I love finding fun and creative things to do with my kids. One of those things is introducing them to foreign languages. I have brought software, found sites and even sit with them when they are watching shows like Dora so we have fun learning about other languages. Recently I was given the chance to review the Lightning Fast French for Kids and Families book by Carolyn Woods. I thought it would take some convincing to get the kids into learning French and getting them started but I was so wrong. For some reason my four year old son really took to learning French from this book. He was so excited and happy when he saw it, he asked me about reading it to them before I could get them and sit and start working with them. We started with some basic words. I wanted them to get the things they would use often. We practiced numbers, months, days of the week, seasons and we practiced a conversation about ‘When is Christmas?’ since we were so close to the holidays. I think the kids were more excited than I was about getting to speak French.
We practiced for about an hour and then I told them we would try again soon. The very next day my son wanted to ‘speak French’ (his words) again. He was jumping up and down and bragging to his sister that he got to learn French when she was visiting her grandparents. We’ve been trying to get practice in at least once a week to help the kids get the words into their memory banks. I will admit that I am a bit frustrated at my French accent. I think my mind is so set on hearing French in an accent I don’t think I am saying the words right. The kids on the other hand don’t have the preconceived notion so they feel great and proud of themselves for practicing and learning all the things they have so far. I have been working on the lessons first trying to get the words and pronunciation first and then I practice with the kids and try to get them to say the words correctly. The picture below shows how its broken down to help you with saying the words.
What I also like about the book is that it also has other ways to incorporate French into things your children do already. For example the book is broken down into conversations about your pet, evening routine, a grocery store trip, family and friends, what day is it, and more. That way you are using the language right way and in conversation with your kids. This would be a great tool for homeschooling parents who are introducing foreign languages into their curriculum. There are also activities in the book like vocabulary practice, crossword puzzles that gives the clue in English form and you write the French form as the answers, and games. Yes the book even included games for more fun. Now you kids can play Simon Says in French as well as red light/green light. There’s so much to do to keep the learning going on and on.
If you’re interested in getting your own copy you can pick it up on Amazon for $14.99 plus shipping.
Disclosure: I was provided the above product for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced.
