Au secours! My child doesn't want to read in French!

Jan 215 min read

How to encourage bilingual children to read in French in an English-speaking environment

When you're raising a bilingual child in an English-speaking country, it's not uncommon to be faced with a problem: your child seems resistant to the idea of reading in French. Whether you're a French or American family, living in an English-dominant environment, encouraging reading in French can become a real challenge. But don't panic! This phenomenon is perfectly normal and can be overcome with a few adapted strategies. The aim is to create a fun and motivating environment for your child to enjoy reading in French.

Why doesn't my child want to read in French?

Before rushing into solutions, it's important to understand why your child is reluctant to read in French. There are several possible reasons for this reluctance:

· The dominance of English in their daily life: Living in an English-speaking country and being surrounded by English at school, with friends, and in the media, English becomes the dominant language. It's the one that seems natural and easy, especially for children who haven't yet mastered French.

· The complexity of French: Although your child may be fluent in French, reading it may seem difficult. French's more complex conjugations, agreements, and grammar can make the language less appealing than English, which is often perceived as simpler and more straightforward.

· Lack of emotional connection with the language: If French is mainly used in a school setting, the child may not have an emotional connection with the language. Reading then becomes an academic exercise rather than an entertaining activity.

· Parental pressure: Another factor may be parental pressure to read in French. When children feel pressured, they tend to shut down and close themselves off from the proposed activity. That's why it's so important not to insist too much, and to let the child choose what to read.

The key: Let the child choose!

A child who chooses a book is a child who will want to read it. Let your child choose his or her books, even if you have a clear idea of what might be beneficial for him or her. The selection process is essential. A book that intrigues the child, that catches their eye with a colorful cover, a catchy title, or an author or illustrator they like, will be far more likely to be read than a forced boo

How to make reading in French attractive?

To get your child interested in reading in French, here are a few resources and strategies adapted to bilingual French/English children.

1. Picture books for young children

Picture books are fantastic tools for the little ones. These books allow you to learn basic French words while having fun associating them with pictures. They're ideal for making language learning visual, fun, and accessible.

These books can be a first step towards reading, as they allow you to associate words with familiar images, making French more concrete.

Resources:

· Kididoc animé: La montagne –

· Mon cherche et trouve des petits

· Cherche et trouve les dinosaures .

These books can be a first step towards reading, as they allow children to associate words with familiar images, making French more concrete.

2. Bilingual books (French-English)

Bilingual books are a valuable resource for bilingual children. Having the text in French on one side and in English on the other allows the child to feel secure while exploring the language. They can follow the story in their mother tongue while learning new words in French, in a context they understand.

Examples:

· For the little ones : Oops et Ohlala, dinner’s ready

· For 6-7 years old: Filou et Pixie, Play at home

· For 8+: Miami Dog

Bilingual books encourage progressive learning, so your child can get a handle on the language without feeling lost.

3. French audiobooks

Audiobooks are a great way to encourage reading in French. By listening to a story in French, children can immerse themselves in the language, improve their listening comprehension, and discover new grammatical structures. This helps reinforce French language skills while keeping the child entertained, without the pressure of having to read every word alone.

Examples

· Songs (with lyrics) for the little ones, Mes premières comptines

· 3-5 years old, Timoté et les écrans

· 7-8 years old , Les jumeaux Capoupacap

· 9+ years old, Quelle Histoire, Napoléon

Listening to an audio book can be a good introduction to reading in print, while reinforcing familiarity with the French language.

4. French-language comics

Comics or graphic novels are particularly popular with children, as they combine visual and textual narration. The captivating stories and endearing characters offer an ideal gateway to reading in French, without the heaviness of traditional novels. The simplicity of the dialogue and the richness of the illustrations make them a fun way to learn French.

Examples:

· First readers :Sami et Julie en BD, Le secret de la maitresse

· From 7 years old : Boule et Bill, Royal Taquin

· From 8 years old :Les classiques en Manga, Les trois mousquetaires

· From 12 years old :Les grands classiques de la littérature en BD, Le tour du monde en 80 jours

Comic strips introduce a wide range of vocabulary, from slang to everyday language, and make reading more interactive.

5. French books based on well-known English stories

If your child has books they like in English, why not offer the French version? This maintains interest while making it easier to learn French because the child already knows the story. The familiarity of the content makes learning less intimidating.

Examples:

· For the little ones, Gruffalo

· For the young readers, Splat cuisine

· From 8 years old, La cabane Magique, Un monstre sous les mers

Translated books can be an excellent way of integrating French into familiar and entertaining stories.

Conclusion: The pleasure of reading in French above all!

For a bilingual child, reading in French should above all be a moment of pleasure and discovery. By allowing your child to choose their own books, you encourage them to enjoy reading. The books they choose will be those that appeal to them, whether it's because of the color, subject, illustrations or author. It's this personal approach that makes all the difference. Remember, the more your child feels free to choose, the more motivated he or she will be to read.

With resources such as picture books, bilingual books, audiobooks, comic strips, and books translated into French, you can offer your child a wide range of choices to stimulate their desire to read. Be patient and creative, and above all, let your child have fun with the French language!