Beyond Words, Conjugation, and Grammar
A deliberate choice
As a language teacher, I have made a deliberate choice to teach my French class in French, using French materials, despite the fact that my students may primarily speak English or Spanish. This decision has been met with curiosity and sometimes even scepticism from parents and colleagues, but I firmly believe that it is the most effective approach to language instruction. Language is more than just words, conjugation, and grammar; it is about immersion, culture, and understanding the nuances of communication.
Teaching French in French
Language immersion
Teaching French in French may initially seem intimidating, especially for students who are just beginning their language learning journey. However, research and experience have shown that language immersion is one of the most effective ways to learn a new language. By being consistently exposed to the target language, students are able to develop their listening and speaking skills in a more natural and authentic way. They learn to think and communicate in French, rather than just translating from their native language. This approach helps students internalize the language and become more confident and fluent speakers.
French materials
Furthermore, using French materials in my lessons allows my students to immerse themselves in the culture of the language they are learning. Language and culture are closely intertwined, and understanding the culture of a language helps students to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the language itself. Through exposure to authentic materials such as books, songs, videos, and other resources, my students not only learn the language, but also gain insights into the rich traditions, history, and way of life of French-speaking communities around the world.
Natural language acquisition process
Absorbing a new language
Another important aspect of teaching French in French is that it follows the natural language acquisition process that children go through when learning their first language. Children learn their native language by being surrounded by it and hearing it spoken in context from an early age. They gradually pick up the language without explicit instruction in grammar or vocabulary. Similarly, when learning a second language, students benefit from being immersed in the language and hearing it spoken by their teacher and peers. This approach allows them to absorb the language in a more organic way and develop their language skills in a manner that closely resembles the way they learned their first language.
Students feel encouraged
Teaching French in French also helps to create a positive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to take risks and use the language in meaningful ways. When students are constantly exposed to the language and are expected to communicate in French, it becomes a natural part of their classroom routine. They are more likely to engage in authentic conversations, ask questions, and express themselves in French, which fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their language learning progress.
Strike a balance
Ensure understanding
Of course, I also understand the importance of providing support and explanations in the language that my students are most comfortable with, whether it be English or Spanish. It is important to strike a balance between using French as the primary language of instruction and providing necessary explanations in the students’ native language to ensure understanding. However, I believe that using French as the main language of instruction creates a more immersive and effective learning experience for my students.
Authentic learning experience
In conclusion, learning French with LearnFrenchwithLia.com provides a unique and immersive language learning experience. By choosing to teach in French, using French materials, and following the natural language acquisition process, students are exposed to the language in a way that goes beyond words, conjugation, and grammar. =
They gain insights into French culture, develop their communication skills, and build confidence in their ability to use French in real-life situations. The supportive and positive classroom environment encourages students to take ownership of their learning and engage in meaningful conversations.
If you’re looking to learn French online, LearnFrenchwithLia.com offers a dynamic and effective approach that prioritizes language immersion and cultural understanding. Join us on this exciting journey of learning French and expanding your language skills with LearnFrenchwithLia.com!