needs, and spend extra time with the child who needs more support.

2. Each child responds to a different teaching medium/method

There are many different ways to teach French to kids, and it's important to find a method that works best for your child. Some kids respond well to visual aids like flashcards and videos, while others prefer to learn through songs and music. You can try different methods and see which ones your child responds to best.

3. You have to make time to be consistent

Learning a new language takes time and practice, so it's important to be consistent. You don't have to spend hours every day teaching French, but it's important to set aside regular time for practice. You can make it a part of your daily routine, such as practicing French over breakfast or before bedtime.

4. You will become an entertainer

Kids have short attention spans, so it's important to make learning fun and entertaining. You can use games, songs, and activities to keep your child engaged and interested. For example, you can sing French songs together, play memory games with French words, or create a French-themed scavenger hunt.

5. It’s not just once a day, it’s all-day

To help your kids immerse themselves in the language, use the language in different scenarios throughout the day. If your lesson was about food, play restaurant at lunchtime and have your kids order food in French.

6. Resources are your best friend

There are many resources available to help you teach French to your kids. You can find French storybooks, games, and activity sheets online for free. Use these resources to keep your child engaged and interested in learning. Try different resources to see which ones work best for your child.

7. Get a support system

Teaching French to your kids can be overwhelming, so it's essential to have a support system. You can join a social media group or find a friend who is also teaching French to their kids. Having someone to talk to and share your experiences with can make a big difference.

8. Your entire house will become a classroom

Teaching French at home means that your entire house can become a classroom. You can place French vocabulary posters on the walls, use flashcards to teach new words, and even play French songs in the background. Don't be afraid to get a little chaotic; embrace the opportunity to have fun with your child while they learn.

9. You don’t have to be a native speaker yourself to teach your kids

You don't have to be a native French speaker to teach your child French. With the abundance of resources available, you can learn alongside your child. Plus, teaching your child French can be a fun way for you to improve your own language skills.

10. Reviewing is just as important as teaching new content

Reviewing previously taught content is just as important as teaching new content. Make sure to dedicate time to review French vocabulary with your child. If you don't use the words regularly, your child may forget them. Reviewing ensures that the French words stick in their mind, and they can use them in real-life scenarios.

Teaching French to your kids can be an exciting and rewarding experience. By using these tips, you can make the most out of your teaching journey and help your child become fluent in French.