Paris – Your Child’s Gateway to French Language and Culture

When you think of a trip to Paris, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t necessarily your children. Surprisingly however, Paris is one of the most child-friendly cities you can visit. The many parks, children’s museums and easily-recognisable landmarks make Paris a feast for your child’s senses, laying the foundation for their interest in culture, foreign language and the arts. Travelling to Paris puts what your child knows about France and the French language into context. It allows them to experience the language as it is spoken and gives them a reason to practice. In this blog, we give you some ideas about how you can introduce your kids to this culture-rich city in a way that’s relevant and interesting to them. And you never know, by looking at Paris from this different angle, you might even find some unexpected joys of your own…

Must-Sees
There are a few must-sees in Paris that will delight both parents and children alike. Children will recognize some of the city’s most well-known monuments from their cartoons – think Ratatouille, The Aristocats, and Peppa Pig in
Paris. You might even want to watch some of these cartoons as a family before you leave. Can you imagine the
look in their eyes when they actually see some of these famous sites for real?

  1. The Eiffel Tour
    The story behind Paris’ most recognizable monument is fascinating, not only for adults but also for kids,
    thanks to a fun treasure hunt you can pick up on the first floor. The many monuments you can see from
    the top are just as rich in history so make sure to pack some binoculars so little eyes can explore the
    skyline for themselves. Just below the Tour itself is the Champs de Mars, where you’ll find an excellent
    park with a playground, fairground rides and other activities.
  2. The Musée du Louvre
    The Louvre is another must-see in Paris. Luckily, the museum does a great job catering for kids so make
    sure to check out the website before you go – there are plenty of fun videos that’ll spark your kids’
    interest.
  3. A Cruise en Bateau Mouche
    After your trip to the Louvre, relax by taking a boat cruise on the Seine. Family-friendly tours leave close
    by the Museum and are a great way to see many well-known monuments without getting too tired.

Parks and Gardens: a breath of fresh air
Visiting Paris in Spring or Summer is a great way to make the most of Paris’ many green spaces. The city’s parks
and gardens are perfect for taking time out from the hustle and bustle and enjoying what French life is all about. Many parks offer fun activities that let kids learn about French culture and language through play…

  1. Jardin des Tuileries
    Located near the city’s most well-known museums, Le Jardin des Tuileries is the perfect spot to relax between visits. Initially built as a private garden for the French royal family, this green oasis has fun activities for kids such as a fairytale-like carousel, wooden sailboats and a playground with slides, swings and trampolines. Why not encourage your kids to use their French language to meet some local kids?
    Meanwhile, parents can watch the Parisian world go by while enjoying a pastry from a nearby stall.
  2. Jardin du Luxembourg
    Not only is the Jardin du Luxembourg one of the city’s most beautiful parks, it also has a host of fun, cultural activities for kids. Make sure to see a Marionette Show at the puppet theatre. Kids can also ride ponies or hire a toy sailboat to float in the pond. For some more fun, you could even set your kids out on a hunt to find the 20 sculptures of “Queens of France”.
  3. Le Jardin des Plantes
    Little adventurers will love the Jardin des Plantes with its own Zoo, Art Deco hot house, and enormous network of hollowed-out bushes. So, how about a game of “cache-cache” (hide and seek)?

Paris’ Museums are Surprisingly Kid-Friendly

Paris is known for having some of the most outstanding museums and art galleries in the world. Here are our recommendations for museums that are likely to be the most fun for little ones in the city of light:

  1. The Musée en Herbe
    Located close to the Louvre, this itsy-bitsy museum is a delight for kids aged 4 to 104. The regularly changing exhibitions get kids interested in art through big splashes of color, interactive displays and fun activities. And with only four small rooms, it’s easy to capture and keep kids’ attention!
  2. The Musée d’histoire naturelle
    Kids will love this museum filled with impressive life-sized animals including elephants, rhinos and tigers. The museum also houses imaginative exhibits including a virtual reality room where you can explore the evolution of man or experience a 15-minute journey on board a submarine.
  3. Cité des sciences et de l’industrie de Paris
    Paris’ largest children’s museum has all sorts of fun exhibits for curious kids and adults aged two and up. Learn anything and everything about the human body, transportation, science, mathematics, robots, and more. To keep the older kids entertained, there’s also an IMAX cinema, laser game, virtual-reality room, freefall and space-flight simulators.

Amusement Parks
It’s safe to say that one thing your kids already know about is some of Paris’ amusement parks. So why not make
the most of their enthusiasm to get them learning some French words for fun…

  1. Le Jardin d’Acclimatation
    For those who don’t want to spend a whole day at Day at an amusement park, Le Jardin d’Acclimitation is a great option. With over 40 rides, a jungle gym and even a small aviary, Le Jardin d’Acclimitation is located in the Bois de Boulogne, right on Metro Line 1. As an added bonus, The Louis Vuitton Foundation art museum is just next door : )
  2. Le Parc Astérix
    Le Parc Astérix is a theme park based on France’s much loved comic book series The Adventures of Astérix (Astérix le Gaulois in French). The comic book’s main characters, Asterix and Obelix, roam around the park
    greeting visitors while they navigate the park’s rollercoasters, merry-go-rounds and different areas including the Land of the Gauls, ancient Egypt, the Roman empire, and more.
  3. Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is France’s most popular amusement park with around 12 million visitors per year. Like its American counterparts, Disneyland Paris is a pretty sure bet for kids. Parents will also be pleased to know that its less expensive than Disneylands in the US and Japan.

Other ideas

  • Bastille Day Fireworks
  • Macaron-making class at Galleries Lafayette
  • Exploring the spooky underground Catacombs


Learning about French language and culture in a classroom is one thing. But giving your child the opportunity to develop an interest and passion of their own is what will drive their own learning. Planning a trip to Paris based on your child’s interests and hobbies will enable you to get the most of your trip and create an unforgettable experience for your child. So the experience stays with them even after they come home, why not get them to make a travel journal with cultural experiences they enjoyed and language they learned? Paris is, after all, known for its ability to inspire.

Benefits of Learning French from a Native-Speaking Teacher

There’s much debate about whether it’s more effective to learn a language with a native speaker or with someone who has learned another language later in life. Learning French or another language with either a native or non-native teacher has its advantages. Above all, what’s important with French classes for kids is that the teacher has a good knowledge of the language and culture as well as the teaching skills required to transmit that knowledge. Just as important is that the teaching style is adapted to each child, their age and learning preferences.

 

A native speaker is a person who learned to speak the language as a child rather than learning it later in life. Native speakers are able to innately understand the language and speak it fluently without an accent. On the other hand, non-native speakers, are people who have learned a language as a second or third tongue. One advantage of non-native teachers is that they learned the language at school themselves, so they understand the learning process from a student’s perspective. Learning a language with a native speaker however has many other benefits and is definitely recommended for those looking for a more practical and actionable result.

 

  1. Learn French as it’s Spoken in France

French is a beautiful language. But it’s also one that can be intimidating when spoken by a native. Native speakers tend to speak a little faster, using idioms, slang and phrases you will not find in a textbook. However, this is the way French is spoken in France today. If your child learns French in this way from the beginning, they will be able to understand and participate in real conversation. They will also be able to continue learning for themselves in a French-speaking environment. By learning from a French native speaker, your child receives their linguistic and cultural passport to France.

 

  1. Better Pronunciation

One of the key components to learning a language is pronunciation. According to the Canadian Center of Science and Education (CCSE), “Pronunciation must be viewed as a crucial and integral part of communication that should be incorporated into classroom activities.” Because even if your French grammar and vocabulary is textbook perfect, there’s no way you can make yourself understood in-country if your pronunciation is incorrect. However, if your child is learning from a native speaker, correct pronunciation is the only form of French they will know. They will naturally mimic the way the teacher speaks and in turn, establish correct pronunciation habits.

 

  1. Become Familiar with French Culture

As well as correct pronunciation, native-speaking French teachers grew up with and have excellent knowledge of French culture. Understanding French culture will make it a lot easier and enjoyable for your child to learn the language and spend time conversing with people in-country. For example, when your child enjoys their first French meal, they will have no trouble saying important phrases like “Est-ce que je pourrais avoir encore de la mousse au chocolat s’il vous plait” ; ) Followed of course by, “merci beaucoup, tout était delicieux!”

 

  1. French is More than Words

Learning any language requires more than just words. French, in particular, is a language full of gestures that can either confuse language learners or make it significantly easier for them to communicate. Native speakers are not only fluent in the verbal form of their language but also in gestures. By speaking to students the way people would in France, using gestures, native-speaking teachers relay this important information to students.

 

  1. Strengthen Links to France

As well as a language teacher, your instructor is your link to France. Your native-speaking teacher will be proud of their country and culture and can share a wealth of information with students. By sharing anecdotes about life in France, your native-speaking French teacher can inspire your child to learn and continue their learning for themselves. Your native-speaking teacher can also recommend resources that will help your child learn outside the classroom such as popular French children’s books, TV shows or films.

 

Teaching a child a foreign language requires much more than knowledge of the language, grammar and the right classroom materials. First of all, teachers must be enthusiastic. They should also be patient, empathetic, engaging, attentive and skilled at providing clear explanations and regular feedback. However, there’s no doubt that your child’s learning will be directly linked to the knowledge and experience of his or her teacher. And that’s why learning French from a native speaker has so many noticeable benefits. Learning the way people actually speak in France equips your child to be able to continue learning French on their own. On your next trip to France, your child will be able to ask for directions, order at a restaurant and make friends with French children. And as soon as they can do these things, their passion and desire to learn the French language will blossom.

 

 

Benefits of Bilingualism for Kids

Why should a child try to learn a second language while they’re still mastering their first? Surely, a second language would be too much while a child is simultaneously navigating subjects such as math, history, chemistry, and more. However, childhood is a stage when the acquisition of a second language comes most naturally. The acquisition of a second language also helps children learn in other ways.

Children’s brains very easily absorb the sounds, structures, intonation patterns, and rules of a second language. Prior to adolescence, language learners benefit from flexible ear and speech muscles capable of detecting the sounds of a second language and reproducing them to perfection. This is why a child who learns a second language before the end of adolescence will be able to speak the language like a native, without an accent.

Speaking multiple languages stimulates children’s brains in multiple ways. In fact, the cognitive advantages of learning a second language for kids are far-reaching:

  1. Improved memory:speaking multiple languages stimulates children’s brains and trains them to retain information more effectively. In addition, bilingual children learn to assimilate data more effectively than monolingual children. The muscle memory developed from using two languages can also facilitate other learning.
  2. Stronger mental elasticity:Bilingual children process information faster than their monolingual counterparts. By practicing a second language, bilingual children constantly train themselves to juggle words and navigate different situations. In this way, learning a new language as a child helps develop the brain’s flexibility and ability to assess the world from multiple perspectives.
  3. Better problem solving:It has been proven that bilingual children have the ability to solve problems more easily (1). When learning a second language, children must quickly decipher which word to use and in which language to use it. The thought process of bilingual children is therefore faster than that of their monolingual counterparts. Bilingual children are accustomed to getting around speech problems quickly.
  4. Enhanced cognitive skills: Bilingualism in children increases cognitive performance. This enables children greater intellectual flexibility and brain plasticity.
  5. Improved multitasking: Children who speak multiple languages are more likely to carry out several activities at the same time than those who speak only one language. As a result, bilingual children have greater cognitive flexibility because they’re accustomed to switching between two activities.

Providing a child with the opportunity to learn a second language will help them perform at school. Bilingual children develop skills that they can apply in other learnings. They also benefit from having more opportunities in the future. It’s important to remember that a child’s brain is flexible and the skills developed from learning a second language are immeasurable.

(1): Bilingualism: consequences for mind and brain. National Library of Medicine, 2012.

Learning French – A lifelong investment for your children

French is the world’s 5th most popular language by the number of speakers after Mandarin, English, Spanish and Arabic. Along with English, French is the only language spoken across the world’s five continents. In 2018, 300 million people worldwide (1) were able to express themselves in French. With the projected population increase in Africa in the future, the French language can expect to further strengthen its standing on the international stage.

Our previous article on the Benefits of Bilingualism for Kids (insert link) demonstrated how learning a second language has a positive impact on children’s cognitive and intellectual development. But the benefits of bilingualism are even more far-reaching than your child’s early development. By providing your child the opportunity to learn French at a young age, you are also strengthening and widening their professional opportunities.

Learning French as a child puts you at an advantage in the business world:

  1. The language of international organizations: French and English ​​are consistently listed as official languages ​​of the world’s most influential international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO and the International Court of Justice, and the International Red Cross.
  2. A language for business: Although many large companies adopt English or another language for everyday operations, these same companies often seek French-speaking staff in order to pursue business opportunities in French-speaking countries. Candidates who speak French are therefore at an advantage because of their ability to communicate in French and advance corporate pursuits in French-speaking markets. This being so, a French-speaking candidate will be at a significant advantage in terms of their career choice and salary (2).
  3. A language spoken across 5 continents: The French language is spoken across the world’s five continents. In addition, French is the official language of no less than 75 different countries. In our increasingly globalized world, speaking French is an asset for your child’s future career and professional mobility.

Learning French gives your child more than a second language…
Learning French opens your child not only to a new language but also a new culture. Your child will learn the French language through spelling, vocabulary and the French rules of grammar (and their many exceptions). In addition, your child will discover France’s history, values, traditions, artists and the many other fascinating elements that make up France’s rich culture. Around the world, French is the lingua franca for many sectors such as gastronomy, philosophy, literature, painting, dance, architecture, poetry and more. In this way, knowledge of the French language provides your child with a head-start and deeper understanding of many of the world’s artistic disciplines.

Learning French facilitates study in France
France is one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations. Understandably, it is also a very popular destination for international students. With knowledge and understanding of the French language, your child would have the ability to study at reputable French universities such as La Sorbonne, Pierre et Marie Curie University and more. Not as well known outside of France are the country’s “grandes écoles” such as HEC, Polytechnique and ESSEC. These business schools often accept international students at significantly reduced tuition rates. Students who are fluent in French may also, under certain conditions, benefit from French government scholarships to pursue Master’s-level studies in France, obtaining an internationally recognized diploma on completion.

In the 2020 school year, there were 358,000 international students studying in France, making it one of the most popular destinations in the world (3). However, to be able to study in France, international students are required to have a very good existing knowledge of the French language. Knowledge of the language puts students in good standing and mitigates academic difficulties caused by language. When processing international student applications, higher education institutions very often require proof that the student has the language proficiency to enable them to complete courses successfully.

Learning French allows your child to see the world differently!
After English and German, French is the third most commonly used language on the Internet, ahead of Spanish. Understanding French allows your child a different view of the world. French is an analytical language that structures thought and develops critical thinking. By learning French, children also learn to present arguments and different points of view, skills very useful in analysis and debate. French was the language spoken by some of the world’s greatest philosophers including Descartes, Sartre and Derrida as well as world-renowned scientists Pierre and Marie Curie, Pasteur and Georges Charpak.

Studying French will open up many possibilities for your child. Students who speak several languages ​​will increase their chances in the job market in their own country and internationally. Learning another language leads to a richer life full of new horizons, both personally and professionally.

(1): Observatory of the French language of the International Organization of La Francophonie. 2018
(2): Review of economics and statistics 87. 2015
(3): Source: Project Atlas, 2020

5 Tips for Kids Learning a Second Language

Our last blog, Learning French – A lifelong investment for your children (click here), explored how bilingualism provides children great personal and professional possibilities in later life. In another blog, Benefits of Bilingualism for Kids (add link), we saw how learning a second language during childhood contributes to cognitive and socio-emotional development, accelerates learning, and promotes appreciation of diversity.

But how exactly can you teach your child a foreign language? Here are a few tips that make language learning more effective and more enjoyable…

  1. Introduce the language early: The first step in mastering a foreign language is to start as early as possible. In fact, it’s never too early for a child to start learning and benefiting from the increased flexibility and memorization that a second language provides. This does not mean that children can no longer learn a foreign language after adolescence. However, learning a language later means learning differently AND not as easily. So don’t delay, give your child the best chance to learn and master a second language but starting early.
  2. Start by teaching the basics: As a wise person once said, Let’s start at the very beginning, A very good place to start…
    When learning a second language, it’s best to start with the basics such as numbers, colors, alphabet, greetings and shapes. Even if you’re not familiar with the foreign language your child is learning, you can start by watching short educational YouTube videos, for example. Hearing the second language will help your child understand the different sounds. After watching them together, try also repeating the words together. This will enable you to share the learning experience with your child. Another one of the most effective ways to teach your child a foreign language is through music. Whenever you can, play background music in the foreign language and you will see that after a while, you’ll hear the beautiful sound of your child singing in a foreign language.
  3. Learn from a native teacher: External support providers can be extremely helpful for children learning a second language. Try to find a native-speaking teacher who makes your child want to learn. Learning a second language should be approached differently than learning your mother tongue. Children can easily see language learning as a boring extra-curricular activity without understanding how it could benefit them in the future. It is important to cultivate a child’s desire to learn rather than their desire to please you. This is exactly why it’s so important to find a teacher that inspires your child and makes them want to learn. Regardless of their age, children learn best when they are having fun. Whether playing games or drawing, play time together is always the best way to introduce new vocabulary and phrases.
  4. Find opportunities for your child to practice the language: While language lessons, group discussions and other study materials will provide a good foundation for language learning, you will need to find other ways for your child to practice. For example, going on vacation in a country where they can practice the new language is a great way to reinforce what they’ve learned. Finding language groups on social networks is another great way. In fact, any situation in which your child can be immersed in the new language will enable your child to learn. Learning a new language is not easy, and it will not happen overnight. But having the ability to speak a foreign language is a major asset that your child can keep for life.
  5. Associate the new language with fun activities: Children love to play and have fun with games or funny videos. Allocate time for your child to have fun but consider doing some of their favorite activities in the second language. For example, many popular Netflix or Disney shows are also offered in other languages. And some advice from personal experience, start a new movie or show saying that it’s only available in the second language ; ) By associating the new language with things your child already loves, learning a second language won’t feel like a chore!Learning a second language has many benefits for children. If you want your child to become bilingual, then choose the language you want to learn and start now. It is one of the best investments you can make for your child’s future.

Is your Child Ready for the Digital World?

Online classrooms aren’t for everyone. But for some kids, digital learning is a more well-adapted, enjoyable, and effective way to learn. Online learning got a bad rap after educators and institutions were forced to switch rapidly to digital at the onset of the pandemic. But this strange time seems to have had a silver lining for some. Overall, it allowed virtual teaching and learning to be considered a possibility. It also allowed kids to give it a go – and some loved learning more than ever as a result.
 
  1. Flexible Learning

    For many kids, online learning offers flexibility they wouldn’t otherwise have access to in a traditional classroom. Learning French or another foreign language requires discipline and continuity. For families often on the move, regular class attendance in the same location isn’t an option. Online classes however enable your child to continue learning a language or other topics from wherever they are in the world.

  2. Access to More and Better Teachers

    This increased flexibility also benefits teachers who can log in from wherever they are. This, in turn, provides students with access to a much greater range of teachers with different specializations and talents. Teachers who navigate to digital teaching environments are often those who are inspired and motivated to employ new technologies, creating exciting opportunities for children to learn and thrive in a digital environment.

  3. Adapted to All Learning Styles

    4. The switch to online learning in 2020 revealed another interesting benefit which many say, will continue driving the development of online education for a long time to come. It was found that some children, prone to anxiety in traditional classrooms, thrived in the relatively calm and stable environment of the virtual world. Online settings proved to be more well-adapted to children who preferred their own comfort zone where they were able to learn at their own pace. Virtual breakout rooms also allowed children to connect with teachers and friends on a more private level without disruption or competition.

  4. Actually, Learning CAN be Fun

    5. As well as providing a calmer setting, digital classrooms enable new and fun ways for kids to learn. And while gamification and video content aren’t what we traditionally associate with academia, these new additions to the classroom keep kids entertained, engaged, and motivated to learn. In addition, they prepare your child for the ever-increasingly digital environment in which we live.

  5. Other Considerations

    6. While these benefits are clear, there are still a number of things to keep in mind when it comes to online learning and if it’s right for your child. Firstly, there’s the lack of social interaction which for some children, can be difficult. While some kids thrive in the virtual world, others can find this type of learning environment distracting and hard to get used to. For this reason, it’s essential for teachers to incorporate a variety of new and engaging tools that help children interact as well as focus over the duration of the lesson. Another obvious challenge of online learning is ensuring a reliable internet connection. Even today, there are many parts of the world where connections can be patchy or non-existent. And while online technologies have proven to be highly beneficial, not having consistent access can be detrimental. Lastly, finding a teacher that’s right for your child can be challenging without being able to meet in person. How can you tell the teacher employs methodologies that will allow your child to learn? Will the teacher be willing to adapt to your child’s preferred learning methods? All these questions and points we’ve explored are what parents need to think about when considering online learning for their child. And while online environments might not be suited to everyone, digital is certainly the way the world is heading and any practice your child can get will provide the opportunity to be prepared for the future. The last few years have seen digital learning environments improve dramatically, becoming more and more adapted to different learning styles and preferences. So while it’s not the brick and mortar classroom we remember so well, this virtual equivalent certainly promises new and exciting opportunities that your child might just take a liking to.