Teaching Reading in French: Our Homeschooling Plan

April 24, 2014 by Michele Cherie in Education, French Language Learning, French Resources, Learning Resources, Teaching French

My daughter is a witty five year old who adores books, so I think she's on the cusp of learning to read. But beyond our daily habit of reading together and occasionally reviewing alphabet sounds (in French and English), I haven't pushed her to learn to read (and my two-year-old son has several years before he reaches this milestone). Yet unless our family moves closer to one of the French immersion schools in Oregon, we'll most likely be homeschooling this fall. Read on for more about how we'll approach learning to read in French and the resources we'll use.

Disney's Frozen in French: Music & Film Clips from "La Reine des Neiges"

April 09, 2014 by Michele Cherie in French Language Learning, French Resources, Teaching French

As a fan of quality animated films, my husband was quick to purchase Disney's Frozen on DVD for the benefit of our five-year-old daughter. She adores the story, though I wish that the Blu-ray version we purchased had a French audio option. As a next-best alternative, I'm featuring some official film clips here from La Reine des Neiges, the French version, so that you and my daughter can enjoy portions of this sweet story and its music in French.

French Immersion Schools in Oregon (& Our Probable Choice)

April 02, 2014 by Michele Cherie in Education, French Resources, Learning Resources

I've been reading books on homeschooling since my firstborn was nine months old. I attended private schools myself, and I've always taught in public schools, but homeschooling holds such diverse educational possibilities that it was always my first choice for my children. Nonetheless, I recently re-examined that choice when I realized how much fluency my daughter could gain by spending time in an environment where French is required (rather than continuing to reply to me in English). Living outside Portland, Oregon, we're amazingly blessed to have several Francophone school options:

Classic French Nursery Rhymes & Finger Games: Videos, Lyrics, & Music

March 27, 2014 by Michele Cherie in French Language Learning, Teaching French, French Resources, Education

You may have forgotten most of the nursery rhymes of your childhood, but most likely, those simple songs and rhymes helped you learn the rhythm and sounds of your native language. Whether you're simply curious about French comptines (nursery rhymes) or are serious about wanting to play in French with your little one, these videos of simple French songs with fingerplays will make you smile:

A French Magazine for Early Childhood: Toupie + Chansons

March 03, 2014 by Michele Cherie in Teaching French, French Resources, French Language Learning

Bonjour, les amis! If you're searching for a French children's magazine for ages 3-6, my four-year-old and I highly recommend Toupie et Chansons. (If you prefer a French magazine for toddlers, try Popi; for other ages, here's how to subscribe to other French children's magazines.) We've subscribed to Toupie for two years now, and my daughter re-reads the issues several times per week. Well, technically she can't read yet, but she spends impressive amounts of time staring at the pages and re-reading them with me.

French Children's Music: Radio Stations and Apps

February 19, 2014 by Michele Cherie in French Language Learning, French Resources, Teaching French, Education

Aren't you grateful for the ways in which music can enrich bilingual parenting and teaching? When I taught middle school French, I occasionally streamed Radio Junior for students on my desktop computer, but now that I'm a parent of preschoolers, I've been searching for a French children's station that doesn't feature Disney soundtracks or Katy Perry mixed in with the French pop and dance hits.

Radio Ouistiti is the best fit I've found: A Switzerland-based web radio station (named for a type of monkey), Ouistiti features French music and stories for ages 0-8.

The Red Balloon: The Classic Film for Children & Children at Heart

February 09, 2014 by Michele Cherie in French Resources, Reflections on Parenting, Teaching French, Education

Mes amis, do you vaguely remember the film Le Ballon Rouge (The Red Balloon) from your childhood? I recently watched it again with my children and was reminded how heartwarming it is. Honestly, it's the perfect little film for February, especially if you love Paris, childhood nostalgia, and stories with magical realism.

Coming Soon: Bilingual Family Profiles

February 06, 2014 by Michele Cherie in French Language Learning, French Resources, Reflections on Parenting

Don't you find bilingual families fascinating? I plan to feature a bilingual or multilingual family once per month here at Intentional Mama because we have so much to learn from their experience. Families with French as their minority language will be the focus, but Spanish and other languages will find a place here too.

Here's where you come in, dear readers: First, if you or anyone you know might be willing to be featured, please leave a message for me below or email me at michele@intentionalmama.com. I know people can be leery of sharing information online, so I can definitely leave out names and locations if that's a concern.

Second, what questions would you like to ask parents who are raising bilingual children? What are your doubts and concerns? What resources or information would you love to find?