A child's process of learning French is different from other children's, according to many linguists who specialize in helping children learn French. Factors such as the child's age, learning style, interests and personality affect the French language acquisition process. However, many French language-learners follow a similar process of language development, and this can help educators develop perfect techniques for French language instruction.
Features of Learning French as a Child
Judie Haynes, author of "Stages of Second Language Development," explains the features of children's French language acquisition. Stage 1 is pre-production, when children have up to 500 words of vocabulary they understand but do not use. Stage 2, early production, is defined by children using short phrases and chunks of language they have memorized. Stage 3, speech emergence, starts with children asking simple questions and forming simple sentences. Stage 4, intermediate fluency, contains more complex phrases. Children express their thoughts and ideas in speech and in writing. Stage 5, advanced fluency, where the child starts speaking, reading and writing with academic proficiency.
Time Frame for learning French
Language acquisition researcher and author Jim Cummins declares that many educators make mistakes when determining when and if a child has mastered French. He says that basic interpersonal communicative skills (BICS) and cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP) are two distinct indicators of French comprehension. BICS is often referred to as "playground French." Mastery of BICS may take as little as a few months. However this level of proficiency does not immediately shift to the mastery of academic French necessary for accomplishment in the classroom. Academic French proficiency, or CALP, takes a minimum of about five years of French language immersion and direct instruction.
Considerations when teaching French to children
Motivation plays an important role in the process of learning and teaching French for children. Instructors should try to keep language learning low-stress, fun and interesting. Draw upon students' hobbies and skills to motivate them to read, write and speak in French.
Theories/Speculation about French learning
According to education researcher Howard Gardner, children learn new information in many ways. Learning French does not just require linguistic interaction. Children can learn French and transfer rules of French grammar from short-term to long-term memory through visual activities; bodily/kinesthetic methods; logical-mathematical instruction; interpersonal curriculum; interpersonal approaches; and music instruction.
Solution for better French learning
Linguistic expert Stephen Krashen discusses the danger of excessive correcting children while they learn French. Jumping in to correct every mistake raises children's affective filter, and can be daunting. Educators can provide corrective feedback by planning small lessons around common grammatical errors, and by consistently modeling correct usage.
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