La Belle Maison Children's French Group
 

Dominique, developer & educator for LBM is a private classical educator for the 8th grade-10th grade at St. John´s Academy (in St. Augustine, FL). Dominique has been educating her own three children, as well as other youngsters in the public and private sector, for many years - both in the US and overseas. She is CPR certified, and has had extensive background checks.

No. This is not an immersive program, nor is it a truly bilingual program. Our groups promote a general appreciation of different sounds, accents, cultures and languages by integrating new words, phrases, song lyrics and basic (age-appropriate) English and French vocabulary into daily programming. More structured grammar lessons and cultural demonstrations/activities are saved for older audiences.

Of course! Most participants have NEVER been exposed to another language, let alone French! That is MORE THAN OK. The goal is not to have bilingual children at this stage, but to encourage early exposure to different sounds, patterns of speech, and languages/cultures so that language acquisition comes more naturally, easily and with heightened curiosity. Your knowledge of English, Spanish, or other foreign languages (Latin for instance!) will be advantageous, if you have any experience with language learning.

Not currently. We love all languages, but our focus is currently on English and French programming at La Belle Maison; nevertheless, we may someday expand to include Spanish. It never hurts to ask (especially during summer months!) If we cannot accommodate you, we might be able to redirect you to similar Spanish programs upon request.

Sometimes we get messy with water, paint, markers or stickers, or cooking ingredients. At other times, we may be holding classes outside. Please bring a change of clothes and dress for the weather, according to your best judgment.

Yes. This can be arranged upon request. Private one-on-ones are welcome, for introductory level French (levels I-II).