Madame Katy is a French teacher, and she visits our kindergarten class every week. Since we were studying France, we invited her to do “Old MacDonald” in French. It was wonderful.
Then, Madame Katy and I read Goodnight Moon to the children. Page by page, she read the book in French, and I read the book in English. It took a long time, and children were wide-eyed. Did they understand the French? No, but just hearing the words is the first step in introducing a new language.
I bet Gloria will want to hear about this when she returns.
We wrote Madame Katy a giant thank you note, and hope she will visit us again.
Jennie
About Jennie
I have been teaching preschool for over forty 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 
I used to listen to well known fairy tales with my son, Greg, in French. A terrific idea.
That’s wonderful, Robbie! I think it helps make a new language comfortable for children.
I think you are right
What a great idea! There was a TV show on in Canada when I was young called Chez Hélène. (1959 to 1973) It was mostly in French with a little mouse puppet that said some things in English. It was my first exposure to the French language and I loved it.
And you still remember, which means it made a lasting impression. Languages can be fun for children if presented right- like a mouse who also said things in English. Many thanks, Darlene.
Oh! Jennie what a wonderful way to teach a new language….using books band songs the children know band love… Gloria will be so excited to join in when she is home… Which will be soon I hope 🙏
Thanks, Willow! Music works wonders when learning a new language, and of course they were glued to hearing Goodnight Moon in French. I’m sure Gloria will arrive soon. No worries. 🙂
yes it’s perfect, well done. I am sure Gloria is having an adventure 💜🎶💜
I think she just arrived at the post office today. I will pick her up this week, and then the following week is school vacation week. Gloria will have a grand welcome home as soon as we’re back to school. I’m so excited!
Willow, I just got an update from FedEx, Gloria is scheduled to arrive on the 16th, so it’s a good thing her welcome party will be after school vacation week.
Oh! We are so pleased to hear she is arriving soon that’s wonderful news. Lol we were concerned.
I think the children will be so excited to see her back . 💜💜
They will!! I’ll keep you posted.💕
thank you Jennie 💜💜👍
Hi Jennie! This is wonderful! You are an amazing teacher. Here is a suggestion: you should consider writing a memoir of your time teaching.
Charles, we have talked about my doing that, and you have been the driving force/supporter extraordinaire. We even had sub categories mapped out. Thank you for that!! I can’t do it and teach and write my blog, so, it has to happen (or begin) over the summer. I attended an SCBWI webinar about writing a memoir. It was terrible, and she said, “A memoir is only about one specific event.” Well, I don’t believe that. I think I need to find a good starting place, and the rest should flow.
That’s such a cool way to introduce the children to a new language! When I was studying French daily I used to sing children’s songs, and read children’s storybooks to help me learn to read and speak the language along with flash cards. You can’t ever go wrong with stories and music.
You are so right, Deborah! Music helps cement language and make it fun. Stories are the magical keepers of language. You knew just the right thing to do!
Love this! And bravo toy for exposing these young minds to a world of wonder, creativity, and multiple languages! This is the age to learn!
That’s so nice, John. Thank you! This is definitely the age to learn!
The best way to be introduced to a foreign language. Well done to Madame Katy! I wonder if Gloria will come back from England with a British accent and some of our expressions? She might even have developed a taste for a cup of tea!
Best wishes, Pete.
I agree! Music does wonders to cement language, and of course books are the keepers of the magic of language. Wouldn’t it be funny if Gloria came home with an accent? Well…she did develop a taste for tea, and she met a ‘new British friend’ that she’ll bring to the Aqua Room. Stay tuned!
What a great idea, to hear the book in both languages. It is definitely a first step. Wonderful way to begin introducing another language.
Thank you, Anneli. Reading it page by page in both languages is perfect, especially when it’s a favorite book.
Yes, I agree!
What a great way to introduce a new language, by using something the children are familiar with.
Exactly! Thank you, Dan. See, you could have been a teacher.
I don’t think I have the patience. My brother was a teacher, a very good one.
Patience is a tough one. What grade did your brother teach?
Mostly 8th grade history – a very tough group. He also taught ED and BD kids for several years. Way more patience than me.
Wow! 8th grade is really hard, and to make history interesting is another challenge. You must be very proud of your brother.
I am. When I visit him, we’ll be in the grocery store and adults that he had as students come up and talk to him. It’s clear he made an impact, like you do.
What a great idea, Jennie. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed this, John. Thank you.
😊
Oh how lovely! What a treat to hear a story read in two languages!
Thank you! It was a treat for children to hear their favorite story read in two languages.
I loved learning French at school because the teacher was so engaging, you aqua room will be bonjour-ing you every morning soon! Good job Jennie and Mme Katy!
Thanks so much, FR! An engaging teacher can make a big difference.
I’m sure it won’t surprise you to hear that I read Goodnight Moon a few times to Jack while we were there. I told him that book came from you, Jennie.
Awww…🥰
What a clever video, to show the sameness/differences. Of course, I was completely impressed that you can sit on the floor (and probably get back up, too!)
The back-and-forth method works, especially with a familiar book. Sitting on the floor is not too tough, it’s getting back up again that’s hard. 😅
Wonderful! I’ll bet the kids would now love to learn to speak French.
They love saying ‘bonjour’, and that’s a start! Thanks, Liz.
Absolutely! You’re welcome, Jennie.
that’s such a great way to teach children a language with a book they know!
Exactly! Thank you, Beth.
It sounds like a wonderful introduction to a different language.
It really is, Cathy. Thank you.
Nothing better than learning and having fun at same time. Loved the vids. 🧡
Yes! It’s a win-win. Thanks, Debby!
xx
Bon Jour –
I always think of you whenever i see Goodnigth Moon (*and a few other children’s books) and today’s post just added to that connection for me! How awesome to hear the story read in two languages!