French as a Second Language

Why teach a second language to very young children?

Children have an innate ability to acquire multiple languages. They are curious and are able to imitate sounds perfectly. They are open-minded; and unlike adolescents, they are not self-conscious about making mistakes. This natural ability or “sensitive period” for language diminishes with age.

Early second language learning also:

• Enables greater intellectual flexibility
• Enhances problem-solving skills
• Heightens creativity
• Sharpens understanding of native language and culture
• Leads to higher performance in other academic areas
• Gives the learner greater access to people and resources
• Allows greater understanding of human experience

Kendalwood Montessori’s “Intensive French Program”

Our Intensive French program offers students a valuable educational experience and the opportunity to develop a basic usable command of the French language that can be expanded through further study or contact with French speaking people.

Curriculum Description:

The focus of the Intensive French Program is to have the children hear both official languages throughout the day. Students have daily opportunities to practice and refine their communication skills through daily conversation with bilingual classroom Teachers or Assistants. In addition, the program consists of a more formal French lesson (for 30 to 75 minutes, depending on level) on a daily basis using various techniques.

Toddler (age 1-3)

The Toddlers are introduced to French by incorporating the language into their daily activities, such as washing their hands for snack or getting dressed for the outdoors. They also participate in a regular French circle, which includes common nursery rhymes and songs in French; allowing participation through song and movement. A variety of other activities are also incorporated to help their recognition and identification of French vocabulary.

Casa (age 3-5)

The primary linguistic aim at the Casa level is to develop oral comprehension and communication of the French language. The Casa community participates in a French circle which introduces themed vocabulary through songs, various activities and the use of Montessori French material and manipulatives to further develop their oral skills as well as their ability to identify and recognize learned material. Simple math, sorting and classification activities are all incorporated into their daily lessons.

Elementary (French Intensive Program - Grades 1-6)

The Elementary French program reviews vocabulary learned in the Casa program and continues to introduce new vocabulary through themed lesson units, where students expand on their oral communication skills. A group French circle which includes songs and various activities, enables students to further develop their communication and comprehension of the language. In addition to group lessons, students work in small settings for individual lessons based on their abilities. In the K.M.S. French Intensive Program, the elementary community also begins to develop their French writing and reading skills. The French language continues to be integrated into the Elementary daily activities and environment.