Learning a language can be difficult for a child if they are only studying it a few hours a week. The best way to learn a language is to be fully immersed in it. If you moved to a French speaking country, your child would pick up the language in no time. However, there are ways to facilitate your child’s learning and help your French tutor in Vancouver Island, B.C. by encouraging French learning at home and in your daily activities.
1. Your French tutor may be teaching your child French songs. Try to learn these with your child so that they can practice the language at home. Singing is one of the best and most ancient ways of memorization. You can even ask your French Tutor to sing more songs to your child so they can grasp the subject easier.
2. If your child is learning about French culture, consider cooking French food with them. Ask your French tutor to spend some time introducing French foods and recipes during the tutoring session. You can also help your child use their French by using the French names for foods you eat regularly like fruits, vegetables, bread, milk, etc.
3. Do role playing activities together. After making a French meal, set up the dining room like a French restaurant. They can write a script with their French tutor. First they can practice being the server, explaining what the food is and how to take the orders. Then they can also practice being the guest and learn the proper way to order their food just as if they were in a restaurant in France. Take this a step further by taking your child to a local French restaurant in Vancouver Island and let them order their meal in French.
4. Play familiar card or number games (using French). Any opportunity to count in French will ingrain the French numbers into your child’s memory. Play games that require counting such as dice or card games. Cribbage is a game that uses counting as well as addition, so they can practice French and Math at the same time.
5. Find children’s books written in French that your child can read with you and with the French Tutor. Try to find a book that your child is already familiar with and that they enjoy reading. Encourage them to read aloud so they can practice their pronunciation.
6. Turn your house into an interactive flash card. Ask your French Tutor to make labels for things around the house such as the window, table, refrigerator, closet, light, etc. and post them around the house so that your child gets used to seeing the French word when they look at the objects.
7. Let your French Tutor know about the subjects that interest your child, so they can use them as conversation ideas during their tutoring sessions.
These are just a few ways you can increase your child’s interest and practice of the French language. You will see improvement in their skills and at the same time they will be enjoying the learning process with you and with your French tutor.
