We are having a grand time in school learning about France. Since we’re now singing the Days of the Week in French, I thought it would be fun to read our beloved “Goodnight Moon” (recited every day before chapter reading) in French, and in English – simultaneously, page by page. Also, children hear the book every day, but don’t see the pages. It was a treat to see the illustrations!
My wonderful co-teacher read the pages in English, and I read the pages in French. I know I ‘messed up’ on some words, but the important thing is that children were connecting their favorite book in both languages. They were so excited to participate and shout out the words. It was wonderful!
Jennie
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About Jennie
I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about.
I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
A Teacher's Reflections 
Amazing ! I really like your every day efforts and dedication for children Jennie.
Thank you.
Great exposure to the world!
I sing baa baa black sheep in Swahili to my children!!
That’s wonderful! I sing Old MacDonald in Italian. Exposure is such a good thing.
Absolutely! I often break out into song, whatever language!
The best!!
yay!
😀
What a great idea. getting children used to hearing other languages at a young age is important.
It is, and they are little sponges learning every word.
Yes, they are!!
That’s nice
Thank you.
Really neat idea. What age are the children?
Preschool, 3 and 4 years old.
That’s a great idea, Jennie/
Thanks, Dan! Good thing I had to wear a mask so my misspoken French words weren’t quite as noticeable. The children loved it!
Haha
🙂
How fun! My daughter just returned from a school trip to France and had a wonderful time.
That’s wonderful!!
🙂
The fact that these children are aware that there are different languages is a huge start. Most are so unaware so late in life. They live in tiny bubbles where people are all the same. You open the world to them which is vital in their new world. What a wonderful way to do this!
Thank you, Marlene. Children are little sponges and truly enjoy learning about the big wide world and its people. My most popular units of study are always when we focus on a country.
P.S. How is your new place working out?
It’s taking more time and energy than I expected to get settled but I’m close. I’m liking this decision more every day. Adjusting to altitude has been the biggest hurdle and slowed me down the most. Building up steam though. 😉 Hugs.
That good you’re happy with the decision! I’m so glad. Yes, altitude is an issue, but it seems the plusses outweigh the minuses.
How fun! When I was learning ….well I still am learning French I picked up several children’s books in French and listened to children’s music all the time to help me learn the language I know it will help the kids. I wish I had started that young!!
Thank you, Deborah. It really was fun! I think we are both still learning!
Get them started young on languages, and they become second nature. One of my friends married a Turkish lady, and then got a job in Beijing, China. His son grew up speaking English, Turkish, and Mandarin. (Though he couldn’t read the Chinese characters in books.)
Best wishes, Pete.
You are so right, Pete. It’s easy when they’re young. What a lucky kid to grow up speaking three languages.
Quelle merveilleuse idée !
Merci!
De rien!
Jennie, your posts are always a joy. Thanks for these smiles. Hugs on the wing!
Glad to give you smiles, Teagan! Thanks!
I loved the call-and-response aspect of the reading. What fun!
It really worked, taking turns with the same page. Definitely call-and-response. The children loved it!
I heard on the video. I got such a kick out of their enthusiasm.
They were excited!
Good stuff Jennie!
The children loved that. It is amazing how every one manages with masks. Lovely togetherness .
Oh how we all hate the masks. Fortunately we can now go mask-less starting on Monday. The children really do adapt beautifully. They loved hearing the book in both English and French. Thank you, Sandra!
So happy about the masks going! Lovely class keep on bringing sunshine!!
what a great way to expose children to other languages!
Thanks, Jim. Using a book they already know makes it easy and fun.
that’s a clever way to do it. bien joué…
😍
Terrific, Sally. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, John. I’m so glad I’m not the only one who goofs on names. 😂
Ha ha ha, sorry Jennie. Had Sally on the brain. 😁
No worries. I think we all had Sally on the brain today, and that was a good thing!
That was such a fun book. How lovely to introduce it to your students.
Thanks, Jacqui!
Such a great experience for them, Jennie!
Thank you, Becky!
It has been a long time since I have seen the research that shows that children’s brains are perfect for learning new languages. Apparently that talent disappears about the time we try to learn a new one to satisfy a graduation requirement in college!
You have that right!
Enlarging their world is always a good lesson.
Yes, it is!
The kids love that story and were so attentive. Nice job, teachers!
They did! Thanks, Steve.
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
A wonderful idea, Jennie! You and your co-teacher are always finding things to entertain the students. xx Michael
We had so much fun, and the children loved it!
You are a wonderful teacher, Jennie! We should ask the M.I.T., because they are able to clone you, also for other children. :-)) Have a nice week! xx Michael
Haha! That’s so nice, Michael. Thank you.
🙏 Thank you as well, Jennie! Enjoy a nice day! xx Michael – P.S.: Maybe we should ask, so we could transfer a clone of you also to Europe. 🙂
That’s very kind, Michael! 🥰
Awesome!
😍
So sweet to see! I am trilingual and my husband understands French so it’s great to see such diversity! 🙂
OMG! That is wonderful, Jen. How lucky you are to speak three languages. And, thank you. We sing the ‘Days of the Week’ in French every day, plus songs, and of course Merci.