Teaching Kids French

Studies have shown that children have the ability to learn a second or even third language much easier from an early age, giving youngsters a huge advantage over adults when it comes to picking up on another language. Studies on brain development have also shown that not only is it much easier to learn a new language more quickly and with an increased ability to become fluent, but learning a second language can also help develop a child's brain in other ways, including strengthening a child's understanding and mastery of his or her first language. In a world where communication is a key to success and the world is becoming increasingly global, being bilingual or multilingual has huge advantages in today's world.

With French being one of the most widely spoken languages around the world, there are certainly huge benefits to learning how to speak the language from an early age. Not only is there a huge amount of some of the world's great literature written in the language, but with French being the official language for more than 25 countries around the world, as well as an important language in the world of diplomacy, French can prove to be a beneficial travel, career and academic tool.

For those that want to start teaching their child French at a super young age, there are language learning software programs like Baby Wow! And Baby Einstein, which are built specifically for toddlers to be able to play on the computer and learn French. Any tap on the keyboard or mouse, will bring up a new photo or video sequence labeled and spoken in the foreign language.

For children ages 6 and up, software programs like KidSpeak allow kids to interact with the computer and learn language skills at the same time. If you'd rather go a more traditional route that doesn't involving computer software, an audio series called Teach me Tapes, which teach kids popular songs like the alphabet song and head, shoulders, knees and feet in both French and English. For kids who can already read, picture flashcards in a foreign language and playing games in French can also help them acquire some basic language skills. It has been proven that incorporating interactive games, songs and activities in French is the best way for kids to both learn and retain language skills from a young age.

Recently added translations

  • Namastey
    [Na-ma-s-te]
    (Hindi for Greetings)