Children aged five and six carry within themselves some unique attributes. Generally speaking they are not inhibited or self-conscious – and they love mimicry. In short they are ideally suited to learn a language.
And although not everyone appreciates a recommendation from Michael Gove or comprehends his use of Americanised English, his comment in an interview last year that, “There is a slam-dunk case for extending foreign language teaching to children aged five.” is generally considered to be supported.
Indeed the Secretary of State continued, “It is literally the case that learning languages makes you smarter. The neural networks in the brain strengthen as a result of language learning.”
It is with this in mind that we have developed Petites Étoiles – a photocopiable resource (which also contains 18 activity cards) that teaches French to Reception and KS1 children in a way that is specifically designed to fit easily into the existing curriculum.
All the activities are based on common topics along with lots of suggestions for cross-curricular links.
And, as you might expect, the resource contains songs, oral language games, playing with puppets and parachutes, and activities based around toys, food, animals and celebrations.
Better still, the resource is incredibly supportive for the non-specialist teacher, with video and audio clips included so all the language introduced is modelled by native French speakers.
There are sufficient lesson plans, activities and ideas to last you from Reception right through to Year 2.
Cross-curricular links, extensions for older or more able children and opportunities for developing intercultural understanding make this a truly outstanding resource.
You can order Petites Étoiles in any of these ways:
- On our website
- By phone on 01449 766629
- By fax on 01449 767122
- By email to orders@tradecounter.co.uk