Let’s keep exploring this question:
What will my child be able to do in French by the end of the year?
After sharing some realistic and age-appropriate goals for our Les ateliers des petits pupils (aged 6 months to 4 years), let’s now talk about our Les leçons des grands pupils (aged 3 to 8 years)!
Part 2: Les Leçons des Grands – Different age groups: 3 to 5 years old – 4 to 6 years old & 6 to 8 years old – for beginners to intermediate levels
🎈 Ages 3–5: Curiosity & Confidence Through Play
Focus: Listening, mimicking, and emotional connection to the language.
At this age, children are natural language learners. They absorb sounds, patterns, and meaning through songs, stories, movement, and play. Our priority is to help them feel safe and curious while being totally immersed in the French language without any translation.
Goals and what it looks like in class:
- Recognise and respond to common classroom phrases: in a warm welcome in French, our pupils hear and begin to respond to daily phrases like “Bonjour!”, “Ça va?”, and “Assieds-toi.”
- Play-based and in-context learning to master French vocabulary: Children pick up French vocabulary in a fun and meaningful way. Each topic is part of a wider theme that takes them on a journey through the term and gives them a context to build on. New words are introduced and explored in context so they make sense to children and are easier to remember. Autumn leaves, water play, the Pierrot puppet, sensory items… lots of fun ways to experience the language!
- Join in simple songs, rhymes, and action games: through simple role play and games they build listening and speaking skills. We also use our original French songs to help children connect words with meaning, even if they are new to French. All the songs practised during lessons are linked to the current theme. Singing them at home is an essential tool in supporting the children’s progress in class. Which songs to practise this Autumn term? (3 to 5 years old) Les jours de la semaine – Que va-t-on faire aujourd’hui ? – Je m’habille – Le petit train – Download our 36 original French songs & rhymes here
- Build confidence speaking through repetition and routine: in the caring and stress-free environment we create, our pupils feel confident to say individual words or short phrases when ready, no pressure, just playful practice!
Every activity is designed to spark curiosity, build emotional connection, and help children develop a love for French through joyful, meaningful interaction.
What to do at home?
Reinforce your child’s learning with French nursery rhymes, songs, and picture books, even if you don’t speak French yourself. What your child brings home in their schoolbag is also a fantastic resource! Going through their activities from the week together is a great way to practise the vocabulary.
Find the loveliest French books at the French bookshop Librairie La Page!
🧠 Ages 4–8: Building Vocabulary & Speaking in Phrases
Focus: Expanding vocabulary and forming short sentences.
At this stage, children start to connect words into meaningful phrases, show a growing interest in how language works and are eager to express themselves in French. Repetition, real-life context and full immersion remain key.
Goals and what it looks like in class?
- Conversational practice and expressing feelings and opinions: by asking and answering simple questions (Comment tu t’appelles ? Quel âge as-tu ?), express likes/dislikes, feelings, and preferences (e.g. J’aime les pommes. Je suis content.)
- Use classroom language independently: Phrases like “J’ai fini” or “Je voudrais aller aux toilettes ?” become part of their active vocabulary.
- Telling familiar stories or routines using memorised structures: Through stories, fun worksheets, role play or interactive games, our pupils use and practise the vocabulary and grammatical structures learnt through the term.
- Develop an ear for pronunciation and rhythm: through games and songs with purpose, our mini-linguists focus on reinforcing key vocabulary and improve their pronunciation and accent. All the songs sung during class are directly linked to the term’s topic. Singing them at home is a great opportunity to revise what has been learnt and will give your child’s progress a real boost. Which songs to practise this Autumn term? (4 to 6 years old) On va va va – Oui et Non – Je m’habille – Les verbes d’action (6 to 8 years old) Je m’habille – Avoir – Les verbes d’action Download our 36 original French songs & rhymes here!
- Real-life context learning: Not only are language and grammatical structures introduced through themes that children can relate to, but every part of the lesson is designed to connect with the vocabulary of the day. From songs linked to the theme, to props for fun role-plays, and books that deepen understanding, children are constantly experiencing the language in context!
What to do at home?
At this age, children love to share what they’ve learned! Encourage them to teach you a new French word or phrase at home to build confidence and reinforce memory. For example, take a look together at the worksheet or activity they did in class to practise the main vocabulary of the week.
💡 What if My Child Doesn’t Hit Every Goal?
Language learning isn’t linear and that’s okay. Children may leap forward in one area and take more time in another. Our immersive method allows each child to absorb and produce language at their own pace, without pressure.
The most important thing? Consistency. Like any skill, language develops over time with regular exposure and encouragement.
✨ Whether your child is just starting their French journey or continuing to build their skills, our immersive and playful lessons are here to support them every step of the way. Give your little linguist a head start and register now for our fun French classes in Fulham, Chelsea & Notting Hill! 🇫🇷🎒
Stay tuned for part 3 about our « Classes des Francophones » !
