Language Study

As a French teacher, people often ask me if my own kids speak the language. Well, we're working on it! The benefits of learning a language at an early age are many, and I don't want my children to miss out. Researchers have found that language acquisition is most natural under the age of 10.

My home is not a bilingual one, but I've tried my best to provide a lot of input and exposure: bilingual/immersion playdates, French picture books, dinnertime immersion, French finger plays, Teach Me French CD's, and Muzzy DVD's. My greatest success was the creation of a Mom-Tot class in my home. As soon as my kids were learning along with others, French became something fun that they were motivated to do.

This past year, I returned to my high school classroom and the Mom-Tot class had to go. Sadly, much of my kids' enthusiasm went, too. So, I have a new plan for the summer---Mommy will be a volunteer French teacher at day care. I've taught preschool foreign language in the past, and I can't wait to pull out the puppets and felt boards. Those 3-6 year olds will be speaking, singing, and playing in French in no time! To find out how I'll structure the lessons, read Foreign Language Circle Time.

Also, be sure to check out these outstanding articles by Carla Snuggs, Suite 101's Day Care Feature Writer:

Full Immersion Preschools

Foreign Language in Preschools

Multiple Languages in Preschools

Preschool foreign language instruction is developmentally sound, necessary, and loads of fun. If your child's preschool does not offer a language program, see what you can do to get one implemented.