French

There are many benefits to being able to speak more than one language. As well as opening travel opportunities, fluency in languages that aren’t our own can open potential careers, as well as being a fun way to impress. Learning the ins and outs of another language also has the significant benefit of helping us to assess the way our own language operates. It’s no wonder, then, that languages are now a firm part of the curriculum at UK primary level.

While the language of choice is down to the school in question, French remains a firm favourite for many. In fact, primary French is now something of an early classroom staple. And our children are currently enjoying the benefits that come with it.

It’s no secret, after all, that learning a language later in life can be a much trickier undertaking. By offering French KS1 classes and above, schools can ensure that children grasp a firm understanding of the language early in life. That just leaves us asking the question of why and how French for kids matters so much. 

The benefits of French for kids

As we discussed in this blog post, there’s a great deal of importance in languages for kids. A study by Harvard University has even revealed that children who learn a language as early as three-years-old go on to become more creative and flexible. You could, therefore, say that there are many benefits to teaching French in schools. 

By implementing primary French and more on a broad scale, schools can do a great deal for opening young minds and hearts to different thought processes, and even cultures. Some benefits that schools have seen since implementing french KS2 learning across the board in 2014 include:

• An early grasp on the French language
• Developing self-confidence
• Enriched mental development
• Improved understanding of English
• A more positive attitude to foreign languages

Those are fantastic benefits for any child involved in French KS1 learning and beyond. The trouble is that getting kids engaged with languages isn’t quite as easy as teachers and parents might like. To make sure that learning and benefits here are possible, it’s therefore essential to turn to French learning games that our kids can engage with. 

Free French learning resources

Free resources are a great way to start here and can help teachers and parents alike to add a touch of fun to French lessons. Luckily, there are plenty of primary resources that French teachers and keen parents can utilise, and you’ll find many of them here.

Our French free resources hub offers a wide range of colouring and activity sheets for teaching French at KS1. Our French wellies colouring sheet, for example, is a massive help for basic understanding of colours in even young children. Equally, our Matching numbers worksheet is ideal for children learning French year 3 lessons and beyond.

The BBC primary French website also offers many free resources with French for kids in mind. With class clips for the majority of topics, these can be a fantastic and fun classroom resource. Even better, children can return to these as many times as necessary to develop their understanding. That means even children who are shy in the classroom environment should be able to establish French-speaking skills at their own pace. 

French flashcards

French flashcards are commonly used to develop ability both in and out of the classroom. By providing a visual stimulus that can both engage and teach children on a wide scale, these are one of the most invaluable teaching tools. With write and wipe flashcards to hand, teachers and parents can help their children to understand words for everything from actions to colours, and even numbers in French. 

As well as offering interactive learning, French flashcards open the doors for French games KS2 level and beyond. Depending on the cards, it’s possible to play games including snap and bingo, all with education at heart. Parents may also find that using these as visual prompts during revision sessions becomes incredibly useful. 

It’s also possible to inject some fun into French tests using methods like these. As impossible as that may sound, the wipe-off capabilities of these sets means that children can complete test answers with them and self-correct as answers are revealed. This alone can help words and key phrases to stick in kids minds. 

Further French resources

To enhance the benefits of primacy French, parents should also invest in further French resources to encourage learning outside of class time. Flashcards can be a help here, too, but they’re not the only option. Here at WordUnited, we also offer a wide range of further French resources, books, and games for children to enjoy. 

For kids at French KS1 level and even below, learning additions like this Usborne listen and learn word book can be a fantastic help. With both visual and audio clues, books like these provide a sensory learning experience that young kids are sure to engage well with. Along the same vein, this first 100 words sticker book can work wonders alongside lessons or BBC primary French resources. 

WordUnited also offers an excellent selection for kids looking for French games KS2 level and above. Much like with flashcards, this Snap in French game is sure to go down well with kids who already have some understanding. For even more advanced kids of around 8y+, the Brainbox Let’s Learn French game could also appeal, with ten-minute brain challenges that really test that language knowledge. 

A final word on learning primary French

As you’ll know if you’ve ever tried it, learning any language is difficult. Learning primary French can be especially tricky for our children, and investing in resources to make that easier is absolutely vital. In many instances, children who learn French early on in life can later develop a life-long understanding of the language. But, whether or not this happens is largely down to the French games and resources they have inside and outside the classroom.