Teaching French as a Foreign Language in preschool and elementary school within a bilingual international school fosters the development of linguistic and cultural skills of young non-native learners.
Pedagogical Strategies
Our pedagogical strategies align with those used by native English, Spanish, and German teachers who teach to beginner students. An initial assessment allows the teacher to determine each student’s level and linguistic skills. Once the assessment is completed, the teaching methods are adapted and personalized to be both interactive and playful. Our methods include role-playing, songs, and artistic activities. We also emphasize oral skills and the integration of the language into the children’s daily routines.
Importance of Body Movement
Using the body is essential in language learning, particularly for young children. In kindergarten, activities can include simple words and short phrases, as in games like “Simon Says”. Daily routines help children memorize vocabulary. For example, motor skills courses, with instructions in French, allow the combination of language learning and physical movement.
Repetition
Repetition also plays a key role in the learning of French as a Foreign Language. Songs, stories, theater, and puppetry help non-native children memorize language vocabulary.
Group Work and Themes
For older students (elementary), group work is very formative. Teachers propose various themes such as food, nature, animals, family, neighborhood, school, etc., to enrich linguistic skills. Team spirit between pupils, under the teacher’s supervision, fosters collaborative and deep learning. Students can also present their work to their French classmates to develop their oral and presentation skills.
Tools
To enhance the interactivity of French learning, board games and educational apps are used. We also introduce French cultural elements through stories, celebrations, and traditions to enrich the learning experience. Group projects on the discovery of a region, a culinary practice, or a historical element also enhance students’ linguistic culture.
Assessments
Regular and level-appropriate assessments allow us to track our students’ progress. Additionally, an individual language journal can be used to monitor each child’s work and learning objectives.
French as Foreign Language teaching at Eurécole Primary School is designed to offer a rich, personalized, and effective learning path for each non-native student. Our differentiated approach, which integrates various pedagogical strategies and cultural elements, guarantee a stimulating learning environment. Students can progress at their own pace and develop strong linguistic French skills.