Learn French Online

How to Learn French Online

I had the idea to create Learn French Online when I realized that my children, both half Irish, half French, had great difficulty communicating with their French grandparents.

I am French and have been living in Ireland where I met my children's father for over 14 years. I made the huge mistake of not speaking French to my children everyday since they were born. Even though my partner and me are now separated, after over 6 years of being used to speaking only English in our home (my partner didn't speak French), I am finding it extremely difficult to start speaking French to my children.

How do I remedy to this? Since I spend a lot of time online, I thought I might look for websites where I can find good French tutorials to make it easier for my children to learn French online.

What to Look for in an Online French Tutorial

Find an Online French Tutorial That Fits Your Needs

A parent is not going to look for the same things in an online French course as an adult or even a teenager.

My children cannot yet read or write, so I must be on the lookout for images or videos that appeal to young children. I came accross a few free tutorials to learn French online but these had a lot of written work to do and were aimed primarily at children aged 8-16.

There are also a lot of websites directed mostly at adults wanting to learn a few commonly used French phrases; these are ideal for people planning a holiday in a French-speaking country but will need to be backed up by a proper course for those who are serious about learning how to speak French online.

My children already know a few French phrases that I try to keep fresh in their memories by repeating to them everyday so I think I am on the right track to teach them how to speak French. I am starting a journal which contains French words and phrases that my children can understand, to which I should be able to add new words after each online French session.

My Kids' French Journal

French words and phrases for kids

This is an example of the French words and phrases my children can understand so far; I will try an add some more as the process of learning French progresses.

French Greetings
Bonjour: Hello;
Au revoir: Goodbye;
Bonne nuit: Good night;
Salut: Hi;
A bientôt: See you later.

French Manners
S'il te plait: Please;
Merci: Thank you;
De rien: You are welcome;

French Phrases in the Bathroom
Brosse-toi les dents: Brush your teeth;
Le bain: the bath;
Lave-toi les mains: Wash your hands;
Lave-toi la figure: Wash your face;
Derrière tes oreilles: behind your ears;
Je veux aller aux toilettes: I want to go to the toilet;
Brosse tes cheveux: brush your hair.

French Love Phrases
Je t'aime: I love you;
Un calin: A hug;

French Animals
Un chien: a dog;
Un chat: a cat;
Une vache: a cow;
Un cheval: a horse;
Un oiseau: a bird;
Un mouton: a sheep;
Un lion: a lion;
Un éléphant: an elephant;
Une giraffe: a giraffe;
Un tigre: a tiger;
Un singe: a monkey.

Count to Ten in French
1: un;
2: deux;
3: trois;
4: quatre;
5: cinq;
6: six;
7: sept;
8: huit;
9: neuf;
10: dix.

French Food
Petit déjeuner: breakfast;
Déjeuner: lunch;
Gouter: afternoon snack;
Diner: dinner, supper;