As we have started the Autumn Term, many parents are asking:
What will my child be able to do in French by the end of the year?
It’s a great question! And one that highlights the importance of setting realistic, age-appropriate goals. Whether your child is taking their first steps in French or continuing their journey, knowing what to expect can help you support their progress and celebrate their milestones along the way!
Part 1: Les Ateliers des Petits – Different age groups: 6 to 18 months old – 1 to 3 years old & 2 to 4 years old – suitable for all level of French
👶 Ages 6 months old to 2 years old: Language Through Listening & Connection
Focus: Exposure, sensory engagement, and emotional connection to the French language
Between 6 months and 2 years old, children aren’t just soaking up the melody and rhythm of the French language, they’re also starting to build their first words of French vocabulary. During this time babies tune into the sounds that matter in the language, recognise familiar words long before they can say them, and gradually begin linking sounds to meaning. The music, facial expressions, and rhythm of speech guide them, but repeated words in consistent contexts help them form the first building blocks of language.
Goals and what it looks like in class:
- Hear French sounds, intonation, and rhythms regularly: from storytelling, songs, games and hands-on activities our little learners are immersed in French at all time.
- Recognise key routine words and target vocabulary and begin to associate gestures with simple French phrases (e.g. bonjour, au revoir, coucou, bravo, encore): with movement or mini role-play with our Petit Pierrot mascot our mini-linguists absorb the vocabulary without realising it! We encourage each pupil to come with their own Pierrot or another puppet to use them in simple role-play. Order your Petit Pierrot mascot on our website here!
- Respond physically to songs and rhymes (e.g. clapping, dancing, pointing): when using our original French songs and rhymes, the familiar melodies and repetitive lyrics encourage bonding, develop listening skills, and lay the foundation for natural French language learning. Download our original French songs and rhymes here!
- Develop an emotional connection to the language through repetition and affection: each session is structured and follows a routine that allows our pupils to repeat and practise effortlessly.
- Developing Parent-child interaction in French: our dynamic teachers lead both adult and child through immersive, interactive and creative activities.
At home: Singing a few French songs from class at a special time of the day, like bath or bedtime, is powerful—even if you’re learning too! Download our 36 original French songs & rhymes here!
🐣 Ages 2 to 4 years old: Understanding, Repeating, and Beginning to Speak
Focus: Comprehension, vocabulary development, and imitation of spoken French.
Toddlers and pre-schoolers begin to understand familiar phrases, join in songs, and eventually repeat and use French words, and even short sentences themselves. This is a magical time when repetition, play, and routine naturally lead to true language absorption, all without pressure.
Goals and what it looks like in class:
- Understand and respond to common phrases (Comment ça va ?, Où est Pierrot ?): our structured sessions always start with a welcoming part, with songs and rhymes, the arrival of Petit Pierrot greeting the group and introducing the theme of the day.
- Recognise vocabulary from familiar themes (animals, colours, body parts, emotions…): our immersive routines, activities and games keep young children engaged, encourage active listening, and help reinforce vocabulary in a fun and playful way.
- Join in repetitive phrases from songs, stories and role-play with predictable patterns: our original French songs and rhymes are used in our classes to reinforce the vocabulary and linguistic patterns seen through the term. Role-play with Petit Pierrot is also used to use the vocabulary in context in a fun way. Get our French songs and rhymes and our Pierrot Puppet here!
- Build confidence hearing and using French saying isolated words and shorts sentences or utterance:
– through sensory play, messy play, playing with different forms, textures, sizes, hands-on activities… are at he heart of our sessions.
– through movement-based learning: from the welcome routine, to singing and movement, through interactive and creative activities, our pupils don’t stay still in our French lessons!
What to do at home: Repetition is key. Using even a few French phrases regularly—like On y va !, Bravo !, or Merci !—creates natural links for your child.
✨ Ready to spark your child’s love for the French language? Join us for fun, playful, and immersive French lessons in Fulham, Chelsea or Notting Hill!
More info & registration here!
Stay tuned for Part 2 about our “leçons des grands” & Part 3 about our “classes des francophones”!
