I can’t believe there’s only 2 more weeks left before back-t- school! For some children and families, it will be a familiar return, while for others, it’s the beginning of an exciting new journey—especially for those entering French Immersion! While experiences like our tutoring and camps programs help ease students into French learning, this transition can still be both thrilling and daunting, not just for the children but for their parents as well. Questions like, “Will my child thrive in this program? Will they enjoy it? How can I support them if I don’t speak French?” are common concerns we hear from our families. With this in mind, I asked Devyn (pictured above), who is now working with us here at Les Petites Pommes helping me with our newsletter writing and has also completed French Immersion herself, to come up with some tips for our parents. Here’s what she came up with:
Devyn’s Tips For Entering French Immersion
Start with Simple French Words
Introducing your child to basic French words before school begins can make a big difference. Simple phrases like Bonjour(hello) or S’il vous plaît (please), and counting to ten in French can give your child a head start. This early exposure will help them recognize some of the language in class, boosting their confidence as they realize they are capable of learning a new language. I vividly remember my first day of Senior Kindergarten when my teacher asked if I knew any French—I proudly counted to ten, which made the unfamiliar language feel less intimidating. A small but significant victory that can work wonders for your child too! If your not sure what to do, this is what we can help with during our camp and tutoring programs.
Incorporate French Music into Your Routine
Listening to French music is a fun and effective way to familiarize your child with the language in a relaxed setting. Music allows children to absorb the sounds and rhythms of French naturally, making it easier for them to grasp pronunciation and intonation later on. You can turn this into a playful activity by creating games where you listen to French songs together and try to pick out any English words or cognates—words that look and mean the same thing in both languages. This not only builds their vocabulary but also sparks a curiosity for learning more. Not sure what to play? Check out our upbeat LPP Picnic French Playlist on Spotify and Apple Music! We update it every so often with suggestions from our students and community!
Keep it Light and Fun
While a little preparation can go a long way, there’s no need to overdo it. French Immersion programs are made to build language skills from the ground up, ensuring that all students, regardless of prior knowledge, receive the support they need. It’s essential to approach this new experience with positivity and curiosity rather than stress. If a child begins their French Immersion journey with excitement rather than apprehension, they are more likely to embrace the language and enjoy the process of learning. Remember, the goal is to cultivate a love for French that will grow over time, laying the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation of the language and culture.
Félicitation! Congratulations To Our Campers and Staff!
At the end of every camp week, we have a camp wide assembly to acknowlege and celebrate our campers and the accomplisments of the week. We also take time to recognize students and staff who exemplified one of our core values.
Our core values—Compassionate Communication, Big Dreams, Safety & Inclusion, Confidence Through Learning, Creating Fun, and Practicing Presence—guide everything we do. Whether it’s a student showing kindness in their interactions or a staff member inspiring big dreams, taking time to recognize our amazing community is a special part of camp!