Author: Angela Noble, North Ayrshire
The North Ayrshire 1+2 and Family Learning teams partnered with early years staff to deliver a six-week French project called ‘1, 2, 3 Oui’ in Lawthorn Primary’s Early Years Centre in Irvine. A parallel course in Spanish was delivered at Springvale Early Years Centre in Saltcoats. The aim was to give families language learning opportunities early on, at the same time promoting the importance of languages for life. We adapted well-known songs, rhymes and games and Makaton signing was used as a mnemonic for the French/Spanish word. Intergenerational learning was encouraged both at school and at home, and popular story books were used to engage learners.
In order to promote the programme and incite enthusiasm for participation, families were given information via Twitter, as well as an information slip with dates and a tear off slip for intended attendance.
For six weeks, families were invited to learn French/Spanish with their children in an early years setting (both indoors and out) every Friday morning, for one hour at the beginning of the day. The images show children using ‘Here we go round the Mulberry Bush’ to learn vocabulary for daily routines e.g. lavez les mains. You can also see the children building the Eiffel Tower, practising numbers.
Before each session, parents and carers enjoyed coffee, pastries and a chat with the 1+2, Family Learning and Teaching staff.
Feedback was very positive:
- Delighted to watch my three-year-old on holiday in France ordering a ‘pain au chocolat’ in French and turning to me and saying, ‘It worked!’
- I love learning some French. Have forgotten a lot since school.
- I think languages are important for everyone!
- Fun class again! Lots of ideas and activities to do at home too. Merci!
Lawthorn Early Years Centre will run the programme independently in the new year with another set of families. Bravo tout le monde!
