Time To Read | 5 Tips on Reading French Books To Your Child

It’s well-known that reading to children from a young age has numerous benefits...

At the very least, it promotes listening skills, expands their vocabulary, develops attention span and memory, helps them understand the meaning of words, stimulates imagination and all the senses, and much more!

Well, it's not surprising that if you want to teach your child French, the earlier you start, the better. Studies have shown that children who are read to aloud as babies are more proficient in the language and have better reading skills when they start school compared to those who weren't.

Don't know where to begin? Don't worry! We've compiled some top tips to make this process a fun experience for you and your child!

5 Tips on Reading French Books to Your Children

1. Start reading to your child as early as possible. Children are never too young! Even if you feel like your child isn't paying attention, keep going. At the very least, you're establishing a great reading habit and introducing vocabulary that will become familiar over time.
2. Engage your child's interests. Look for books in both languages that cover topics they care about. One of our favorite children's books is the internationally renowned "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. Why not read both the English version and the French edition, "La Chenille Qui Fait des Trous"? You might be surprised at how much your child comprehends when you introduce the story in French!
3. Explore materials related to your family history and culture. This will make learning the French language more relevant and meaningful.
4. Utilize a variety of reading materials. Seek out other sources to read, such as magazines, newspapers, online articles, puzzles, and board games. Variety is key!
5. Seek the assistance of family or friends who speak French. Ask them to expose your child to stories, poems, songs, and nursery rhymes in French. Even if your family members are not fluent in French, encourage them to speak the language. The more exposure, the better!

By following these tips, you can create an enjoyable and effective language learning experience for your child, fostering their love for the French language and opening up a world of opportunities. Happy reading!