french FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
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. Private tutoring is available upon request.
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New This Spring
Kids In-Service Day Camp May
Come play, craft, and speak French with us during our in-service day camps! For elementary students K-5 during scheduled in-service days.
Hours: 8:30am-3:30pm
Next In-Service Day Camps are offered on May 2.
SUMMER DAY CAMPS
At the Alliance Française de Portland, we offer summer day camps for children in two age groups: 6-12 and 13-17. Whether your child
is new to French, already speaks some, is advanced from attending an immersion school, or is a native French speaker, our camps are
designed to accommodate all levels of language proficiency. All camps are from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm.
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.
No prerequisites required. You can join these classes at any time.
General French, Ages 7-10
Beginner: no prerequisites. Please note that the new session starts in September. Children can join later but will continue learning with those who started in September. New classes are occasionally offered, so if you're unsure, please check with the office.
Advanced Beginner: 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: no prerequisites. Please note that the new session starts in September. Children can join later but will continue learning with those who started in September. New classes are occasionally offered, so if you're unsure, please check with the office.
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
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.
On-demand Classe: 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.
Registration
Select Location to see whether classes are online or in-person.
Click on the gray box with the day and time to register.
To see the teacher of a class, hold your cursor over the circled exclamation point in the class date/time box.
Most of our classes can be joined at the start of any term. Some classes continue from the new session beginning in September. If you're unsure which class to join, please check with the office.
Plan to pick up books before your first class, or arrange shipping for additional fee with our office. Books are not automatically shipped.