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.

Take advantage of our 10% Early Bird discount available until December 15.

Use the code SIBLING2 at checkout  for a 10% discount when enrolling a second child.

Register now!
Take advantage of our 10% Early Bird discount available until December 15. Use the code SIBLING2 at checkout  for a 10% discount when enrolling a second child. Register now!

 

New This Winter

The World of Comic Books: Discovery and Creation for Children


In this engaging class, your child will have the opportunity to dive into the exciting world of comic books through a series of creative and educational sessions.

The journey begins with an exploration of the origins of comics, introducing iconic characters like Astérix and Tintin, and discussing famous comic festivals. Through fun activities, children will learn to recognize the unique visual and narrative codes of comics, such as speech bubbles, onomatopoeia, and the emotions conveyed through illustrations.

As the course progresses, children will analyze and create their own comic book characters, including heroes and villains, and will experiment with transforming their ideas into short comic strips. They will also explore how text and images work together to tell a story and develop their own scripts to bring to life in illustrated panels.

In the final sessions, your child will get the chance to create their very own comic book, using digital tools to bring their characters and story to life. At the end of the course, all students' creations will be featured in a virtual gallery, allowing them to share and celebrate their work with friends and family.

This class is designed to spark your child’s creativity all weekend long! With exciting, hands-on activities during class and fun homework projects like creating comics, building characters, and crafting stories, they’ll stay inspired and busy with their own comic world over the weekend.

This class is designed for intermediate to advanced French speakers, including native speakers. It's an excellent fit for children enrolled in French immersion programs.

Saturdays 10:15-11:15am, starting January 11.
For ages 7-12y




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.






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

  All available classes are listed below. You can use the location filter on this page only.

Select Location to see whether classes are online or in-person.

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Click on the gray box with the day and time to register.

 Teacher information

To see the teacher of a class, hold your cursor over the circled exclamation point in the class date/time box.

Beginning students

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.

 All students

Plan to pick up books before your first class, or arrange shipping for additional fee with our office. Books are not automatically shipped.

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Level
Location
Type

Unsure of your level?  Click here to take a free placement test.

Youth 13-18 years

Beginner

General French Beginning - 11 to 14 Years

Youth
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.
Pace: Regular
Intermediate and Advanced

Keep Up Your French: 13+ Years

Youth
Designed for students who have a French immersion background and want to keep up their French skills, this class will give adolescents a weekly opportunity to express themselves in French and soak up the language through music, literature, and cultural topics. 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.
Pace: Regular

Children 3-12 years

Beginner

General French Advanced Beginner - 7 to 10 Years

Children
Discover French with the Cousteau family as they travel throughout France and the francophone world!
Using the Cap Sur method 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 offers a gentle introduction to French that emphasizes the fun in language learning! Together, we will learn the alphabet, vocabulary for numbers, days of the week, colors and family members in French. We will also learn how to ask questions in French, present ourselves and others, and describe some basic objects. Throughout the term, students will have opportunities to work on an art-based travel journal to document their adventures in French!
Pace: Regular

General French Beginner 1 - 7 to 10 Years

Children
Discover French with the Cousteau family as they travel throughout France and the francophone world!
Using the Cap Sur method 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 offers a gentle introduction to French that emphasizes the fun in language learning! Together, we will learn the alphabet, vocabulary for numbers, days of the week, colors and family members in French. We will also learn how to ask questions in French, present ourselves and others, and describe some basic objects. Throughout the term, students will have opportunities to work on an art-based travel journal to document their adventures in French!
Pace: Regular

Play and Learn 3 to 5 Years

Children
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 on 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 in the contexte useful expressions and phrase structures.- Participate in activities in French, use acquired skills in everyday situations.
A parent is required to attend. Due to precautions in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 the class space is very limited. Register now to guarantee your spot.
5% discount is available for second sibling (code SIBLING2) and 10% for third sibling (code SIBLING3).
Pace: Regular

Play and Learn 6 to 9 Years

Children
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 on 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 in the contexte useful expressions and phrase structures.- Participate in activities in French, use acquired skills in everyday situations.
Due to precautions in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 the class space is very limited. Register now to guarantee your spot.
5% discount is available for second sibling (code SIBLING2) and 10% for third sibling (code SIBLING3).
Pace: Regular
Intermediate and Advanced

Keep up your French 9-12

Youth
Designed for students who have a French immersion background and want to keep up their French skills, this class will give adolescents a weekly opportunity to express themselves in French and soak up the language through music, literature, and cultural topics. 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.
Pace: Regular

The World of Comic Books: Discovery and Creation for Children

Youth

In this engaging class, your child will have the opportunity to dive into the exciting world of comic books through a series of creative and educational sessions.

The journey begins with an exploration of the origins of comics, introducing iconic characters like Astérix and Tintin, and discussing famous comic festivals. Through fun activities, children will learn to recognize the unique visual and narrative codes of comics, such as speech bubbles, onomatopoeia, and the emotions conveyed through illustrations.

As the course progresses, children will analyze and create their own comic book characters, including heroes and villains, and will experiment with transforming their ideas into short comic strips. They will also explore how text and images work together to tell a story and develop their own scripts to bring to life in illustrated panels.

In the final sessions, your child will get the chance to create their very own comic book, using digital tools to bring their characters and story to life. At the end of the course, all students' creations will be featured in a virtual gallery, allowing them to share and celebrate their work with friends and family.

This class is designed to spark your child’s creativity all weekend long! With exciting, hands-on activities during class and fun homework projects like creating comics, building characters, and crafting stories, they’ll stay inspired and busy with their own comic world over the weekend.

Saturdays 10:15-11:15am, starting January 11.
For ages 7-12y



Pace: Regular

 

PARKING

Street parking on SW 20th St. facing the Kamm House is limited. Free parking is available in Lot A at SW 18th and SW Columbia. Please obtain a parking pass from the office. After 6 pm weekdays, students may park in the Willamette Dental lot at SW 20th and SW Jefferson as available.

OFFICE HOURS

The Alliance office is open 10am-3pm Monday through Friday.
Call us at 503.223.8388 during business hours or leave a message.
Email us at  info@afportland.org.

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