If you dream of your child speaking fluent French, here are 3 reasons to enrol them in our immersive holiday camps:

1. Our Unique Approach Delivers Results

Not only is our approach unique and highly effective, but children also have fun and don’t even realise they’re learning! This is a challenging programme that ignites children’s natural curiosity. Over our 30 years of teaching, we’ve developed unique techniques that encourage children to listen and speak in French.

Guided and taught by native French teachers, they learn with an authentic accent. We don’t rely on boring vocabulary lists or flashcards; instead, we teach through living and thriving in activities that are age-appropriate. As they engage in these activities, children memorise new vocabulary, and learn or improve their syntax in context, understanding how to use it naturally.

Alongside learning French, children also develop physical and social skills through a wide range of dynamic and creative activities: arts, drama, role play, storytelling, games, sports, cooking, dan

cing, singing, yoga, mindfulness, and fun, creative worksheets to reinforce what they’ve learned.

Daily immersion in our holiday clubs helps children build on what they’ve learned at school or during our weekly lessons. By attending every day, they maximise their exposure to French, ensuring they retain what they’ve learned and make even more progress. With regular exposure, your child will build a strong foundation that can lead to fluency over time, opening up a world of future educational and career opportunities.

Our approach ensures children are happy, curious, and eager to participate and learn. Whether they are beginners, intermediate, or advanced, all children will learn, improve, and consolidate their French in our pressure-free immersion programme. 

2. The Benefits of Learning French with Our Programme Are Amazing and Essential

Starting French early opens a world of benefits for your child:

– Cognitive Development: It boosts brain development, enhancing memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
– Confidence in Speaking: Through regular practice, your child will become more confident in speaking French, paving the way for easier language learning in the future.
– Authentic Accent: Learning from native French speakers ensures that your child develops a natural and authentic accent from the start.
– Cultural Awareness: Language is a gateway to understanding different cultures. Our camps offer children a rich cultural experience, broadening their worldview and fostering open-mindedness.
– Academic Head Start: Our curriculum aligns with Key Stages 1 and 2 of the UK primary school system, giving your child a head start in both French and academic skills.
– Long-Term Fluency: With regular exposure, your child will build a strong foundation that can lead to fluency over time, opening doors to future opportunities in education and careers.

3. Exciting and Enriching Themes During Our Holiday Camps

This half-term, the theme is:

Les Histoires Qui Font (Un Tout Petit Peu) Peur | Tales That Go (Just a Tiny Bit) Boo!

From Monday 28th October to Friday 1st November, children will embark on a magical adventure inspired by French children’s literature. Led by our expert native-speaking French teachers, they’ll dive into a world of imagination and creativity, all while expanding their French vocabulary and conversation skills. The week will culminate in a treasure hunt and a Halloween fancy dress party!

Alors… when your child joins our camp, they truly flourish in every way! With a brilliant mix of activities that nurture creativity, physical skills, and social development, they’ll be happy and thriving on all fronts. The best part? They’ll be learning or improving their French too and without even realising it! A holiday full of fun and français – what could be better?

To Sign up for our half-term holiday camp today and give your child the gift of French immersion, follow this link.

The post French Made Easy for Kids! Our 100% immersive holiday camps make speaking French as natural as having fun! first appeared on Club Petit Pierrot.

VIDEOS & ACTIVITIES TO DOWNLOAD AND ALL MADE BY US! Painting, Cooking, Songs, Games to learn and practise French…. Children will love spotting their French teachers on our YouTube channel and learn with them!

Whether at home or on the go, the Summer Break is the perfect time for your little ones to keep practising French with playful and creative activities. Let’s go to LE BORD DE MER with a painting activity and salt dough craft, enjoy LA CAMPAGNE with a French song, a recipe and a fun worksheet… And let’s take a little detour to LES JEUX OLYMPIQUES in Paris as well!

Les petits poissons nagent
Let’s dive under the sea to paint the fish and the seaweeds! Start by following the teacher’s instructions to learn, but then let your creativity flow.

Download your activity here

Watch the video here

À la mer
C’est l’été ! It’s sunny, let’s go to the beach! With this hands-on activity your mini-linguist will create their own sea and sun landscape!

Download your activity here 

Watch the video here

Les onomatopées des animaux
Did you know? Animal sounds can differ in French and English! Let’s discover them so you can recognise farm animals on your next trip to the countryside!

Download your activity here

Watch the video here

Le biscuit aux fleurs
It’s baking time! Let’s make it summery with a lovely floral print cake with only 3 ingredients! MIAM MIAM

Watch the video here

Un petit cochon pendu au plafond
What would you do if you found a little pig hanging on your ceiling?
This funny French rhyme tells you what to do…

Watch the video here

Les sportifs et leurs disciplines
The Olympics are finally here! Let’s learn about the athletes and their sport in French!

Download your activity here

Watch the video here

Do check out our YouTube channel for loads more exciting videos, complete with downloadable worksheets and fun activities!

For more books and games recommendations, check out our blog « Summer French Activities to practise on holiday – Part 1 »

BONNES VACANCES !

Our Fun French Lessons across London will be back in September with some additional classes in Fulham and a new Venue in Notting Hill (Westbourne Grove).

Registration for Autumn Term here!

The post Summer French Activities to practise on Holiday! (part 2) first appeared on Club Petit Pierrot.

For all levels of French

Books and stories

From 2 to 5 yrs old

Les JO des animaux – click here

Practise counting in French with the animals at the Olympics!

Petit Ours Brun fait de l’escalade – click here

A walk in the wood is not only about picking some mushrooms for Petit Ours Brun… the nature is also a huge playground for him!

From 4 years old

Mes p’tits docs – Les jeux Olympiques – click here

Discover everything about Olympic Games, the most famous sport event worldwide.

From 6 years old

La sorcière du Parc Monceau par Marlène Jobert – click here

Paris won’t be only about the JO this Summer… people will also enjoy and relax in its gardens and parks! But watch out for the witch in the Parc Monceau…

You can also listen to the story here!

From 7 years old

Le grand livre des Jeux Olympiques – click here

Discover lots of fun facts and interesting stories about the Olympic Games!

Art and craft & Games

Art & craft Olympic Medal – click here

Create your own medals for the Olympics!

Pour les francophones

Livres, histoires à écouter et podcasts

From 3 years old

Le Yoga des enfants – click here

The little ones stretch and unwind during the holiday with these yoga podcasts!

From 3 to 6 years old

La grande histoire de “Pomme d’Api” – click chere

Every month children can listen to the story published in the magazine “Pomme d’Api”!

From 6 years old

Les Schtroumpfs Olympiques – click here

The Grand Schtroumpf organises a sport event for all of the Schtroumpfs!

Radio “J’aime Lire” – click here

In the garden, at the beach or on the go, children can practise their French listening to the great stories from “J’aime Lire” magazine!

Jeux et livres d’activités

From 3 years old

Jouer pour réviser – J’entre en petite section – click here 

Mon grand coffret Montessori d’initiation à la lecture – click here

Children discover and learn how to recognise and associate all the letters (capitals and letter cases).

From 4 years old

Passeport de la moyenne à la grande section – click here

Jeu des 7 familles des sports – click here

“Dans la famille Fouduballon je voudrais…” Complete all the sporty families asking for each family members! What a fun way to play with the Olympic Sport this Summer!

From 6 years old

Cahier d’exercices de français – lecture et étude de la langue – click here 

240 questions pour réviser CP vers le CE1 – click here

Stay tuned! More recommendations with activities, videos and games are coming soon! In the meantime, children can also learn and practise French joining our Holiday Clubs!

First week is fully booked – only a few places left for the second one (22nd to 26th July in Chelsea & Fulham)

More info & registration: here!

The post Summer French Activities to practise on Holiday! (part 1) first appeared on Club Petit Pierrot.

Exposure: Immersion is the most beneficial and best way to learn. Surrounding children with French speakers, whether through family members, friends, or immersion programmes, provides constant exposure to the language.

Social interaction: Language acquisition is not about memorising words and grammar rules; it’s also about understanding and engaging with others in meaningful communication.

Interactive Learning: Children learn best through active participation and engagement. Incorporating games, songs, stories, and other interactive activities into their learning experience make the process enjoyable and effective.

Multisensory Approach: Engaging multiple senses in the learning process can enhance retention. Using visual aids, gestures, and tactile materials alongside spoken and written language reinforces comprehension and memory.

Consistency: Regular exposure to the language is crucial. Consistent practice, even in small doses, helps reinforce learning and build fluency over time.

Contextual Learning: Connecting language learning to real experiences helps children understand the practical use of French.

Critical thinking skills: This is fundamental to foster this for effective learning in various domains, including language acquisition.

Patience and Support: Every child learns at their own pace. Providing a supportive environment where they feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them is essential.

Age-Appropriate Materials: Age-appropriate educational activities tailored to children’s interests ensures their engagement and enjoyment while learning French.

In our immersive holiday clubs and in our immersive weekly sessions by focusing on these elements and fostering a positive and supportive learning environment, children develop a strong foundation when they are beginners, further develop their skills as they progress, and enhance their fluency, becoming bilingual.

The post What children’s brains need most to learn a language! first appeared on Club Petit Pierrot.

Alors on y va ! Here is a selection for visiting and enjoying Paris with young children.

Aller au Marché (Visit the Market): Going to a market is a sensory and sociable experience! It’s noisy, filled with delightful smells, and offers opportunities to taste various foods. Markets are scattered throughout the city, but always check their opening days and times.

• Marché des Enfants Rouges: the oldest covered market in Paris

• Marché Raspail: an organic market featuring fresh produce, cheeses, and artisanal products. It’s a great place for families to experience the vibrant local market scene.

Aller au Musée (Visit Museum):

• Le Musée en Herbe: Immerse your little ones in the world of art at Le Musée en Herbe. This interactive museum is specially designed for children, making art exploration a playful and educational experience.
• Cité des Sciences: Spark curiosity and imagination at the Cité des Sciences, a science museum with hands-on exhibits, workshops, and interactive displays near Le Parc de La Villette.
• Little Villette: Enjoy shows and workshops for babys and children of all ages.
• Le Musée du Moyen-Age/Musée de Cluny: Perfect for learning about the Middle Ages with workshops, animations, and cool discoveries.
• Le Musée du Chocolat: Children can learn about the history of chocolate, enjoy tasting and even participate in workshops.
• La maison des histoires The House of Stories is open to all curious minds. Inspired by Scandinavian literary museums, it is an immersive exhibition, “reading-performances,” and a coffee corner. A place where,the book comes to life.
• For more family-friendly museums, check here.

Se Promener (Stroll):

• Le Jardin du Luxembourg: One of the city’s finest parks with pony rides, a large adventure playground, a sandpit, and a beautiful traditional puppet theatre Guignol.
• Jardin des Tuileries: There’s a playground, a carousel, and wide-open spaces for kids to play.
• Montmartre: Explore this stunning neighbourhood, it is like a village !
• Bois de Vincennes: A short Metro ride away, offering a 14th-century castle, a treetop adventure park, botanical gardens, and a children’s playground.
• Eiffel Tower & the Champs de Mars: you can’t miss this and you will enjoy great views.
• Walk on the Banks of the Seine or Take a Seine River Cruise: Experience Paris from a boat, catching glimpses of famous landmarks.
• Paris Plages: If visiting during the summer, don’t miss Paris Plages, a temporary artificial beach along the Seine with activities for children.

And of course, Manger (Eat): You cannot visit France without tasting the cuisine. Look for authentic little cafes, crêperies, and restaurants suitable for children.

For family-friendly options, check here, and for iconic cafes and restaurants, click here.

Don’t miss the Behind the Scenes Bakery Tour with Breakfast.

Last but not least:

• Always check if you need to book tickets for visits, shows, or workshops.
• Learn or revise our PARIS PARIS song MP3s of our songs on our website
• Give children plenty of opportunities to practise their French without pressure.
• And last but not least, just before taking the Eurostar go to CARTON a great boulangerie opposite the Gare du Nord at 6 Boulevard de Denain, 75010 Paris, to bring back amazing bread and croissants!

I guess some of you are wondering why I did not include going to Disneyland. Well it isn’t in Paris anyway, there is nothing French or Parisian about it and I am not sure Mickey Mouse and its friends speak French !

I hope this guide is useful and inspires you to have fun in Paris. We would love to hear from you when you do. Tell us about your experience, your tips, and we want to see some photos.

A BIENTOT !

Bisous aux enfants

Stella

The post A little guide to explore Paris with children first appeared on Club Petit Pierrot.

I would like to share with you some of the key reasons, it is essential to learn a language during the early years!

The brain’s plasticity during childhood provides a unique opportunity for acquiring language skills more easily and there is significant research supporting the many benefits of second language acquisition. This is a critical period as the brain is more plastic and adaptable. After a certain age, the brain becomes less flexible, and language acquisition becomes more challenging.

The brain Learning languages early in life has been associated with changes in brain structure and function. Bilingual individuals, for example, may have more developed areas of the brain related to language processing and cognitive control.

Cognitive development Learning a language early on contributes to cognitive development. It enhances memory, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive abilities. Children exposed to multiple languages often develop better executive functions and demonstrate enhanced creativity and flexibility in thinking.

Literacy Studies have shown that children who are bilingual or multilingual tend to perform better academically. Learning multiple languages enhances literacy skills, including reading, writing, and comprehension. It can also improve performance in subjects like mathematics.

Culture Language is deeply intertwined with culture. Learning a language early exposes children to different cultures, fostering an appreciation for diversity. This early exposure can contribute to a more open-minded and globally aware individual.

Communication Early language acquisition helps develop strong communication skills. Children who learn multiple languages tend to be more effective communicators, as they are accustomed to navigating different linguistic and cultural contexts.

At Club Petit Pierrot, we are not just teaching French, we are fostering a love for learning. Your child will flourish and learn effortlessly!

A BIENTOT !

Stella

Fun French Lessons ONLINE / ACROSS LONDON

The post Key reasons it is essential to learn a language during the early years! first appeared on Club Petit Pierrot.

I was recently interviewed for The French newspaper Le Figaro and on this occasion, the subject was about how best to maintain a child’s language skills and culture for French children living abroad.

It inspired me to write this blog to share my thoughts on this! As a teacher and a mother, I know that it is a challenge.

1. Language and culture are connected!

Speaking a language is not only the use of words to communicate, it is how we share our culture and traditions, as well as our history, sense of humour and emotions!

2. Analyse your context: It will help with any expectations or frustrations.

Not all children with a French parent hear French being spoken to them every day. Ask yourself…

• How often does my child hear spoken French during a week?
• Who speaks French to her/him?
• Does my child understand when I speak French?
• Does he reply in French or English?
• When my child tries to speak French, are they confident?

3. Make a plan!

The most common strategies

• One person – One language / each parent speaks in their native language.
• The minority language is spoken at home. In this case French
• When & Where: Plan moment(s) in your daily or weekly family routine which are always in French.

I advise choosing and adapting any strategy to fit in with your own family lifestyle!

4. What to avoid?

First try not to worry too much about it, remove any stress around the language!

• Don’t force your child to reply in French or repeat all the time, they will be discouraged to speak!
• Avoid systematic translation: It is not necessary, and this would be a missed opportunity to teach more and expand their vocabulary in a natural manner: you could explain the meaning of a word in French with other words, discuss possibilities with your child and/or you can mime, draw while explaining this in French.
• Don’t expect perfection. One learns by experimenting and therefore making mistakes is part of the process.
• Don’t give up, even if your child replies in English or mixes up both languages.

5. The importance of making it fun and meaningful.

• When your child is having fun, she/he is not frightened to experiment, so in this case not frightened to speak.
• Your child needs a reason to speak. They will naturally communicate if it is useful.
• Ideally your child forgets you are speaking in French and just communicates with you (even if in English sometimes or with an imperfect French) and feels that there is no pressure!

6. Several practical ideas to keep it as effortless as possible for you and your child!

• Speak French during everyday life routine: morning and evening routine, meals…
• Read stories: will improve their language skills.
• Play together: with any toys or board games that you both enjoy.
• Cook together: when following instructions, they will develop their listening skills and expand their vocabulary.
• Sing songs: children’s songs but also your favourite adult songs in French! When singing they will effortlessly absorb grammatical structures.

7. Learning a language is a journey.

Children learn a language through hearing it first. Their progress will depend on the amount of exposure they get. Therefore don’t compare their progress with friends or siblings. Each child has their own journey depending on their daily life.

Alors keep at it, having fun will have a positive effect on everyone’s motivation!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call or send an email!

admin@clubpetitpierrot.co.uk | 020 3969 2642

Article in Le Figaro LINK

The post Learn how best to help your young child speak French with you! first appeared on Club Petit Pierrot.

Hairy araignées, pointed sorcières hat, flying chauve-souris, scary fantômes… your mini-linguists will experiment with painting, cooking, colouring, quiz and learn about Halloween all in French! 

Handprint araignées

All ages but very easy to do with little ones!

Watch our native French teacher and make your own spider to decorate your room for Halloween!

Magical Colouring Activity

From 2 to 5 years old

Colour all the letters V in grey… what animal appears?

Halloween Colouring Activity

From 3 to 8 years old

Can you spot all the Halloween characters? Colour them in the right colour!

Cooking Activity: Les monstres!

From 2 to 8 years old

Make your own scary tartines with yummy ingredients and Bon Appétit !

C’est quoi Halloween ?

From 5 years old (advanced to fluent)

Watch the video in French and it’s Quiz Time!

And to make it even more spooky and fun, children can join our Halloween Holiday Club and Event!

Holiday Club from 24th to 28th October in Chelsea

Hall of Remembrance with a playground, Flood Street, London SW3 5SY
Full Day (9am-4pm)From 4 to 6 and 6 to 8 years old. Children will be divided into groups according to their age and level of French.

They will learn, expand their vocabulary and their French language skills with educational and creative activities led by dynamic and dedicated native French teachers!

Only a few places left! You can register here

Storytelling Adventure at the French bookshop Librairie La Page

Children will be immersed in the language, interacting in French while discovering a story with singing and dancing too!

Wednesday 26th October
(7 Harrington Road, London SW7 3ES)
From 1 to 3 years old – 10am – Register here (only a few places left)
From 3 to 5 years old – 11am – Register here (only a few places left)

The post Booooh ! Let’s be effrayant this half-term with spooky activities in French! first appeared on Club Petit Pierrot.

Club Petit Pierrot has been awarded full GOLD accreditation by the Children’s Activities Association

who described our work as outstanding.

We have been teaching French to thousands of children in London since 1993, and we remain as ever-popular and dedicated today. We have been instrumental in both championing the immersion method and in developing Parent & Child programmes for babies and toddlers!

Our health & safety procedures, customer service, teachers’ training, educational programmes, lesson plans and the delivery of our sessions have all been fully approved and endorsed.

Parents can be confident that their children are safe and happy at Club Petit Pierrot.

The outstanding courses are age appropriate, educationally and developmentally sound.

The native French teachers are well trained, extremely committed and carefully monitored.

The post News: UNE RENTREE EN OR !! first appeared on Club Petit Pierrot.

AN EASY NEW YEAR RESOLUTION THAT YOU CAN KEEP!

Like many people, I have a few resolutions at the start of the New Year but find it difficult to keep them. Being a working mum, I always have too much to do and put others‘ needs before my own, so I often end up giving up on them. However, I have always enjoyed doing activities with my son and made sure to enrol him in a few classes where we could have fun together.

Something for you and your child! So if like me you enjoy doing educational activities with your child and if you want to learn or practise French, you could enrol in a class where you can both learn together. That way you get to spend time with your child, have fun and also have the satisfaction of doing something you really want to!

Really, can I learn French with my child? Now you might be wondering if you will learn anything in a class for little ones and you’ll be thinking that surely French classes for children will just teach a few words and songs. You’ll probably also question whether it will get you to a level where you can actually communicate in French next time you go on holiday to France!

Yes, learn and get confident to speak! Well, I can tell you that in a Fun French immersion class with a wide range of activities, it is achievable, giving you lots of opportunities to improve your French. And not only will you enjoy a French class with your child, enjoy seeing him/her flourish and learning a new language, but you will get the opportunity to practise and become more confident in speaking French yourself.

Allez-y ! While playing with your child, you can learn useful and practical vocabulary as well as acquiring real communication skills in French! So why not attend an immersion class and at least keep that resolution and get ready for your next French holiday?!

BONNE ANNEE 2017 !!

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