Author Archives: Norma

French Curriculum FAQ

I don’t know French myself, can I teach my child using your program?

Yes, you can! L’Art de lire is designed to be easy to use. The lessons begin with the most basic concepts. The audio files walk the child right through the book, giving him or her opportunity to hear and repeat the words and phrases that are taught.

The unique “story” approach makes the lessons fun and develops confidence by giving students a sensitivity to the flow of the language. Many homeschooling parents have written me to say that their children are “teaching themselves” using L’Art de lire. It is that easy to use! Continue reading →

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Why Learn a Second Language?

There is more to knowing a second language than just the possibility of carrying on a conversation with someone who doesn’t speak English. There is more than just the possibility of travel to exotic places and being able to mingle with the locals.

Learning a second language offers an amazing glimpse into the way people in other cultures think and process information. It has the side effect of knocking the learner out of the center of the universe. We discover that it is okay that someone else has a different way of looking at things. It is a fascinating and delightful experience to see the world from someone else’s perspective. Learning a second language makes this possible.

“I have ten years.”

Here in Canada, French isn’t exactly a foreign language in that it’s an official language of Canada. It is, however, foreign to the many school-age children who have spent the first years of their lives hearing little or no French. Continue reading →

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How to Choose Your French Curriculum

When choosing your French curriculum, the first things to consider are the age and abilities of your child. Follow these guidelines and read my FAQ pages to find the level that is right for you.

L’Art de DIRE
Perfect for pre-readers in grades Kindergarten-3, L’Art de DIRE is a great introduction to learning French. A totally oral approach with detailed lesson plans, reproducible teaching aids and fun activities make this program ideal for teaching French to children who are not ready yet to learn to read in French. More Information

L’Art de LIRE
Designed for beginners in grades 3-8, L’Art de LIRE combines conversational French with French phonics, enabling children to read in French from the first lesson. Simple stories get children accustomed to the structure and flow of the language. Lessons introduce French grammar and verb conjugations. More Information

French for high school

L’Art d’ÉCRIRE
Students who have completed L’Art de LIRE Level 6 or Grade 8 (Ontario) Core French or equivalent are ready for L’Art d’ÉCRIRE. In addition to working on grammar lessons, vocabulary and exercises, students examine their likes and dislikes, the uniqueness of their personalities, and their hopes and dreams for the future. They are also introduced to French literature through the novels of Jules Verne and the play Cyrano de Bergerac. More Information

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How Your Brain Learns a New Language

Learning and using language is one of the most amazingly unique and complex things that we do as humans. While certain intelligent animals have shown some ability to communicate using signs and symbols, including human words, these displays by chimps, gorillas, or dolphins don’t even come close to the level of speech and understanding displayed by human three year olds. We are in a league of our own when it comes to communication. 

Language philosopher Noam Chomsky theorized that people were “hard-wired” to learn language. Continue reading →

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Using a French-English Dictionary to Build Vocabulary

When you have access to a good quality, comprehensive, French-English dictionary, you open up a world of possibilities to your French as a Second Language students. Vocabulary building is an important part of language learning, and having a good dictionary makes it easy and fun.

What dictionary should you buy?

I highly recommend investing in the biggest and best one you can afford. Small paperback and pocket dictionaries just don’t have all the information you will need. A larger version, on the other hand, will contain conjugations, grammar, word histories, examples of world usage, and even sample letters and phrases to help you in conversation and composition.

Themed Projects

Having a comprehensive dictionary allows you to build your French lessons based on other topics that you may be studying. Continue reading →

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Learning Numbers in French


We use numbers every day as we shop, play games, discuss times and dates, and interact with each other. In order to be able to function in a second language, it is important to master using numbers.

While learning numbers in French is really just a matter of memorizing them, there are many ways to make the process fun and enjoyable. The secret to mastery is to make sure the numbers are practiced out of order. Let me explain why.

As a French teacher, I have encountered many students who can count like wildfire, but have no idea how to identify a number out of order. Attempts to do so usually involve rapid counting. This can take some time when the number is over fifty!

Practice Numbers Out of Order

The good news is that there are many fun ways to ensure that numbers are drilled randomly. Continue reading →

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What is the Best Age to Begin Learning French as a Second Language?


Many parents are uncertain about the best time to begin second language studies. There is often a fear that it might be too late to begin past a certain age. While it is true that it is generally better to start younger, children, or even adults, can be successful starting language studies at any age. The key is understanding how this type of learning takes place.

It is true that there is an optimum window for learning language naturally. Children learn language so quickly from birth to age two or three! The incredible leap in vocabulary and the grasp of basic grammatical concepts during this period is mind-boggling. Continue reading →

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Skating the Rideau Canal


Most of you know that I am proud to live in the beautiful country of Canada, where we not only learn both English and French, but also enjoy four varied seasons throughout the year. While winter can be a challenge, with its cold and snow, we Canadians have learned to celebrate it!

Winter is especially beautiful in the capital city of Ottawa. The National Capital Commission transforms the Rideau Canal into the world’s longest ice rink. There are 7.8 kilometres (5 miles) of ice to enjoy. Even if you don’t skate, it’s fun to watch the skaters on the Rideau Canal.

For pictures, videos, more information about the Rideau Canal and an update on current ice conditions, visit:

The Official Rideau Canal Website

Vive le vent d’hiver !

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The Challenge of Making Conversation when Homeschooling French

Many homeschooling parents find it a challenge making everyday conversation when teaching French as a Second Language. Not every homeschool teacher has the fluency required to speak comfortably in French. Don’t let this hold you back! Even beginners are up to the challenge of making conversation in French!

Children need to see you making the effort to speak too, even if your own French language skills are a bit rusty, or even non-existent! Practice with your children as much as possible, making the things you are learning part of your daily interactions whenever you can.

Using French in Everyday Life

As you go through your day, remember to review the vocabulary that you have learned so far. Continue reading →

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French Adjectives – Agreement in Color and Number

Adjectives, words that describe people, places, things, or ideas, bring life and color to our writing and speech. They describe things so that the reader or listener can get a truer picture of what the author or speaker is talking about.

Which of these sounds more appealing? A glass of iced tea, or a tall, cool glass of sweet, refreshing, iced tea? Adjectives are essential to good communication.

In English, nouns don’t have gender so the adjective stays the same, no matter what we are describing. It makes no difference whether we are writing about a tall boy or a tall girl; we still use tall. Even when we are describing more than one thing, such as tall boys and tall girls, the adjective doesn’t change.

When it comes to adjectives in French, though, things are more complicated. Continue reading →

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