french FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Children and Youth group program is on break in summer. Private and semi-private classes are available on demand. Below, you'll find classes offered in fall 2024 term.
The Alliance Française offers a variety of classes for children ages 3-12 and youth ages 13-18. You will find classes with or without textbooks, play or conversation oriented approach. These classes are tailored for native French speakers, children from French immersion school backgrounds, as well as English-speaking children who have never had French class before! Explore our offerings below to discover the specific audience each class is designed for. Classes are offered online and in-person.
French Class For All! No Prerequisites
Ballet en Français
Ages 3-5
Let your child to discover ballet while immersing themselves in the French language. Ballet en Français class is tailored for children aged 3 to 5. Our classroom is transformed into a studio where children can immerse themselves in movement, creativity, and language. The class will be taught in French with English used as necessary. French language proficiency is not necessary. This class is open to all!
From pliés to pirouettes, every step in Ballet en Français fosters physical and linguistic growth.
French Language Classes: Designed for Native English Speakers and French as a Second Language Learners (Excluding Immersion School Students)
Play and Learn French
Ages 3-5 (parent and child): no prerequisites, Saturdays, in person. Parents are required to stay in class.
Ages 6-9 (drop off): no
prerequisites, Saturdays, in person
This is an in-person class! This class will let children discover French language through games, movement, songs, engaging all of the senses: sight, taste, smell, touch, hearing. This multi-sensory class uses total immersion method to build the language skills through fun activities. We use the method with original songs integrated to the curriculum. Each class exposes children to familiar situations, so they are able to easily reuse their newly acquired skills at home. There is no required textbook for this class.
Class structure: The class evolves around two main elements: the ritual-based repetition and predictability (songs, mascots) and the surprise that comes with new elements in each class (new phrase structures, vocabulary, games).
Class objectives: Understand the meaning of activities without needing English explanations. - Build vocabulary for everyday situations. - Learn and use useful expressions and phrase structures in context. - Participate in activities in French, use acquired skills in everyday situations.
General French, Ages 7-10
Beginner 1: no prerequisites
Beginner 2: completion of at least one season of Beginner 1 required
Advanced Beginner 1: prerequisite: completion of Beginner 1 and 2 or prior French experience, such as study in immersion school.
Learn French with the Cousteau family as they travel throughout France and the francophone world! Using the Cap Sur method (textbook) which follows the adventures of the Cousteau family and their pigeon, Gaston, your young French-learner will discover the language through a variety of interactive games and hands-on projects. This dynamic method emphasizes the fun in language learning. Throughout the term, students will have opportunities to work on an art-based travel journal to document their adventures in French!
General
French , Ages 11-14
Beginner 1
Embark on a trip through francophone countries, guided by teenagers! Learn French with engaging content and project-based modules. Based on authentic situations and teens interests, the “A la Une” textbook offers a dynamic approach to learning French. Available as a print bundle of student’s book and a workbook or a premium bundle with printed student’s book and access to digital workbook for 12 months.
French Language Classes: Tailored for Students with French Immersion School Background, Intermediate to Advanced Level Students and Native French Speakers
French Drama Club: Unleashing Creativity and Language Skills
Ages 5-6, 7-12 and 13-16
Do you have young aspiring actors at home who also want to improve their French speaking skills? Our theatrical adventure course is the perfect blend of drama and language learning designed to engage children in a fun and immersive learning experience. Through games, activities, and role-playing exercises, they will develop confidence in expressing themselves in French, improve their pronunciation, and expand their vocabulary in a dynamic and supportive environment.
This course offers a unique opportunity for children to unleash their creativity, build teamwork skills, and gain fluency in French
through the magic of theater.
Yoga
Ages 5-6 and 7-12
Welcome to our French Yoga After-School Program, where we seamlessly blend the practice of yoga with the beauty of the French language. Our
instructor, a trained yoga teacher and French teacher, provides clear instructions in French, ensuring that participants not only improve
their yoga practice but also enhance their language skills in a supportive environment. Enroll your child in this class if you want them to:
- Practice French
- Promote Physical Health
- Cultivate Mindfulness
The class will also incorporate creative and imaginative movement activities, providing added fun and opportunities for French language
practice.
No prior yoga experience is required. French language proficiency requirements are as follows: children ages 7-12 should be able to
communicate in French (native French speakers, English speakers attending French immersion school, or those with an advanced level from
prior studies), while ages 5-6 must either speak French or actively participate in an immersion school program.
Mène ton enquête (Delve into the Investigation)
Ages 8-13
The “Mène ton enquête" (Delve into the Investigation) class immerses learners in the world of puzzles, inspired by "Inspecteur
Lafouine" texts. Participants read and analyze stories, identify clues, debate to develop hypotheses, and write investigation reports.
They enrich their vocabulary specific to investigations and improve their writing and communication skills. The workshop develops critical
analysis, teamwork, and the ability to summarize information. To conclude, a grand game of Cluedo (Clue) allows participants to practice the
acquired skills in a fun way. This class, aimed at those wishing to improve their analytical and linguistic skills, takes place over ten
1.5-hour sessions. This class is open to children with a French immersion school background as well as those from Francophone families.
Keep Up Your French
Ages 9-12 and 13+
Crafted for students hailing from francophone families or possessing a background in French immersion, this class offers a weekly platform
to nurture their French skills. Through avenues such as music, literature, and cultural exploration, students can actively engage and
immerse themselves in the language.
Students will have the chance to work on their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in a comfortable group setting and shape conversations based on their lives and interests.
This class is offered via Zoom.
Jeunes Francophones - Français Langue Maternelle (FLAM)
Ages 5-7, 7-9, and 10-12
For the 2024-25 school year, the Alliance is excited to announce the introduction of French language classes specifically designed for students with native fluency in French.
These classes are tailored to support and enhance the language skills of children who already speak French at home or are fluent, providing a comprehensive curriculum that fosters linguistic proficiency and cultural enrichment. Our instructors will guide students through an engaging educational journey, ensuring they develop a strong foundation in both written and spoken French.
Fees for materials will be collected separately to cover the costs of printing.
This class is available for three age groups: 5-7 years, 7-9 years, and 10-12 years.
On-demand Classes for Students Attending Immersion Schools
“After School Boost” is an engaging and dynamic French class designed specifically for children attending language immersion schools.
Through a combination of interactive activities, creative exercises, and group discussions, students will reinforce their vocabulary,
grammar, and comprehension skills, while focusing on the ability of applying in writing and in speaking concepts learned at school between
ages 11-13 and 14-16.
These classes that are conducted through Zoom and can be scheduled upon request for the group of minimum 4 students.
Sign up by first selecting 'Youth' on the course selector at the bottom of the page, then click on the course box. Alternately, contact the office at info@afportland.org
This website was published January 17, 2022. All students will need to login with a new password before
registering.
Use the code SIBLING2 at checkout for a 10% discount when enrolling a second child.
To see the teacher for a class, hold your cursor over the circled exclamation point in the class date/time box of the course selector.