Learning a second language can be hard enough for adults; trying to do the same for children may seem even more challenging. This is not to say that it is impossible to teach children a second language, but that different teaching methods have to be used. Speech development in children is different than in adults - a child processes language by simple sound replacement, which is called the 'phonological process' by scientists. This phonological process of language development lasts until age 5, after which normal language development takes over.
There are many factors that influence children to learn a second language. Some examples of this are where the language spoken at home is different than the language kids are taught at school, the opportunity children have to practice a second language, motivation of the child to learn a second language and, finally, the reason for learning a second language. French can be introduced to the child at home if one of the parents already speaks the language or it can be taught at school in a second language course. It is easier for a child to learn a language at home from his or her parents but taking a course can also be a good option, provided that appropriate teaching methods are used.
The Alliance Française is an organization dedicated to promoting French culture and language all over the world. Headquartered in Paris, it has 1071 branches in 133 countries all over the world. They offer French language lessons to students of all levels, including children. Classes at the Alliance Française can be a great way to introduce children to French language.
French Immersion education is a form of bilingual education where a child who does not speak French receives instruction exclusively in the French language. The goal is to have the kids learning French and studying normal school subjects in French, eventually emerging fully bilingual. This usually takes place in primary school, but the immersion period varies between different school boards and different countries. French Immersion education is most prevalent in Canada, but also exists to a smaller degree in Australia, the U.K. and the U.S.A.
French language classes or extensive immersion education techniques aren't the only way a child can learn French. There are plenty of resources to be found to teach children French; books, audiotapes and CDs, videotapes and DVDs can all be used to provide a fun learning experience. There are many videos and books specially created for introducing children to French by teaching them the alphabet, numbers, colors and basic vocabulary.
The French for Kids section at About.com's excellent French Language educational portal is probably the best free resource on the Internet for teaching a child French. Older children can take advantage of the BBC's French language education site .
It may seem daunting to a parent, but as this article demonstrates, there are many fun and easy ways of teaching children French as a second language.
