French Footprints: Parent Resource Hub
The French Footprints Parent Resource Hub offers families interactive tools to introduce French to their little ones through fun and engaging activities. Discover the benefits of early French-language learning and how it can provide children with a strong foundation for a smooth transition into school and a bright bilingual future.
Research has proven that early exposure to play-based language learning opportunities leads to greater social, emotional, and academic success. With the increase of life opportunities afforded by learning languages – in addition to those linked to early learning in general – why would Canadian families not want to maximize possibilities for their young children by selecting options that feature a second language?
To learn more about the benefits of French-language acquisition in the early years, please refer to our Early Years Brief.
Host: Amy Maan
Mother of two and founder of 123 Petits Pas, Amy collaborates with language and education experts to empower parents with confidence, helping them shape a brighter linguistic future for their children.
EPISODES
Episode 1: Strategies to Help Prepare for French Immersion Kindergarten
Episode 2: It’s Never Too Early: the Importance of Bilingualism from Birth
Episode 3: Mythbusting Concerns About Starting FSL at a Young Age
Episode 4: It Takes a Village: Building a French-Speaking Support Network
Episode 5: The Benefit of Using Music to Teach Young Learners French
Episode 6: Out and About: Pursuing French Learning Outside of Your Home
Episode 7: Strategies to Help Prepare for French Immersion Kindergarten
Episode 8: Strategies to Help Prepare for French Immersion Kindergarten
YOUTUBE
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Why Parent Engagement Matters!
Did you know you have the power to shape your child’s success in French learning? From fun activities at home to advocating for stronger bilingual programs, your involvement can open new opportunities- read the full post to find out how!
Actionable Strategies for English-Speaking Parents
You don’t need to be fluent in French to raise a bilingual child- simple daily habits like music, games, and a few key words here and there can make a big impact. Want easy, practical tips to help your child thrive in French? Click to learn more!
Choosing the Right French Program for a Brighter Future!
With so many French learning programs in Canada, how do you know which one is the best fit for your child? Get a clear breakdown of your options and find the right path for your family- read on to explore!
French Books for Babies and Infants
Did you know that reading French books with your baby can help them recognize sounds and words before they even start talking? Discover our top book recommendations and simple ways to make reading in French a fun part of your daily routine- click to explore!
How to Prepare Your Child for French School
Starting French school can feel exciting but also a little overwhelming- good news, you can help make the transition easier at home! Find out how simple activities like songs and language games can boost your child’s confidence- read this post for practical tips
Top French Songs for Preschoolers
Music is one of the best ways for little ones to learn French without even realizing it! Check out our favourite French songs that will have your child singing, moving, and picking up new words effortlessly- listen and learn!
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Spring Scavenger Hunt Audio
Parent & Child French Classes: Scholarship Opportunity
Join Mme. Amy from 123 Petits Pas in engaging virtual French classes designed for parents and children to learn and bond together! These 6-week programs feature fun, interactive activities with the goal of making French learning feel like a family hobby, rather than a school subject.
Family scholarships are available seasonally! Email info@123petitspas.com to be notified about the next round of scholarship applications.
Bringing French Home for Families is a downloadable handbook for parents and caregivers to introduce French to their children at home!
Radio-Canada OHdio Jeunesse is a free app that provides a variety of audio content, including radio shows, podcasts, audiobooks, and music tout en français and targeted for young learners!
Bododo is a series short audio-stories en français to help young children fall asleep peacefully. These modern fables by Quebec authors Stéphanie Lapointe, Fanny Britt, Claudia Larochelle and Stéphanie Boulay feature rich musical soundscapes. Each story ends with a gentle musical piece that allows children to continue the story in the world of dreams for ages 2 – 5.
The Fable Cottage is a website that provides bilingual children’s stories, focusing on French language learning, where classic fairy tales and fables are retold in modern language with optional English translations, slow audio narration by native speakers, and often accompanied by video animations.
Coucou Télé-Québec offers a wide rage of French entertainment to little ones with fun, educational shows made just for preschoolers. Featuring engaging characters and playful storytelling, this platform helps children ages 3-6 learn and enjoy French in a natural and immersive way.
Educatout is a website that offers educational games and activities, including printable worksheets, for parents and educators tout en français.
Le Ciel Me Sourit / The Sky Smiles at Me is a charming bilingual story for ages 2-10. This interactive, online version has audio recordings of the text in both languages to help with pronunciation and explore the story in French and in English. Written by Canadian author Candance Amarante and illustrated by Lysanne Abelardo.
Zone Jeunesse offers videos and games for kids to enjoy. The Youth Zone is divided into two distinct sections. The Toddler zone is aimed at children aged 3 to 5, while the Kid zone is for children aged 6 to 10.
In Learning French in the Early Years you will learn about the value of introducing languages to children during the formative years before school starts. This brief is an essential tool to ensure that there is equitable access for all Canadian children to early language learning as part of the Government of Canada’s promised national early learning and childcare system.
Mini TFO offers a fun collection of French videos, songs, and educational games designed for young learners. Perfect for children aged 2-6, this free resource makes learning French fun through interactive content that supports language development and imagination.
Parent’s Guide to Basic French is a printable toolkit to help parents and children learn French together.
Parents are invited to become a member of Canadian Parents for French (membership is free!), and purchase a French Footprints Parents Kit containing tools to help implement French learning at home. Each kit contains:
✔️ A French book
✔️ A musical shaker
✔️ A silk play scarf
✔️ A finger puppet
✔️ French vocabulary flashcards
✔️ A counting mat
✔️ A rubber popping toy to practice counting to ten
✔️ A 12-page Parent Resource Guide
A kit can be purchased for $25 by contacting Megan at mchartrand[at]cpf.ca. CPF will cover shipping anywhere in Canada for free.
French Vocabulary Flashcards
These flashcards, provided in the French Footprints Kit, can be downloaded for free here. You can also listen to audio to learn how to pronounce new words!
Download 24 printable flashcards:
Listen to learn new words:
French Footprints also provides certified Training for Educators. This online course provides answers for early years educators who want to introduce French but need practical strategies, confidence-building tools, and ready-to-use resources. This training program is designed specifically for early years practitioners who want to bring French into their learning space – NO prior French knowledge required! Share the opportunity with your child’s care provider today!
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