CPF - French Footprints Magazine - Summer 2025

SUMMER
How to Support Your
Child’s Bilingual Journey
— Even If You Don’t Speak
the Language Yourself!
Decisions, Decisions:
Choosing the Right
French Program for
a Brighter Future!
Research Says...
Early Bilingualism
Boosts Cognitive Skills
and Executive Functioning

Chantons pour
apprendre!
Singing is a lot of fun and an ideal way to share French language and culture. French
rhymes and songs often repeat words and phrases, which helps kids remember them
more easily. Moreover, many songs are available in both of Canada’s official languages.
Frère Jacques
Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques,
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines, Sonnez les matines,
Ding, Dang, Dong! Ding, Dang, Dong!
Scan for more songs
Hello, My Friends!
(to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)
Bonjour mes amis, comment ça va ?
Bonjour mes amis, comment ça va ?
Ça va bien, ça va mal, ça va comme-ci comme-ça,
Bonjour mes amis, comment ça va ?
Salut mes amis, comment ça va ? ...
Coucou mes amis, comment ça va ? ...
Bonsoir mes amis, comment ça va ? ...
Head and Shoulders!
Tête, épaules, genoux, orteils,
Genoux, orteilles, genoux, orteils.
Tête, épaules, genoux, orteils,
Yeux, nez, bouche, oreilles!

French Footprints
FSL in the Early Years Podcast
Explore this podcast series dedicated to supporting parents and educators in nurturing French as a
Second Language development among young children. The series offers practical strategies and
insights to foster early French literacy and prepare children for French immersion programs.
Join host Amy Maan, a mother of two and founder of 123 Petits Pas, as she connects with language
and educational experts to discuss strategies to help build the confidence of parents and better
the future of their children.
Podcast #8: Getting Ready for French Immersion Kindergarten
• Big transition? Start with small steps. Whether school starts next month or next year, there are simple
things you can do now to help your child feel confident and excited about the start of school.
• You don’t need to speak French as a parent yourself! Learn practical, realistic ways to support your little
one with French, even if you’re learning alongside them.
• Familiarity builds confidence: From colours and shapes to greetings and routines, we discuss how early
exposure makes a big difference during that first week.
• Music, books, and play: Our guest expert, Angeline Humber—a French Immersion teacher and early years
consultant- shares easy, everyday activities that boost school readiness without adding stress to your routine.
Podcast #4: You’re Not Alone in Raising Bilingual Kids
• It really does take a village: Sylvia Nunêz, a Montessori educator and principal, shares how to build
your own support network—from French-speaking babysitters to library story times.
• Home is a language-rich environment: Learn how to prepare your child’s space (and your mindset) to
make French part of your daily routine.
• Don’t fear mistakes: Hear why modelling “imperfect” French is actually a gift—and how your mindset
can shape your child’s attitude toward learning.
• Montessori & play-based tips: Sylvia explains how curiosity, structure, and play lead to confident little
French speakers—even if you’re just starting too.
Podcast #7: French Literacy Starts Sooner Than You Think
• Reading before reading: Karen Devonish-Mazzotta, long-time Teacher-Librarian, explains how early
exposure to French books and stories- even before kids can read—boosts language development.
• A whole-family win: Discover how modelling French learning as a parent can benefit you, not just
your child.
• Literacy through daily life: Get practical tips for building French literacy routines into your home—even
if you’re just starting out.
• Libraries = goldmines: Learn how to tap into local French story times, book programs, and why your
voice matters when it comes to expanding French resources.
The podcast is available on YouTube, Apple Podcast, and Spotify by visiting
https://cpf.ca/en/french-footprints-parent-resource-hub/#Podcast
FRENCH FOOTPRINTS MAGAZINE SUMMER 3

Decisions, Decisions:
Choosing the Right
French Program for
a Brighter Future!
When is “too early” to start thinking about
schooling decisions for your little ones?
The answer may surprise you.
While your littles are learning to talk, read, and interact
with the world, they’re at the perfect age to begin bilingual
language acquisition! During these precious early years,
establishing learning goals for your children can be incredibly
beneficial for them in the long term. However, determining
which French as a Second Language (FSL) program is the right fit
for you may feel daunting.
Understanding your options and making an informed decision on
your child’s educational plans will set your family up for success.
4 FRENCH FOOTPRINTS MAGAZINE SUMMER

Consider the Benefits
Bilingualism offers many benefits to learners at any stage of life,
but particularly during the early childhood years. So many skills
are attributed to learning a second language, everything from
increased attention span, to creative problem solving and
organisational skills.
According to the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages,
in the long term, bilinguals in Canada have access to more job
opportunities, face fewer communication barriers when travelling
abroad, and benefit from familiarity with another culture.
While these are just a few examples of the positive impact of
learning a second language, the outcomes of bilingualism extend
to many facets of a child’s younger years and adult personal,
family, and professional life.
Outlining Your Goals and Selecting
a Program to Match
Reflecting on your child’s educational goals early is crucial to
achieving the desired outcomes and aligning your child’s school
programming accordingly.
What are you hoping to accomplish? Perhaps you’re looking for your
child to gain fluency in a second language. Or, cultural exposure to
Canada’s official second language may be the end goal. Maybe the
idea of basic comprehension is an ideal outcome for your family.
No matter your learning goals for your child, there are programs
designed to support them on their journey, each one providing
unique benefits to its learners. The best way to feel empowered
in your decision is to understand the programs available to you
in your province or territory, as the programs and opportunities
offered vary greatly by school district.
FSL Programs by Province or Territory
In Canada, a range of FSL programs are available for students
from kindergarten through grade 12. Not all programs and variations
are available in every school district or community. Each
province’s program definitions do vary; however, at a high level,
there are four buckets of program types, as follows:
Core French or Basic French: The outcomes are foundational
French and basic communication. This program starts at varying
grades, depending on the school district. French is taught as a
subject among others in a regular English program. The time on
task in French may vary from 30 to 40 minutes, as little as three
days per week to being offered every day. The level of expected
student French proficiency is greatly affected by the overall time
hearing and using French.
Extended or Expanded French: Consists of one French
period plus one or two additional subjects, such as social
studies or the arts, taught in French. This program typically
begins between grades four and eight and may continue
throughout secondary school. The delivery may vary, often
offering 75 minute blocks of program time in French. The
additional time incorporating a subject study allows students
to use French in real life discussions.
Intensive French: French is taught intensively for most of
the day during five months of the Grade 5 or 6 year, with a
focus on literacy learning, swiftly increasing students’ proficiency.
After the initial intensive year, students may follow a more
advanced program.
French Immersion: French is the language of communication
and instruction using the same curriculum as that offered in
the regular English program. There are three different entry
points: early French immersion (Grade 1 start), middle French
immersion (Grade 4 start), Late French immersion (Grade 7
start). The delivery consists of near complete immersion
early on and gradual transition into a combination of French
and English courses as education progresses into high school.
For example, students may begin with 80% in French in the
early grades and reduce to a 50% bilingual program by junior
grades. This program tends to produce the highest level of
bilingual students, based on the increased time on task and
intensity of study in French, and earns graduates a bilingual
certificate upon graduation.
To understand program learning expectations,
review the provincial/territorial specific program
offerings available on department or ministry of
education websites.
Making an Informed Decision
Choosing the right FSL program for your child will come down
to your unique family and your child’s learning goals. When deciding
which program delivery model would work best for your
child, consider how you may supplement the school learnings
with at home strategies to enhance the learning experience.
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to introduce French at home,
visit FrenchFootprints.ca for podcasts, articles, and more!
To learn more about FSL programs in your region, explore school
websites, visit your local school district offices, attend bilingual
education fairs, or connect with a member of your local school
parent council.
When in doubt, your local Canadian Parents for French Chapter
is always here to support you and your family’s journey toward a
French education. Find your local chapter on the CPF website.
FRENCH FOOTPRINTS MAGAZINE SUMMER 5

Madame Amy’s
PARENT FAQ
Summer Q&A Column: “But I Don’t Speak French…” How to Support Your
Child’s Bilingual Journey (Even If You Don’t Speak the Language Yourself!)
Q: My partner doesn’t speak
French – how can we include
them in our child’s learning?
Q: I’m a solo parent trying to
support my child’s French, but
I don’t speak it. Help!
These are very common concerns, and
you are not alone. Many families worry
that they can’t support French learning
at home unless both (or either!) parent
speaks the language fluently. But the
truth? You don’t need to be fluent—or
even confident in French—to make a big
impact. Let’s discuss some ways to make
sure everyone in the household feels
included, supported, and empowered.
1 Reframe It: From “Teacher”
to “Learning Partner”
It’s okay if you’re learning alongside
your child! In fact, this can be a huge
gift. When children see a parent making
mistakes, laughing through new sounds,
and trying again, they learn that French
doesn’t have to be perfect, and that
mistakes are an important part of
improvement. A shared language
learning journey builds confidence,
resilience, and connection.
Try this: Pick a new word each week
to focus on with your child, and/or listen
to a short French story together and talk
about any new words you picked up.
2 Make It Playful and Real
Instead of studying French like a school
subject, build it into activities you already
enjoy. Cooking? Use a French recipe.
Nature walk? Try a French scavenger hunt.
Arts and crafts? Name your colours and
materials in French.
Real parent tip: “We’re not a
French-speaking household, but I speak
to my kids in French when we have bath
time, we sing songs – it’s become our
norm.” Jenn M.
3 Keep It Simple & Routine-Based
Use easy phrases like “Bonjour!” (Hello),
“Bonne nuit!” (Good Night), or “Merci!”
(Thank you) at natural moments in the
day. Repeat them until they become part
of your family’s rhythm. Even if the rest of
the sentence is in English, sprinkling in a
few French words counts!
Bonus idea: Label household objects
with sticky notes in French and challenge
your child (and/or co-parent!) to say
them aloud when passing by.
4 Build a Network of Support
You don’t have to do this alone. Reach
out to other families with children hoping
to attend French or immersion programs.
Invite a bilingual babysitter, attend a
bilingual library time, or join a local
CPF Chapter. Parents can benefit greatly
from a circle of support where French is
present, even if it’s not coming directly
from you. Click here to listen to our
French Footprints episode that talks all
about creating a supportive community.
Resources like:
Local libraries with French books
& story time
French playlists for car rides
CPF Chapters often offer events
for families
Parent-child classes like those
offered by 123 Petits Pas that
include gentle support for YOU, too.
5 Celebrate Every Tiny Effort
Language learning is full of little wins.
Whether it’s your child using a new word
or your partner attempting their first
“comment ça va?”, acknowledge the
effort. You’re building something meaningful
together.
French at home doesn’t need to be
perfect. It just needs to be present. Every
little effort you make—solo or as a family
—adds up to a bilingual foundation your
child will carry with them for years.
I hope this helps mes amis,
à la prochaine!
– Madame Amy
Have a question about introducing
French at home or about raising bilingual
kids? Send it in! It might be featured in
an upcoming issue.
Contact Madame Amy:
Email: info@123petitspas.com
Instagram: @123petitspas
6 FRENCH FOOTPRINTS MAGAZINE SUMMER

Resources
Karibou.com
The Karibou program’s mission is to introduce children to physical activity from an early age so that they
develop a taste for movement. To this end, they have created a library of 60+ free video vignettes, each
10 to 15 minutes long, specially designed to meet the needs of children from 1 to 5 years old.
Get your children moving and grooving en français!
Educatout.com
This French online family and childcare magazine offers, on a weekly basis, tools to support parents,
educators and other stakeholders in early childhood education. The website shares a collection of
themed activities and games, videos, professional advice and columns, a parent discussion forum,
stories for children, distance learning and an online store.
The resources and advice are provided by a team of early childhood professionals.
Research Says...
Early Bilingualism Boosts Cognitive Skills
and Executive Functioning
Benefit: Children learning two languages early often outperform their monolingual peers in tasks
involving attention, memory, and problem-solving (Poulin-Dubois et al., 2011). This is linked to the
mental flexibility required to switch between languages.
Tip for Parents: Encourage regular use of both languages in daily routines. Even short and playful
exchanges in French at home can support this cognitive development.
For more, consult Learning French
in the Early Years, CPF Advocacy-oriented
Research Brief, April 2022.
FRENCH FOOTPRINTS MAGAZINE SUMMER 7

“ Our work suggests learning a second language
during childhood helps build a more efficient brain
organization in terms of functional connectivity.
The results indicate that the earlier the second
language experience, the broader extent of
brain areas involved in neuroplasticity. That’s
why we are observing higher connectivity of the
cerebellum with the cortex in earlier exposures to
a second language.”
Tabuenca, Z. G. (n.d.). Bilingualism makes the
brain more efficient, especially when learned
at a young age [First author of the paper].
More information and resources are
available on the French Footprints
Parent Resource Hub
E: cpf@cpf.ca
W: cpf.ca
CanadianParentsForFrench
@CPFNational
French Footprints Magazine
is a series of four issues
produced for parents and
educators of young children across
Canada who support their children
learning French.
CONTRIBUTORS
Amy Maan and other authors and
organizations as noted in their articles.
EDITORIAL MANAGER
Megan Chartrand
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Stripe Graphics Ltd.
This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.
Ce projet a été rendu possible grâce au gouvernement du Canada.