Especially when learning a language!

 

Did you know?

At the heart of our French lessons, you’ll often find a book.
We welcome children into every class with French books for them to discover. After a warm “Bonjour ! » from their teachers, it’s the very first experience they have when they walk through the door. Not only story times are a central part of our weekly lessons, but also we organise dedicated Storytelling Workshops throughout the year!

This is not by chance! This isn’t just a lovely childhood ritual… Research in early childhood development and bilingual education shows that storytelling is one of the most effective ways young children acquire language.

Children lean in. Their eyes widen. They anticipate. They imagine.

Language is learned through meaning, not memorisation

Children learn through social interaction and shared experiences. Stories provide exactly that: rich language, facial expression, gesture, repetition and emotional engagement.

Rather than memorising isolated vocabulary, children hear words in context, which mirrors how they learned their first language.

 

Repetition builds strong neural pathways

Neuroscience tells us that repeated exposure strengthens connections in the brain. Stories naturally include predictable patterns and recurring phrases, helping children internalise sentence structures and pronunciation over time.

When children ask to hear the same story again, they’re not just enjoying it… they’re consolidating language.

 

Listening comes before speaking

Research in bilingual development highlights the importance of comprehension before production. Through storytelling, children develop:

• Focused listening skills
• Sensitivity to new sounds
• The ability to understand meaning without translation

This builds confidence and lays the foundation for spontaneous speaking!

 

Emotion enhances learning

Educational psychology consistently shows that positive emotional experiences support memory and retention. When children associate French with imagination, laughter and connection, they are far more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

Every story opens a door…to language, confidence and joy! Our next Storytelling Events and Holiday Camps offer children the chance to explore French in the most natural way possible: through imagination, laughter and shared experience.

Join our next Storytelling Events on 

• 18th of February at the French bookshop La Page in South Kensington – from 1 to 3 years old at 3pm & from 3 to 5 years old at 4.15pm
• 22nd of March for the South Ken Kids Festival at the Institut Français – from 4 to 8 years old at 11am

➡️ Book Here

Join our next Holiday Camps for half-term & Easter! ➡️ Book Here!