7. Watch French Films and TV Shows
There are lots of fun and age appropriate TV shows and films that you can watch to help teach your child french. I feel that it’s important to watch together if you can and use the show as a talking point. You might like to point out particular words, or pause to summarise what’s happened, check comprehension or explain something if it’s not clear.
As with the books, you may wish to start with something that’s already familiar to them such as Peppa Pig. In terms of authentic, original French programmes for little ones, T’choupi and Petit Ours Brun are classics. The episodes are short and sweet and the language is fairly simple as it’s aimed at younger children. You can find plenty of them on YouTube and both have their own channels so it's an excellent way to help teach your child french.
If you have Netflix and are in the UK, these are some of the original language French programmes that are currently available. You also have the option to put on subtitles in French or English as well!
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir - a cute series about the adventures of a teenage girl and boy who are superheroes
Seven & Me - featuring a mix of real-life actors and animated characters, this programme is about a little girl who is a descendant of Snow White with the seven dwarves as her guardian angels
Mini Wolf - an animated series featuring the popular French children’s character Mini Loup and his friends
You can find a lot of other shows on NetFlix that are available in French available with alternate audio and subtitles. Some of the ones that are currently available include Peppa Pig, Fireman Sam, Learning Time with Timmy, Simon and My Little Pony. Just select the Dialog icon (it looks like a little speech bubble) at either the top or bottom of the screen then make changes to the audio or subtitle selections.
If you’d like to watch a movie, there are some lovely full length animated films for kids. These are all available on Amazon to purchase on DVD or to watch on Prime.
A classic from 1998, Kirikou et la Sorcière is set in an African village and features the clever and brave little Kirikou. My son and I have both enjoyed this film together many times and it’s suitable for the whole family. It actually features several stories so can be watched in short segments or all together.
Une vie de chat was nominated for an Academy Award in Animation. This comedy/crime film will delight children and adults alike. It tells the story of a cat leading a double life, spending his days in Paris living with a little girl and going out every night with a burglar - until their worlds collide!
Le Grand Méchant Renard et autre contes is a sweet film about a big, bad fox who’s actually not really very big or bad!
Ernest & Célestine is based on a Belgian series of books. This visually charming film tells the story of a bear who goes against social conventions and befriends a mouse.
What's your favourite French children's movie or show?