French lessons for my 9 year old and 6 year old. Would it make me a ponce?

not poncy in the least,imo...ds started French aged 6 at an after school club and then went on to weekly lessons at a La Jolie Ronde class - he loved them and learned a lot...mind you he had forgotten it all it seems by the time he got to secondary school ! He still really likes French classes though and has enjoyed learning German at school

I too am surprised at the OPs question and some of the responses. Of course we should be teaching our children foreign languages, the earlier the better.

We are raising our 2 dcs bilingually (one parent one language) from birth and, as they go to school here in the UK, it is a lot of work to keep the minority language going - Saturday school, dvds, trips abroad etc. but imo it helps them learn additional languages easier.

I am also shocked that some schools (such as the op's) don't teach any foreign languages to 9 year olds...? I thought it was part of the national curriculum.

So, to answer your question, yes definately start teaching your children French if you've got a connection to France.

For what it's worth, we've tried out the Muzzy dvds and they really are terrible (and very expenive...). We took part in a free trial but sent them straight back. You're better off buying foreign language dvds from amazon (especially those that they can watch in English or French).

Good luck!

It is scientifically proven that teaching children to read at an early age is not just beneficial for their language skills, but also for their general development.

The window for learning a second language closes around 7 - 8yo. This means that after that age a child will still learn the language, but not so easily.

Added to that, if they can practice what they have learned when they visit their GP, then they have a practical use for the language which will encourage them to keep learning. It makes it less abstract.

Don't worry about what others think, it is a great idea.

My DC are trilingual, English/German/French although their French is not yet perfect.

There are french clubs and tutors for children round here. I am sure they are often part of national groups. It's a good age to learn.

My DD is in Y3 and has had basic French lessons at school since she was in Y1.

No its not poncey - languages need to be taught young. As you've got family there it is sensible.

I really don't get the 'Ponce' factor issue...???

And are you serious about not telling your friends and other parents that your children are learning another language??? Is it really that embarassing ?

I'm German and, growing up in Germany, learned both English and French from the age of 5 in school. There is nothing 'poncy' about that, is there? Languages are really important imo, and becoming more so as the economy becomes more global. I really feel it is so important to speak other languages, not just for business, but also for pleasure when visiting other countries on holiday. Am I really that 'poncy'???

Sounds like a great idea to me, languages are useful in life, and you are giving your children a great opportunity if you get them to start learning French now.

Do it and be proud of it - if some people think it is poncey then let them think that - their loss, or maybe it is time to find some friends with slightly broader horizons.

Even if you weren't moving to France getting young children to learn a language makes sense. It's much easier when they're small.

Not poncey at all. Just a shame language teaching in primary schools doesn't, in most cases, amount to very much (with notable exceptions).

The ONE big difference we found when my son moved to a prep school from a state primary was how hard he had to work to catch up with French. The others had been singing songs in French, learning numbers and colours, etc. from the age of four. And it showed.

Great idea, being a languages person I'm all for children learning to speak a foreign language early on - go for it. I know some parents seem to do it for show but your children will have a reason to motivate them if their grandparents are living in France. I am sure there are lessons for little ones, either private or small group tuition.

Also I was recently sent a brochure for this 'Muzzy' language course and it looks quite good. I'm contemplating getting it for my two boys.
www.early-advantage.com/

dd did french at nursery but is steadily forgeting it all now she is at school. i think it is a good idea if they are up for it.

Yes it woud make you a ponce. But it's also a great idea and would be very good for your childrens future.

Dd1's school teach basic French and she is only in yr 1. She already knows Bonjour, Aurevoir and how to count to ten.

I teach English to kids around this age. Some of the parents are doing it for ponce factor and others for reasons such as family abroad.

Generally if kids have a reason to learn a language and the opportunity to practice they pick up a lot pretty quickly.

Great idea IMO.