Learning English and French with the Montessori Method: A Practical Guide for Parents
Discover our tips for helping children learn French or English using the Montessori pedagogy. Kidioma workshops are based on this methodology, enabling children to learn at their own pace while having fun with their friends.
4 min read
Introduction
The Montessori method, founded by Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, is based on the idea that children learn best in a prepared environment that promotes their autonomy and natural development. Applying this method to learning foreign languages, such as English and French, provides children with a conducive environment for discovery and enthusiasm for languages. In this article, we detail how to integrate the principles of Montessori pedagogy to help your children master new languages in a fun and effective way.
1. Montessori Principles Applied to Languages
The Montessori method is based on several key principles, such as allowing the child to evolve autonomously (within a framework, with the support of an adult), the prepared environment, and sensory materials. Each of these principles can be easily applied to learning foreign languages, as we offer in our Kidioma workshops.
Autonomy: The idea is to encourage children to explore languages at their own pace. Children have the opportunity to choose the activity that interests them and the time they wish to spend on it. Adults are available to support the child in their activity and thus in their learning.
The Prepared Environment: The learning space should be well-defined. During Kidioma workshops, children evolve in a dedicated space in the house for learning foreign languages, which allows them to stay focused on this learning. It is naturally recommended that children can easily access the activities they wish to engage in, aiming to develop their autonomy (for example, placing books, vocabulary cards, and educational games on shelves or in boxes within the child's reach).
Sensory Materials: Tangible objects are central to Montessori pedagogy. It is even more relevant to use them to teach the vocabulary of a foreign language. For example, children can handle vocabulary cards with images and words and link them with real objects corresponding to the words learned. At Kidioma, we adopt similar approaches using, among other things, thematic activities that awaken the five senses, or memory games to learn animal vocabulary by performing yoga poses. This makes learning more concrete and engaging for children.
2. Montessori Activities for Learning Foreign Languages
Here are some examples of activities inspired by the Montessori method to help children learn English and French.
Matching Games: Use vocabulary flashcards with images and words in English and French. Children associate these cards with real objects to reinforce language learning. For example, a card with an apple and the word "apple" in English or "pomme" in French. The possibilities for games are endless! Children can play memory, play hide and seek (by looking for the cards when the tutor names the object to find), or mime according to the theme. It’s a fun and affordable way to learn vocabulary.
Language Boxes: By reusing the vocabulary cards and associating them with the corresponding real objects, children can memorize vocabulary using thematic boxes. By choosing the box on the theme they want to discover, they are encouraged to handle the objects while learning the words. Handling is an important aspect of Montessori pedagogy because it allows words to be linked to objects concretely. These methods are found in our workshops, where sensory games are used to stimulate learning, for example, by creating shapes with Legos.
3. Integrating Languages into Daily Life
Integrating languages into daily life is essential to reinforce learning.
Labeling the House: By placing labels in English and French on everyday objects, such as furniture, appliances, and toys, children associate the words with real objects. This way, they make a connection with their native language and more easily memorize the translation of this new daily vocabulary.
Simple Dialogues: Encourage exchanges in a foreign language during daily activities. For example, ask your child to help you prepare breakfast using simple phrases in English or French, such as "Can you pass the butter?" or "Peux-tu me donner le beurre ?".
These practices are aligned with our Kidioma pedagogy, as our workshops are conducted in complete immersion. The tutor does not speak the children's language but only the workshop language (French or English). Children have an incredible ability to associate words, even if they don't understand them, with the context in which they are used.
4. Using Books and Stories
Books and stories are powerful tools for language learning.
Bilingual Books: Read age-appropriate books in English and French with your children. Ask them questions about the story to encourage reflection and oral expression. For example, "What did the character do next?" or "que fait le personnage après?".
Audio Stories: Listen to stories in English and French during quiet moments or before bedtime. Discuss the stories to improve comprehension and vocabulary. For example, "Did you like the story? Why?" or "Tu as aimé l'histoire? Pourquoi?".
At Kidioma, we also integrate these various media into our workshops to enrich children's learning experiences and stimulate their imagination and language comprehension.
5. Encouraging Language Immersion
Language immersion is an effective method for learning a new language.
Songs and Rhymes: Learn songs and rhymes in English and French with your children. Use gestures and movements to reinforce learning. For example, sing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in English and "brille, brille petite étoile" in French.
Meetups and Exchanges: Participate in playgroups or workshops in English and French. Encourage your children to interact with native speakers or other bilingual children. This gives them the opportunity to practice languages in a social context.
Kidioma workshops also emphasize language immersion, organizing activities and games that immerse children in an English or French-speaking environment, thus promoting natural and spontaneous language practice.
Conclusion
The Montessori method offers a natural and engaging approach to learning foreign languages. By integrating these principles and activities into your daily life, you can help your children become autonomous and enthusiastic learners. At Kidioma, we draw inspiration from these methods to create enriching and fun workshops tailored to each child's needs. For us, it is crucial that children have a positive experience in learning foreign languages, as this is how they will remember the joy of learning and retain vocabulary. Remember that language learning is a journey, and every little step counts. To take it further, discover our workshops and give your children a unique and fun learning experience.