Fun filled songs for young learners

FUN-filled songs, dances and games are making French just fantastique for a group of little learners.

With marching around the room and jumping-up and down amongst the activites, children are getting a lively introduction to the language at a lesson in Bradwell.

The La Jolie Ronde classes, run by tutor Amanda Dagg, are far removed from the stuffy image of desk bound pupils reciting verbs at school.

Amanda runs weekly after school classes for four to eight and eight to 12 year olds at Mill Lane Centre, Bradwell and the White Horse Nursery in East Somerton.

“This is a more fun version of school French, the group get to run around and a lot of the teaching is done through songs and games.

“The children enjoy themselves so much that they don't even realise they are learning,” said Amanda.

“It is important to get them learning early as they are like little sponges when they are young.

“Children don't feel so self conscious at their age, if they can reach a good standard earlier that won't be such a problem when they are older.”

Many of the children in Amanda's class have not had the chance to learn French at school and were all enjoying the experience.

Hillside First School pupil Kia, seven, said: “I like French and have learnt quite a lot here and also practice at home.

“I went to France, but did not know the language so mum got me to join the group to learn it and I am hoping to know a lot more when I go back.”

Eight year old Imogen, from Great Yarmouth, said: “I have been learning French for a year and enjoy the classes, my older sister is taking French at school and I am hoping to keep studying too.”

The government is planning to make a foreign language compulsory for eight to 12 year olds from 2010.

La Jolie Ronde has been providing a light hearted way for children to learn French for the last 25 years and was recently given an award for the best pre-school language course.

Contact Amanda on 01493 300192 or email amanda.dagg@ntlworld.com.