Question 1

What if I don't speak French?  How can I help my child?

Accepted Answer

That is ok!  We learn by doing!  Adults and little ones learn alongside one another!  You can assist your little one(s) with the words that you do remember; you may be happily surprised when your verbal children help you!  Your child(ren) will see you participating and doing your best.  We make mistakes; we try again.  This is modeling good learning habits for our children, and isn't that a great way to help one's child?

Question 2

How many classes before my child is fluent?

Accepted Answer

The journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step.   Taking a class together with your child is a fun step towards fluency.  Language learning is a journey.  We are thrilled to walk and dance together for part of the journey with you!  AND your child will need more than one hour a week to become bilingual.  If one hour a week was sufficient to learn a language, wouldn't many of us know multiple languages?

Question 3

What happens if I need to miss a class?

Accepted Answer

No problem!  You can schedule a make-up class!  You can join in another class, on another day/at another location if you wish, space permitting.  Please email your teacher to let her know you will miss a class.  Include your name, your child(ren's) name(s), your regular class time/day/ location, your phone #, and which class time/day/location you would like to attend to make up the class.  We encourage you to make up any missed classes sooner rather than later.  *****PLEASE STAY HOME IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD IS FEELING UNWELL.  *****  Older siblings who are not healthy enough to go to school, are also not healthy enough to come to Bilingual Bébé's classes.  Anyone who is visibly or audibly sick, (coughing, sneezing, running nose) will be asked to leave.  No make up classes for classes partially attended.

Question 4

Can Grandma/Aunt/Cousin/Neighbour/Best Friend join us in class?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to bring another adult as your guest, please communicate with your teacher 24 hours prior to your class.  In general, we can accommodate two adults for every paid child.  If you would like to bring a little friend, (a child age 10 or under) please plan to bring them on "Bring a Friend Day!"  Ask your teacher for more details.  If you want to bring an older sibling, please communicate with your teacher 24 hours prior to your class.  Each brother/sister is welcome to join in one class per term for FREE!  If an older sibling is not at school due to feeling unwell, they are not well enough to join a class with Bilingual Bébés.

Question 5

What if my child is very shy and will not participate?

Accepted Answer

Some children are naturally more timid than others, and that is ok!  Even if a child is not singing out loud, they are listening and taking things in.   Comfort precedes communication, so after several classes, more timid kids may be more inclined to participate.  Children who are shy tend to be very observant; they are learning at their own pace and in their own way.  As a mother of shy children, some incredibly shy, I gently encourage children to participate, as they feel ready.  If a child is happy sitting on their father's lap for the whole class, that is ok!

Question 6

What if my child is rambunctious and will not sit still?

Accepted Answer

Children do not have to sit still in these classes!  These are classes designed for young children, after all!  Most of the songs/activities include movement.  It is fine for little ones to wander about the room, as long as they are not intruding into the personal space of others.  Some of the locations are hosted in churches or dance studios.  We do ask parents to control their children and stay out of areas that we have been asked to respect, eg stay off & avoid touching the alter/stage/mirrors.  If a child is noisy to the point that they are disrupting the class, we ask that parents take their child to the side and help them to settle down.  If you have a baby under one year, and an older child who is quite active, we ask that you join a class for older kids.  This is a safety concern for babies just becoming mobile, and a comfort for first-time mothers.

Question 7

What is my teacher's level of fluency?

Accepted Answer

All teachers have a minimum of conversational level French.  Teachers are chosen not only for their certifications and depth of knowledge in French, but also for their passion and enthusiasm!  In our classes with young children, the ability to communicate one's knowledge is more important than the vastness of one's knowledge.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What if I don't speak French? How can I help my child?