After sharing some realistic and age-appropriate goals for our Les ateliers des petits pupils (aged 6 months to 4 years), let’s now talk about our Les leçons des grands pupils (aged 3 to 8 years)!

Part 2: Les Leçons des Grands – Different age groups: 3 to 5 years old – 4 to 6 years old & 6 to 8 years old – for beginners to intermediate levels 

Ages 3–5: Curiosity & Confidence Through Play

Focus: Listening, mimicking, and emotional connection to the language.

At this age, children are natural language learners. They absorb sounds, patterns, and meaning through songs, stories, movement, and play. Our priority is to help them feel safe and curious while being totally immersed in the French language without any translation.

Goals and what it looks like in class:

• Recognise and respond to common classroom phrases: in a warm welcome in French, our pupils hear and begin to respond to daily phrases like “Bonjour!”, “Ça va?”, and “Assieds-toi.” 
• Play-based and in-context learning to master French vocabulary: Children pick up French vocabulary in a fun and meaningful way. Each topic is part of a wider theme that takes them on a journey through the term and gives them a context to build on. New words are introduced and explored in context so they make sense to children and are easier to remember. Autumn leaves, water play, the Pierrot puppet, sensory items… lots of fun ways to experience the language!   You can order our Petit Pierrot mascot here!
• Join in simple songs, rhymes, and action games: through simple role play and games they build listening and speaking skills. We also use our original French songs to help children connect words with meaning, even if they are new to French. All the songs practised during lessons are linked to the current theme. Singing them at home is an essential tool in supporting the children’s progress in class. Which songs to practise this Autumn term? (3 to 5 years old) Les jours de la semaine – Que va-t-on faire aujourd’hui ? – Je m’habille – Le petit train – Download our 36 original French songs & rhymes here
• Build confidence speaking through repetition and routine: in the caring and stress-free environment we create, our pupils feel confident to say individual words or short phrases when ready, no pressure, just playful practice!

Every activity is designed to spark curiosity, build emotional connection, and help children develop a love for French through joyful, meaningful interaction. 

What to do at home? 

Reinforce your child’s learning with French nursery rhymes, songs, and picture books, even if you don’t speak French yourself. What your child brings home in their schoolbag is also a fantastic resource! Going through their activities from the week together is a great way to practise the vocabulary.

Find the loveliest French books at the French bookshop Librairie La Page! 

Ages 4–8: Building Vocabulary & Speaking in Phrases

Focus: Expanding vocabulary and forming short sentences.

At this stage, children start to connect words into meaningful phrases, show a growing interest in how language works and are eager to express themselves in French. Repetition, real-life context and full immersion remain key.

Goals and what it looks like in class?

• Conversational practice and expressing feelings and opinions: by asking and answering simple questions (Comment tu t’appelles ? Quel âge as-tu ?), express likes/dislikes, feelings, and preferences (e.g. J’aime les pommes. Je suis content.)
• Use classroom language independently: Phrases like “J’ai fini” or “Je voudrais aller aux toilettes ?” become part of their active vocabulary.
• Telling familiar stories or routines using memorised structures: Through stories, fun worksheets, role play or interactive games, our pupils use and practise the vocabulary and grammatical structures learnt through the term. 
• Develop an ear for pronunciation and rhythm: through games and songs with purpose, our mini-linguists focus on reinforcing key vocabulary and improve their pronunciation and accent. All the songs sung during class are directly linked to the term’s topic. Singing them at home is a great opportunity to revise what has been learnt and will give your child’s progress a real boost. Which songs to practise this Autumn term? (4 to 6 years old) On va va va – Oui et Non –  Je m’habille – Les verbes d’action (6 to 8 years old) Je m’habille – Avoir – Les verbes d’action Download our 36 original French songs & rhymes here!

• Real-life context learning: Not only are language and grammatical structures introduced through themes that children can relate to, but every part of the lesson is designed to connect with the vocabulary of the day. From songs linked to the theme, to props for fun role-plays, and books that deepen understanding, children are constantly experiencing the language in context!

What to do at home? 

At this age, children love to share what they’ve learned! Encourage them to teach you a new French word or phrase at home to build confidence and reinforce memory. For example, take a look together at the worksheet or activity they did in class to practise the main vocabulary of the week.

What if My Child Doesn’t Hit Every Goal?

Language learning isn’t linear and that’s okay. Children may leap forward in one area and take more time in another. Our immersive method allows each child to absorb and produce language at their own pace, without pressure.

The most important thing? Consistency. Like any skill, language develops over time with regular exposure and encouragement.

Whether your child is just starting their French journey or continuing to build their skills, our immersive and playful lessons are here to support them every step of the way. Give your little linguist a head start and register now for our fun French classes in Fulham, Chelsea & Notting Hill!

More info & registration!

Stay tuned for part 3 about our « Classes des Francophones » ! 

The post French Learning Goals by Age: What to Expect This Year? – Part 2 “Les leçons des grands” first appeared on Club Petit Pierrot.

It’s a great question! And one that highlights the importance of setting realistic, age-appropriate goals. Whether your child is taking their first steps in French or continuing their journey, knowing what to expect can help you support their progress and celebrate their milestones along the way!

Part 1: Les Ateliers des Petits – Different age groups: 6 to 18 months old – 1 to 3 years old & 2 to 4 years old – suitable for all level of French

Ages 6 months old to 2 years old: Language Through Listening & Connection

Focus: Exposure, sensory engagement, and emotional connection to the French language

Between 6 months and 2 years old, children aren’t just soaking up the melody and rhythm of the French language, they’re also starting to build their first words of French vocabulary. During this time babies tune into the sounds that matter in the language, recognise familiar words long before they can say them, and gradually begin linking sounds to meaning. The music, facial expressions, and rhythm of speech guide them, but repeated words in consistent contexts help them form the first building blocks of language.

Goals and what it looks like in class:

• Hear French sounds, intonation, and rhythms regularly: from storytelling, songs, games and hands-on activities our little learners are immersed in French at all time. 
• Recognise key routine words and target vocabulary and begin to associate gestures with simple French phrases (e.g. bonjour, au revoir, coucou, bravo, encore): with movement or mini role-play with our Petit Pierrot mascot our mini-linguists absorb the vocabulary without realising it! We encourage each pupil to come with their own Pierrot or another puppet to use them in simple role-play. Order your Petit Pierrot mascot on our website here!

• Respond physically to songs and rhymes (e.g. clapping, dancing, pointing): when using our original French songs and rhymes, the familiar melodies and repetitive lyrics encourage bonding, develop listening skills, and lay the foundation for natural French language learning. Download our original French songs and rhymes here!

• Develop an emotional connection to the language through repetition and affection: each session is structured and follows a routine that allows our pupils to repeat and practise effortlessly. 
  
• Developing Parent-child interaction in French: our dynamic teachers lead both adult and child through immersive, interactive and creative activities. 

At home: Singing a few French songs from class at a special time of the day, like bath or bedtime, is powerful—even if you’re learning too! Download our 36 original French songs & rhymes here! 

Ages 2 to 4 years old: Understanding, Repeating, and Beginning to Speak

Focus: Comprehension, vocabulary development, and imitation of spoken French.

Toddlers and pre-schoolers begin to understand familiar phrases, join in songs, and eventually repeat and use French words, and even short sentences themselves. This is a magical time when repetition, play, and routine naturally lead to true language absorption, all without pressure.

Goals and what it looks like in class:

• Understand and respond to common phrases (Comment ça va ?, Où est Pierrot ?): our structured sessions always start with a welcoming part, with songs and rhymes, the arrival of Petit Pierrot greeting the group and introducing the theme of the day. 
• Recognise vocabulary from familiar themes (animals, colours, body parts, emotions…): our immersive routines, activities and games keep young children engaged, encourage active listening, and help reinforce vocabulary in a fun and playful way.
• Join in repetitive phrases from songs, stories and role-play with predictable patterns: our original French songs and rhymes are used in our classes to reinforce the vocabulary and linguistic patterns seen through the term. Role-play with Petit Pierrot is also used to use the vocabulary in context in a fun way. Get our French songs and rhymes and our Pierrot Puppet here!

• Build confidence hearing and using French saying isolated words and shorts sentences or utterance:

– through sensory play, messy play, playing with different forms, textures, sizes, hands-on activities… are at he heart of our sessions.

– through movement-based learning: from the welcome routine, to singing and movement, through interactive and creative activities, our pupils don’t stay still in our French lessons! 

What to do at home: Repetition is key. Using even a few French phrases regularly—like On y va !, Bravo !, or Merci !—creates natural links for your child.

Ready to spark your child’s love for the French language? Join us for fun, playful, and immersive French lessons in Fulham, Chelsea or Notting Hill! 

More info & registration here!

Stay tuned for Part 2 about our “leçons des grands” & Part 3 about our “classes des francophones”! 

The post French Learning Goals by Age: What to Expect This Year? – Part 1 “Les ateliers des petits” first appeared on Club Petit Pierrot.