Learning a second language, especially one as widely spoken as French, offers numerous benefits. It expands cultural awareness, opens doors to friendships and even career opportunities, enhances language and interpersonal skills - not to mention the countless benefits of the bilingual brain. Most people have an easier time learning French if they begin studying the language from a young age, so consider enrolling your children in French classes in Denver as early as you can. When students start at the International School of Denver as three-year-olds, they spend about 90% of their day immersed in French. We call this learning “in and through” the language. Here are some of the subjects your child will study as they learn French:

Grammar

Grammar and vocabulary are cornerstones of any language. Students must have a solid foundation in French vocabulary before they can understand other subjects in the language and become fluent. Our students always learn in age-appropriate ways. In Early Childhood, for example, you’ll hear our hallways filled with beautiful (and sweet) songs as our three- and four-year-olds sing French children’s songs on their way to and from recess. Morning “circle time” and language play-based stations are another way grammar and vocabulary are learned and reinforced.

Literature

Like grammar and vocabulary, literature is an important aspect of language. Students cannot truly be fluent in French if they can only speak the language and not read it, so it is important to use literature to shape the lens through which students view French culture. Teachers for this

subject use texts of all genres to help shape students’ understanding of the French culture. Along with fairy tales, novels, and poetry, students will study letters and short stories from various time periods to expand their understanding of the culture. This class is often taught entirely in French and teaches students to utilize their critical thinking skills while discussing texts in a second language.

Not only is it helpful for expanding cultural understanding, but it also deepens conversational skills and the understanding of grammar and vocabulary. Having literary conversations in French allows students to practice new vocabulary and exposes them to various elements of language that may not appear in a beginning grammar class. This exposure to various elements of language helps students become fluent by giving them a chance to think critically in French. Without this exposure, students are limited to the traditional linguistic elements taught in a basic grammar class.

Social Studies

French history and geography are essential to understanding the culture. The International School of Denver teaches French civilization to give students a better understanding of the culture and what makes it unique. Not only does it cover important historical events, but it also offers a unique glimpse into the culture. Students study a wide array of cultural topics ranging from French clothing to vacation time to food and the economy. This advanced course helps students understand how French history has shaped contemporary and francophone civilization.

It also gives students a deeper understanding of the language and how the culture differs from others around the world. Speaking candidly about French history and civilization improves language skills in a unique way as it gives students a unique opportunity to use advanced language skills. Knowing the subject matter makes it easier for students to memorize the vocabulary that comes along with it.

Art

Both music and art specials are taught in English at ISDenver.

Also integrated within the French curriculum, students study the history of French art and learn how it influences the culture. By learning about various movements and artists, students develop more advanced language skills while learning how culture influences language. This allows them to move past conversational French so they can move towards fluency.

Math and Science

Being bilingual conditions the brain to switch between two languages. Being able to effortlessly switch from English to French in casual conversation is a sign of fluency, but students must condition their brains to accomplish this. Math and science are two subjects in which this shift gives students an advantage. Bilingual students are able to understand new concepts in math more quickly than monolingual students because they have trained a specific area of their brains to adapt old concepts to new problems but conditioned them to shift between two languages. This area of the brain, known as the basal ganglia, allows the organ to process and

prioritize information. This ability helps students excel in technical subjects such as math and science.

Enrolling your kids in the International School of Denver is a great way to encourage and foster passion and understanding of a second language. For students to become fluent in French, they need a deep understanding of both culture and linguistic elements, so they have a comprehensive understanding of the language. The International School of Denver teaches a wide variety of subjects in French to help students develop the conversational language skills they need to be fluent in French. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of enrolling your children in more than just French classes - in an immersive, international school environment.