Dear Parents,
This week, I wanted to share a little insight into how language learning actually works, because sometimes it can feel like students are not understanding a lot… and that can be a bit unsettling.
Let’s be honest, if you had to watch a whole series in another language with no subtitles, you would probably catch a few words, a few expressions, maybe a tone… and slowly, without realising it, you would start following the story. Not perfectly, not word for word, but enough to make meaning. That’s exactly where our students are.
Research shows that students need a lot of exposure to the target language, but not necessarily only the target language. So yes, I use French a lot, and yes, I also use English when it actually helps clarify, reduce stress, or move learning forward. The goal is not perfection, it is progress and confidence.
This week’s learning fits this perfectly. We are not translating, we are making meaning. We are guessing, testing, laughing when it goes slightly wrong, and trying again. That is where the magic happens.
Grade 7s have been analysing what makes a good invitation. Not just “what does this word mean”, but “what is this text trying to do?” Are we discussing rituals or play? Big shift, big win and also, let’s acknowledge it, big ideas!
Grade 8s are fully into their “Get ready with me” creations, and honestly, it is brilliant to watch. They are not just listing routines, they are giving advice, explaining choices, and linking habits to wellbeing. It’s thoughtful, it’s real, and yes, sometimes it’s very entertaining!
Grade 9s have been playing Taboo on the environment, which basically means… no easy words allowed! They have to explain, rephrase, negotiate meaning, and it has been very fun to watch. Add to that their social media awareness posts (on Canva or the actual social media platform, depending on parental permissions), and we have some serious communicators in the making.
And Grade 10s… final stretch. Revision mode is ON. You will likely see some very focused, slightly intense, but determined faces this weekend as exams start on Monday. They are ready.
One last thought, and an important one: I see your children three times a week. That’s a great start, but language learning really grows with regular exposure beyond the classroom too. A song, a short video, a few words here and there… it all adds up. No pressure, just a gentle reminder that every little bit helps.
So no, students do not understand every single word. And that is exactly how it should be – Why come to French otherwise? But they understand enough to learn, and more importantly, they are starting to trust that they do.
Thank you, as always, for trusting the process… and the French!
Warm wishes,
Miss J