By incorporating French into family activities, parents demonstrate that learning new things is fun and can be shared as a family. Having an open attitude and practicing together is all that is required for being successful in learning French.
Parents can read about French second language learning programs available in their area on school board websites. Introducing some French at home can be very helpful in your child’s transition to school. Visiting the public library and selecting a French book as well as an English book, or choosing to stay for French story time can be a wonderful way to introduce the new language into your family’s experiences. Also, watching French TV shows or listening to French music together as a family can expand your child’s French cultural understanding.
Available Resources
Finding French in Ottawa Booklets
Discover French in Ottawa and encourage children to read with these booklets! With the support of Bilingual Ottawa and as part of the Canadian Parents for French “Finding French Story and Learning Time Project,” CPF has developed five booklets that invite children and parents to explore and learn about the bilingual nature of Canada’s capital.
The booklets offer challenges for young French learners of all abilities. It is a great family activity that allows kids and parents to learn new vocabulary and discover Ottawa’s attractions in French.
Click on the images below to download each booklet.
Bonne lecture!
Each booklet is designed to be assembled at home.
CPF Goodnight Bag
We don’t have to tell parents how important bedtime routines can be! CPF has partnered with LEARN to create the French Goodnight Bag, a bedtime routine kit for children aged 3 to 5 and their families to help with their transition to school when they will be introduced to French, most likely for the first time. It supports early childhood learning by developing language and literacy skills in a fun way. It also provides tools and information to introduce French into your regular family activities and healthy lifestyle.