You hear rustling in your toddler’s bedroom early in the morning. You silently open the door. Your child greets you with a smile and a big, “Bonjour!” That’s the beginning of learning a foreign language. Across the United States schools celebrate National Foreign Language Week at some time during the month of March. Some schools celebrate all month. So why not celebrate at home?
“Until the age of six, a child can handle three languages,” said Janis Hennessey, a retired French teacher and active author of children’s books in English and French. “Past the age of six, they can handle different languages, but it’s critical that they start early, the younger the better.”
Madame Hennessey taught French at Newton South High School in Newton, Massachusetts for 10 years, and then moved to Dover, New Hampshire where she taught at Dover High School and at the University of New Hampshire.
Madame’s desire to ignite the joy of reading in children sparked her career writing books for children ages 3 to 12. She also found that children can learn languages from stories. She wrote her first three books in English and working with friends from France, she created French versions of the tales.
Her first series of three, The Adventures of Max and Colby, is the six book story of two dogs whose amazing adventures are all in their own backyard. Each story teaches a lesson about solving a problem, sometimes by asking for help. Max and Colby stories, with versions available in English and in French, were so well received by parents that Madame was invited by the Franco-American Centre in Manchester, NH to tell the stories in interactive videos for home schooling. She does not just tell a story, however, she creatively teaches even the youngest children to repeat words attached to gestures. With fun repetitions, children remember long after the story is over.
Older readers (7-12 years old) can follow the 3Ds Mysteries series, available in English. Three kids uncover secrets to solve mysteries.
Probably the piece de resistance of Madame’s many books is in the “Why Did” series for readers 3-7 years old. Why Did Emma Make Teddy Bear Bread? is available in French and English. “This is a recipe that a child can put together,” explains Madame. “I think that’s why they like it so much.” Emma plans, shops and makes her special bread giving the recipe so readers and parents can try it themselves. This sweet bear is made from Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and raisins. Emma and her Teddy Bear Bread are also in one of Madame’s most delightful videos as she shares the recipe and French words and gestures with young Mike one of her fans.
Madame shared some of her tips for introducing very young children to a second language.
- Find something a child can relate to. Moi (me) toi (you) and bonjour (hello) with simple gestures.
- Try to use all five senses. What would a fleur (flower) smell like? Make a gesture of sniffing.
- Make the words visual, beyond the printed word. Use body parts or items around you, for example.
- It is key to repeat at least three times, and to have fun with it.
To watch Janis Hennessey and many of her stories in French go to: https://www.janishennessey.com/story-time
Her books are available through Amazon.com.
To learn more about French events and activities in New Hampshire check out the Franco-American Centre https://facnh.com/
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