This article has been written in collaboration with Derek Jones, Licensee of Le club français to highlight the benefits of children learning an additional language and promote local opportunities for children ages 3-11 to learn French and Spanish.
Le club français provides learning through fun and games that mean children look forward to their lessons. This way of learning has taken some adapting to cope with the unusual conditions of multiple lockdowns and moving to online learning but Le club français have done a fantastic job of adapting their learning material to work in an online learning environment.
Children access this opportunity to learn French and Spanish through:
- After-school or lunchtime clubs in Primary Schools in Thame, Little Kimble and High Wycombe.
- Pre-school Nurseries during the day in High Wycombe
- Online clubs after clubs after school.
- In-school courses in classes in Primary Schools.
All Club Members have the extra benefit of access to the fun interactive website where children enrolled in the clubs and their parents can continue this learning outside of lessons through the games and activities.
The sentiment of children having fun while they learn came across strongly when we asked the teachers to give their comments.
From the teachers
“It is amazing to see the progress and confidence of the children and know that you are contributing to their lives, especially online during lockdown. Dancing and singing with them does not feel like a job but more like an activity which both the teacher and the children enjoy, whilst learning at the same time.” Mademoiselle Bloch
“It is just a joy to see the children improving their French every week, using it with ease while covering different topics as well as having fun ! Since the 1st lockdown we are running successful online clubs and it’s amazing to realise how much we can do and what they can learn while sharing French activities on screen. They are so aware about the new technology that they can learn as much by attending online French clubs too. Thanks to LCF I managed to put my French teaching experience forward and I am thrilled to share it with children from young ages through games, songs and various fun activities.” Madame Prevost.
EXAMPLES OF REWARD STICKERS NOW ISSUED ONLINE AS WELL
What does the future hold for Le club français post-lockdown?
Derek Jones, explains that, with the easing of lockdown rules, some schools are now offering our language clubs again in school, starting with single year groups. This is helpful for the children whose parents are unable to set up their children online. However, having learned much about how to adapt our teaching techniques to online learning, we are all keen to continue the online clubs especially as they help those children now attending who do not have our clubs in their schools.
It also means that children in Primary Schools other than those we work in will have access to this learning.
We work as a team regularly discussing our teaching experiences online and sharing the course materials, provided by Le club français, including these adhesive and electronic award stickers much valued by the children.
We look forward to developing the online clubs for many more children.
How can parents find out more?
For times, charges & enrolments please go to: www.clubenrolment.com/LCFbucks
For the enrollment location choose your child’s Primary School or “online with ….” and select your prefered language club. Siblings are enrolled at a 10% discount. Click on the “Enrol a sibling” option. Sometimes children can be unsure so there will be no charge for the first session should your child not wish to continue.
Alternatively, you are welcome to call Derek on 01844 342398.
French and Spanish Opportunities Expanding
- Club Leader needed in Beaconsfield.
- Teachers available for Primary Schools and childrens’ nurseries in the High Wycombe area.
About our local teachers
Monsieur Jones (Derek): Clubs Organiser, qualified experienced school teacher and club leader since 2006 – running French clubs online after school. In normal times he runs French clubs at Longwick School and Griffin House School near Princes Risborough.
Madame Prevost (Stephanie): French national and club leader since 2015 – running French clubs online after school, most days. In normal times she runs French clubs in all three Primary Schools in Thame.
Mademoiselle Bloch (Emilie): Swiss student of dance and club leader since 2019 – running French clubs and Spanish clubs online. In normal times she runs these clubs in the Busy Bees children’s nursery in High Wycombe. Emily is originally from Switzerland, grew up in Monaco and then moved to England to study and currently speak English, French, Italian and Spanish.
Heather: Bilingual French speaker who has recently joined our team, and taken part in our online teachers’ meetings, is looking forward to running French clubs in Primary Schools in the High Wycombe area.
