Do you like to make your kids’ future secure? All parents try to help their children to get established and have a bright future. Your kids may have a dream of securing a job in a different country. Although they are intelligent and have good academic performance, language would be a barrier. That is why it is important to make your kids bilingual. Since the very childhood, you should encourage them to learn another language. For Canadian kids, it is good to learn French as a second language. Your child would have strong literacy skills in both English and French languages.
You might have started searching for bilingual classes, playgroups, and schools. However, there are some fun ways to teach French to your little ones.
Why should your kids be bilingual?
There are some benefits of being bilingual-
- Your kids’ minds will be highly receptive to learning a different language. At a very young age, they can learn French.
- It will develop a good cultural background for your kids. Your teens will learn about the French culture.
- The children will grow emotional intelligence. Bilingual kids have a higher EQ.
- Your kids will have better career opportunities.
- By learning a second language, your children will gain self-confidence.
6 amusing ways to teach your children the French language
We have listed the most stress-free ways to learn French.
1. Enroll your children in a French learning course online
It is the most important step in teaching the French language to a child in Canada. Several schools in Canada have chosen French as the second language. But, parents should provide better guidance to their kids by enrolling them in a French learning program. Nowadays, there are different online courses to guide these children.
The virtual platform has made it easy to connect with French teachers from different countries. During the in-person learning, the teacher will guide your kids to learn French accents, pronunciation, and grammatical rules. Your little ones can learn the language in a peaceful digital environment without any interference. They can also make a question and solve their doubts. The cost for this online training can vary with the duration of the course.
A good teacher plays a role in introducing your child to the world of French.
2. Buy French fairy tale books for your kids
Almost every child like to read storybooks. Your kids may have a pile of storybooks in English. But, you have a goal to enrich their French-speaking ability. Then, why shouldn’t you purchase French books for your little ones? Kids like to get fun by reading different storylines. So, invest in a number of French storybooks. Enthusiastic language learners always like to read books to make vocabulary stronger.
However, this approach is right for toddlers who have already learned the basics of this second language. Until they are able to read the book, they will find any interest. Kids who have undergone a course can continue learning the French language by reading different books.
You can also search for digital libraries where you may avail of French fairy tales. Some books are available free of cost.
But, reading the French storybooks is not the only solution. Your kids should be able to strengthen their French listening abilities. The audio version of the bilingual French fairy tales is available on the web. As the stories are read in dual languages, your kids will understand better.
3. Play the French music for kids
Although storybooks are good, your children may feel bored at times. That is why you can turn on French music to entertain them. While giving pleasure to your kids’ minds, you may help them learn a second language. It is the easiest way to stimulate your children to learn kids.
Music will enable your toddlers to learn the right pronunciation and add more words to their vocabulary. However, as a parent, you need to put some effort into making this approach successful. For instance, you should be careful in choosing the music for kids. YouTube also has folk-inspired French music. The French sounds, rhythm, and words of the music will stick to your kids’ brains for a longer period. So, it will surely be beneficial to your children.
Like the storybooks, music will go with your kids everywhere. They can listen to French music while having a car ride and walking along the road. Several kids enjoy listening to music. Help them in learning the lyrics of the song. When they listen to a particular song multiple times, the words will stick to their brains. While creating a favorite music playlist on your mobile, you must include the French version.
4. Add a touch of French to every aspect of life
There are some ways to apply this trick to your kids.
However, parents need to know the French language to guide the children better in this case.
- Create a meal-time vocabulary
Start by referring to the everyday food in the French version.
Your children should be familiar with the common words. Some of those relevant words are-
- Spoon- la cuillère
- Breakfast- le petit déjeuner
The kids can start their French learning journey at their homes.
- Teach manners in French
Being a native Canadian, your children have good English vocabulary. However, to learn French, they have to converse with you in this language. Some phrases used for everyday conversations are-
Thank You- merci
You are welcome- de rien
Your kids will naturally be encouraged to speak French.
- Let your kids recognize colors in French
Colors always draw the kids’ attention. As you like to make their French learning journey less stressful, you need to choose a unique approach. Your kids already know the rainbow colors in English. Ask them to identify those colors in French. Moreover, you can ask them to name some fruits of a particular color.
These are some proven ways to learn French. As a parent, you should give your kids the opportunity to know more about French words. Most commonly, beginners make gender-related mistakes while forming sentences. However, with the assistance of tutors and parents, kids will overcome these challenges.
5. Choose French while doing your family activities
A conducive environment is always important for learning any language, including French. You may communicate with your kids in French. It will increase natural interest and passion for the language. Your children will also feel comfortable with French. Although you may not be a native French speaker, you can raise a bilingual child with true effort. Inspire your teens to speak French while interacting with you.
In some cases, the local Francophone in Canada hosts different events. You can attend those events with your children.
6. Find bilingual playgroups
Socialization is good for every child. However, when your teens look for friends, you can help them to find kids who know French. Regular communications with bilingual children will be beneficial to your teens. So, you can search for a bilingual playgroup in the locality.
Conclusion
You may try to be creative to help your kids in learning French as a second language. Your children will find a job in any French-speaking country.