CPF - French Footprints Magazine - Fall 2025

FALL
Breaking Down Barriers:
Supporting Students
with Special Needs
in Learning French
Podcast Episode:
Busting Bilingual
Myths with a
Speech Expert
“But What If I Say It
Wrong?” — Embracing
Mistakes and Modelling
Courage in French

On compte
ensemble!
Using fingers while counting gives a physical action to go with each number. Counting out loud is a lot of fun
and an ideal way to build confidence in French while building an important skill. This easy repetition builds
familiarity and helps children feel more at ease using the new French words regularly and proudly.
Combien de ... ? / How many .... ?
couches / canapés
lamps / lampes
vases / vases
rugs / tapis
screens / écrans
plants / plantes
beds / lits
pots / casseroles
chairs / chaises
Here is how you say one to ten in French
1 Un : “uh”
2 Deux : “Duh”
3 Trois : “trwah”
4 Quatre: “kah-truh”
5 Cinq: “Sank”
6 Six: “Sees”
7 Sept : “Saiht”
8 Huit: “Weet”
9 Neuf: “Nuhf”
10 Dix: “Dees”
Scan for audio

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 three 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 #2: Why Bilingualism Starts Best at Birth
• The earlier, the better: Our guest, Silvia Nunêz, explains how young minds are wired for language—thanks
to the “absorbent mind” described in Montessori education.
• Bilingualism = brain boost: Discover how early French exposure supports speech development, logical
thinking, and social confidence.
• Play is key: Learn how play-based learning helps little ones absorb language easily.
• Raising culturally agile children: Bilingualism builds more than language skills- it helps children adapt,
connect, and thrive across cultures.
Podcast #3: Busting Bilingual Myths with a Speech Expert
• “Will learning French delay English?” Lauren Barlow, certified speech & language pathologist, debunks
this common myth and explains how early exposure to French supports speech and brain development.
• You don’t need to be fluent: Learn why your child can thrive in French even if you’re learning alongside
them—or don’t speak the language at all.
• Build a foundation early: Hear why introducing French before school begins can make immersion smoother
and more successful.
• Don’t let your own limits hold your child back: Lauren shares how bilingualism can unlock lifelong advantages.
Podcast #9: Dispelling the Myths of FSL and Special Needs Learning
• Busting Myths: Bilingualism expert Dr. Fred Genesee challenges common misconceptions about French
as a Second Language (FSL) learning for children with special needs.
• What the Research Says: Dr. Genesee explains that research shows bilingualism is not only possible
for children with developmental challenges but can also offer cognitive and social benefits.
• Guidance for Parents: The episode offers clear advice on factors to consider when introducing a
second language.
• Encouragement and Clarity: Aimed at parents who feel unsure or have been told it’s “too hard,” this
episode provides evidence-based insight to facilitate informed decisions.
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 FALL 3

Breaking Down Barriers:
Supporting Students
with Special Needs in
Learning French
French programs in Canada give students the chance
to become bilingual while learning the regular school
curriculum. But many parents of children with special
education needs (SEN) are unsure about enrolling—or
keeping—their children in French Immersion or other
bilingual programs. Myths and misunderstandings
often lead to early withdrawals or decisions not to
enroll at all.
Who’s Missing Out?
A 2021 study called Access and Outcomes of Children
with Special Education Needs in Early French Immersion
looked at how students with SEN were doing in one large
Canadian school board. The results were clear: students
with special needs are much less likely to be in French
Immersion than their peers in English-only programs.
Why is this happening? Interviews with parents showed
4 FRENCH FOOTPRINTS MAGAZINE FALL

that many worry their children won’t be able to “handle”
learning in two languages. Some believe that if a child
struggles in school, moving to English is the best choice.
These concerns are understandable—but often not based
on facts.
What the Research Really Says
Here’s what research says about how all students can
succeed in French programs. Let’s clear up some common
myths with research-backed facts:
• FACT: Students with SEN in French Immersion often
do better on English tests than those in English-only
programs – and they still make strong progress in
French.
• FACT: Students who speak a language other than
English or French at home (allophone students) often
do very well in French Immersion, even if their English
is still developing.
• FACT: Learning a second language does not cause
speech or language disorders. If a child has a language
delay, it will affect both languages equally.
• FACT: Most problems in French Immersion are caused
by lack of support – not the French language. With the
right help, students with SEN can succeed.
What About Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is one of the top concerns for parents thinking
about French Immersion. François Grosjean, a leading
expert in bilingualism and learning disabilities, explains
that dyslexia is a brain-based condition. It affects reading
in both languages and isn’t caused – or made worse – by
learning French. In fact, being bilingual can help students
develop better reading strategies and stronger language
skills. However, it’s important that schools provide proper
support, like special reading programs and assistive
technology in both French and English.
How Parents Can Help
As a parent, you play a key role in your child’s success
in any school program. Choosing a learning path for
your child is a big decision. If you’re considering—or
reconsidering—French Immersion for a child with special
learning needs, know this: the research supports your
child’s potential to thrive. Don’t let old myths or lack of
support stop you. Ask questions, work with your school,
and make sure your child gets the help they deserve.
Here’s how you can support your child in
French Immersion or bilingual programs:
• Work with Teachers: If your child’s Kindergarten
report card says “Progressing With Difficulty,” don’t
assume French Immersion is a bad fit. Meet with the
teacher, make a plan, and check in again in a few weeks.
• Support Both Languages: Encourage your child
to read, speak, and write in both French and your home
language. This builds thinking skills and strengthens
learning overall.
• Learn the Facts: Understanding that learning
disabilities, speech delays, or dyslexia are not caused
by learning a second language will help you feel
more confident—and advocate for the support
your child needs.
Belief and Support Make the Difference
The biggest barrier for students with special education
needs in French Immersion isn’t the program itself. It’s
the belief that they can’t succeed. With the right support
at school and accurate information at home, students
with special educational needs can do well—socially,
academically, and in both languages.
Need more support?
Reach out to your local Canadian Parents
for French branch. Bilingualism is a gift—
and every child deserves a fair chance to
receive it. Let’s break the barriers and
open the doors to bilingual success for
all learners.
FRENCH FOOTPRINTS MAGAZINE FALL 5

Madame Amy’s
PARENT FAQ
“But What If I Say It Wrong?” — Embracing Mistakes
and Modelling Courage in French
Q: I’m nervous to speak French in
front of my child. My accent isn’t
great and I’m worried I’ll teach
them the wrong thing. Should I
avoid speaking with them?
This is such a common, and very
understandable, concern, especially for
English-speaking parents introducing
French at home. But here’s the truth
I want every caregiver to know:
You do not need perfect pronunciation
to be a powerful role model for your
child’s bilingual journey.
In fact, your willingness to try (mistakes
and all!) is one of the greatest gifts you
can give.
1 Perfection Isn’t the Goal
—Connection Is
Children don’t require perfect teachers.
They require connection, consistency, and
encouragement. When you say “bonjour”
with an English accent or mix up a verb
tense, your child sees something very
important: someone brave enough to try.
Try this: “Oh that’s a tricky word,
I think I’ll try again—want to try
saying it with me?”
This turns a “mistake” into a shared
moment of curiosity and growth.
2 Your Accent Is Not a Barrier
—It’s a Bridge
Accents tell a story. They show that you
learned the language after already having
learned one—how impressive! Just like
any language, French isn’t only for native
speakers—it’s for everyone. For a child,
this is deeply empowering. It says: “If my
parent can do this, so can I.”
Many children in French programs
will encounter different accents from
classmates, teachers, or community
members. Hearing yours simply adds to
their understanding of French as a living,
varied language.
3 Mistakes Are Learning Moments
Whether you accidentally say “le pomme”
instead of “la pomme” or mix up a sound
like “ou” and “u”—it’s okay. Children
learn best through repetition and real-life
use, not perfection. And believe it or not,
they’ll often self-correct naturally just by
hearing words used over time.
Helpful habit: If you’re unsure of a
word, look it up with your child. This
models resourcefulness and reminds
them that learning is a continuous
process.
4 You’re Not Alone
—Use Tools to Support You
From cue cards and pronunciation guides
to audio books and apps, there are so
many ways to hear and practice French
alongside your child. You don’t have to
be the sole source of French input—you
just have to be a willing partner in the
learning.
Tools to try:
● Use Google Translate’s audio feature
to check pronunciation.
● Watch French kids’ shows together
and repeat words you hear.
● Check out the resources available
via our French Footprints Parent
Resource Hub.
● Follow French-speaking creators
or educators for fun mini lessons
(Psst! I share many tips and resources
for parents over on Instagram
@123petitspas).
5 Celebrate Effort Over Accuracy
When your child sees you trying without
fear of making a mistake, they’re more
likely to do the same. That’s how
confidence is built. Not by being right
every time, but by knowing it’s safe to
be wrong.
Say things like:
“You tried that in French, bravo!”
“I love that you’re trying out new
words/sounds!”
If you’ve been waiting for the “right moment”
to start using French at home until
you feel more fluent…this is your sign to
start today, in a perfectly imperfect way.
Your courage will help boost theirs.
Have a question about introducing
French at home? Send it in! It might
be featured in an upcoming issue.
Contact Madame Amy:
Email: info@123petitspas.com
Instagram: @123petitspas
6 FRENCH FOOTPRINTS MAGAZINE FALL

Resources
TFO
Groupe Média TFO is a Franco-Ontarian public media company.
Its educational mandate — on television, on digital platforms
and through its initiatives and applications — is to help families
discover current cultural and educational content in French.
Mini-TFO Website: Offers educational
videos, creative games and apps, cartoons,
music, and colouring activities that welcome
children aged 2-8 years old into a universe
of fun and creativity. Mini-TFO and Kids
website offers content including 96 videos
without ads.
Boukili App: Provides an immersive interactive
and educational French reading experience
for children ages 4 and up. It offers a collection
of over 120 illustrated books grouped by reading
level, theme and skill.
Le napperon: An interactive placemat (PDF),
intended for parents and their preschool
children (2-6 years old), presents Madame
Fruitée’s grocery store, and a host of little
amusing games accessed via augmented reality!
By downloading the TFO+ app, you can scan
visual elements on the placemat to see small
video clips of Mini TFO characters appear.
Grandir en français
Grandir en français, is a personalized newsletter based on your child’s age, specially designed to answer
your questions about the language development of your little one. Its purpose is to provide you with the
information, resources and advice needed to ensure successful transmission of French.
Research Says...
Multisensory & Play-Based Learning Supports All
Young Language Learners
Key Insight: Multisensory approaches — including music, movement, visuals, and games
— are especially effective for introducing French in the early years. (Regalla & Peker, 2015).
These methods help children process and retain language and are highly beneficial for both
typically developing children and children with special needs.
Tip for Parents: Use songs, movement games, visual stories, and touchable props. Even if your
French is limited, these fun tools allow your child to feel and live the language.
For more, consult Learning French
in the Early Years, CPF Advocacy-oriented
Research Brief, April 2022.
FRENCH FOOTPRINTS MAGAZINE FALL 7

“ There is consensus in recent scholarly literature
that early bi/multilingualism is a common,
sophisticated process that does not confuse
or delay language development but, rather,
presents several cognitive advantages.”
“ Bi/multilingual children develop a higher level of
metalinguistic awareness ‘because of the constant
decision-making regarding language-choice’ that
they must make.”
Knouzi, I., & Morgan, S. (2022, April).
Learning languages at an early age
(CPF Advocacy-oriented Research Brief).
Canadian Parents for French.
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.