How exciting to get to work with the students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade general-education classes! We’ve begun exploring the French language together with some special friends …
First, students got to know Arthur le hérisson, or Arthur the hedgehog, and Emma the bird. These cute, friendly characters help children to see the power of language learning in action.
Arthur, featured in the classic émilie series of picture books in French, only speaks French, so students practice using French words with him, such as “bonjour,” “merci,” and “au revoir.”
Emma only speaks English, so students taught her some French words to use before she made her journey from New York to Paris.
Students who are hearing French for the first time enjoy speaking to Arthur using the new words they’re learning; they also feel proud to be able to teach some French words to Emma.
Students who already speak French fluently might identify with Arthur’s language background, and they build empathy for other friends who are not yet speaking French.
Students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade FFL (general-education) have also been enjoying a song to practice saying hello and good-bye in French. Here is a recording as well as the lyrics to the song “Je te dis bonjour” from the French-language-learning method Les loustics, published by Hachette.
Je te dis bonjour
Tu me dis bonjour
On se dit bonjour
et bonne journée
Je te dis au revoir
Tu me dis au revoir
On se dit au revoir
et à bientôt
Soon the students in these classes will be able to explore languages other than French and English in Language Workshop. Do you speak another language? Do you know someone who does? Have you heard someone speaking a language that is new to you in New York City? Getting a chance to speak with someone about their language is a great way to connect with them and to learn some new words.
Another way to explore other languages is using online tools, which allow you to hear and practice saying the words. Check out these resources if you would like to give it a try!