Foreign Language

Does anyone know of any foreign language classes available for children? My son is 3 and we would like to start him in French. Looking for a school or class or tutor (or French Grandmother?) to help him start learning. They learn so fast at this age and I’d rather not wait 10 years since it will be harder. We’re in Superior, but will drive to Duluth or surrounding area. Thanks!

10 Comments

sean

about 14 years ago

I don't know of any French programs, but WITC does have Spanish for kids classes at the elementary schools in Superior.  The classes are one day a week and the classes rotate from one school to another (ex. spanish class for Lake Superior school is on friday).  I don't know what the minimum age is, but it's worth checking out.

Anna

about 14 years ago

A few years ago I heard about Superior Public Schools opening a Spanish-language immersion school.  Is there an area resource for finding foreign language programs for kids?

laurajk

about 14 years ago

Thanks guys! I'll email the Superior schools and see what they offer. I'd already looked at the curriculum they have listed online and they only mentioned foreign language starting in HS, so didn't think right away to ask more.

Lojasmo

about 14 years ago

No help, but would suggest Spanish, rather than French, for purposes of practicality.

laurajk

about 14 years ago

Actually, even though Spanish might seem more "marketable" (and definitely easier to find lessons in the Twin Ports) for our family French makes more sense. Our adopted son's birth mother is French and she and her mother and grandmother are fluent. We vacation with them every year so it will be a perfect opportunity for him to practice.  Plus there's a bunch of extended family in France so we can almost imagine an overseas family trip someday, maybe a year of college over there?  Who knows, he's only 3!  :-)  But like I said in my first post, kids learn so quickly at this age that it would be a shame not to at least start him and see where he takes it.

jeanine

about 14 years ago

Are you planning to take lessons,too? The key to fluency is frequent if not daily conversation. Speaking French at home will hard wire it in your son's brain, even if you're learning together.

I'd try contacting French professors at UMD or St. Scholastica. There's a translation service on Park Point, Superior Translations, that may offer ideas as well.

laurajk

about 14 years ago

Thanks Jeanine! I was terrible in high school Spanish so I didn't really think of taking lessons with him.  But it makes sense ... if he says something in French, it would be nice if I knew what he said and could encourage him.  And I'm glad you mentioned contacting one of the universities. I'd thought of UMD/UWS but didn't think of St. Scholastica. Thanks everyone.

jessige

about 14 years ago

Duluth Community Ed usually has some offerings of language classes.  I'm sure they're not for little ones like yours but the teachers might know of some resources.

French is a beautiful language.  And if you remember even a little from your high school Spanish, it will help.  Bonne chance!

laurajk

about 14 years ago

All I remember is mi padre es fao, which got me in trouble at home.  :-)

Thanks for another idea. Ont une belle journée!  (I used google translate for that!)

Hola Ola

about 7 years ago

¡Hola! Olá!  offers private or group Spanish and Portuguese for all ages and levels. Our school is located in Hermantown. Please check out our website at spanishandportuguese.com.

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