Encouraging French in a child with SN's

[Thomcat]

DD1 has Down's syndrome.
In her nursery she had French lessons once a week and she has quite a nice little vocab of French words going on.
She can count to 20, ish, name all body parts etc. Nothing major, but semi impressive for a child that has DS and struggles with speech and language anyway.

She starts 'big school' in a coupl eof weeks and it'll be a while before learning French is an everyday thing. But I'd quite like her to keep this part of her play/education going, A few reasons, but mainly think it would be fab that when it came to everyone else starting to learn French the kid with special needs had a bit of a head start.

So.... can anyone reccommend a way to keep this up with her, privat elessons my least fav but not ruling it out, but any kids French books / CDs that you know of and could recommend?

Tots TV?

(psst I know someone selling videos....)

Signing will prove to be an excellent bridge {if you are still using Makaton}

I know quite a few people with DS who are bilingual {Welsh/English}and signing has given that extra clue.

First Words in French is a nice video - a sweet family and the little girl is the narrator. Try La Jolie Ronde classes? Maybe get a French au pair to come in and chat to her if that's possible? She clearly has a flair for it.

Oh, and does your child's nursery teacher teach elsewhere? She already knows and - I bet - loves your dd and would welcome her in a class.

hi thomcat,
I wouldnt do a course at home, just get her some dvds or videos of some nice, easy French children's tv, and let her learn by immersion.
Franklin, Caillou or something like that. You can get them off French Amazon.

French radio is also good, as is an au pair if you can get one.
I think its hard to get a small child to use their ability to pick up a foreign language, if they are already used to speaking to you in a different language My children often reply in English if I speak to them in French, even though they are bilingual.

signing is bilingual most the time

If you are talking about someone who has acompetent grasp of say, BSL and English,then they could be considered bilingual,yes.

Otherwise,signing systems such as Makaton support the language that is being spoken in conjunction with it.

It can't be considered as bilingualism,strictly speaking.

The mantra for communication of any sort is
'For what purpose is this being acquired?'

Do you know any french kids that could come round and play? - could the french teacher from the school pop round for some sessions each week? Sounds like she has a flair for language - good luck xxx

Good idea re getting hold of her old French teacher.
When the nursery starts back I'll ask to be put in touch with er and she if she'll do private lessons.

Bought an Ushbourne book of my first 1000 words in French but DVDs a great idea, will get busy on ebay and amazon later.

Thanks everyone.