Here is just a brief list with links of some of the favorite French things that have become staples in our home for learning French.
Many of these items were sourced through the internet, some brought back while on vacation and others were great finds at local bookstores.
Music
We are huge music fans in our home. Putumayo offers a wonderful series of “Playground” CDs, which are designed for the younger set but are thoroughly entertaining for adults as well. One of my favorite things about the French Playground CD is that the songs are from French speaking countries around the world.
Recently I also discovered this quaint little website that is a great resource for learning together with your child. Mama Lisa has collected a number of nursery rhymes and songs together and provided audio clips, lyrics and sheet music to assist you and your child in learning and singing with ease.
http://www.mamalisa.com/world/france.html
A classic record has been redistributed on CD. This album was a staple in many households with French speaking children in the 70s and the clear tones and lyrics make this an excellent sing along.
http://www.amazon.com/French-Children-Lucienne-Vernay-Quatres/dp/B00005CEP5/ref=pd_sim_m_7
Books
There are such a wide variety of publishers out there offering French books that are easily accessed through the web.
Usborne Books is one of our favorite publishers. They offer a wide selection of books including a French Songbook (see above music notes) that links to a website that has the music for the songs online. They also have an incredible selection of first word dictionaries, flipbooks that introduce French language and English vocabulary together and many other storybooks and learning aids. The online learning support offered by this company is truly amazing and the texture and feel of the books are inviting. http://www.usborne.com/catalogue/browse.asp?css=1&subject=l&subcat=LF
Flashcards
Flashcards can be an effective tool to use for learning. There are many styles available but eeBOO (www.eeboo.com) has some of the best that are out there in my opinion. With detailed images on beautifully colored cards, one side offers the image with the word in French, a phrase beneath containing the word, and a header at the top for what category it belongs to (i.e.: colors, animals, transportation). The flip side offers the exact same information only in English. The best part about these flash cards is they include a card that offers suggestions on how to effectively use the cards in addition to a card that offers phonetic translations for each of the words and phrases for any of the cards. There are hours of activities and games that can be created with this set.
Dictionary
Having a good dictionary is essential. When you r child is young, it is the perfect resource for you to ensure that your pronunciation is right or to find the correct translation for a word and as your child gets older, they in turn can use this resource for themselves.
Movies
You may already have some of these resources at home. Check your DVDs to see if they have the option of being played in French. Some do and it is very easy to setup to play in French from the main menu. For older children, you can also set up the subtitles so that they become aware of the written words in French as well.
Here are just a few resources to get you started to help your child learn French at home. If you have a resource or something that you do to keep your child learning and excited about language, we would love to hear about it. Please add a comment and share your favorite learning tip or resource. Don’t forget to include your email address.
We will draw randomly from all comments on 10/15/ 2008 and the lucky winner will receive a set of eeBoo French Flashcards.
Dana Fontaine
French School Project Group
