Learning French for kids should be fun. However the choice of academic type books on the market are very similar to the books children use in school and can be off-putting. It is much better to foster their love of reading instead. I admit that I have a personal affection for comic books myself. I devoured all different types as a child and still do, as an adult. If anyone dismisses the choice of comic books for children as not being intellectually stimulating enough, I always mention the Finns! In international assessments, Finnish children constantly achieve the highest reading scores compared to other countries (including France and the UK). The most common choice of book for a Finnish nine year old? A comic of course!
Comics have become more and more popular in recent years but when learning French for kids the old ones are the best. I wholeheartedly recommend Hergé’s The Adventures of Tintin for young and old. These comic books are actually very detailed but the positive thing is that children (and adults!) do not perceive reading them as a chore. The original illustrations and the appeal of the hero and his dog, captivates readers.
Learning French for Kids: the Daily News
In this digital era, it is nice to see that the paper version of the news still exists, even if it is for the kids. Le Petit Quotidien (46 centimes) is a great tool for learning French for kids. It is aimed at 6 to 10 year olds but it is perfect for non-French children who are older. Every day, except Sunday and Monday, this A4 size newspaper of 4 pages is delivered to the doorstep. There is usually one main topic of interest and difficult vocabulary is highlighted and explained. There is even a regular comic strip at the back with two regular, cheeky and lovable characters: Scoupe and Tourbillon. It is a great way to learn French, as the stories are current news stories so the reader is already familiar with them.
Learning French for kids: Tom Tom and Nana
The last book on the list is another French comic style book. This isn’t one of my personal favourites but I’m forced to concede that children love the two main characters called Tom Tom and Nana. When I asked my 8 year old why she liked them, she responded without hesitating, that they were funny. That’s a good a reason as any I suppose.
Learning French for kids. Which books are your favourites?
Originally posted 2015-05-19 14:00:20.
