Petit Papillon Learning

A bilingual learning hub with fun French resources, printables, and tips for families and homeschoolers.

Category: Games & Activities

  • 🍁 Cozy French in November: Simple Ways to Bring French Into Fall Family Life

    As the days get colder and the light fades earlier, November naturally invites us to slow down — warm drinks, soft blankets, quiet mornings, and cozy family time. This makes November the perfect month to gently weave French into daily life at home or in the classroom.

    You don’t need structured lessons, worksheets, or long study sessions.
    French can live inside small, warm moments:

    • Getting dressed for chilly weather
    • Sharing stories
    • Making soup
    • Collecting leaves outside
    • Saying goodnight

    If you’re new to Petit Papillon Learning — bonjour! I’m Amber, a French teacher who grew up in an English-speaking home but learned French through school, songs, routines, and everyday life. That’s why I believe deeply in soft, natural language learning — even just a little bit each day makes a difference.

    Today, I’ll share simple, real-life ways to bring French into November — no fluency required!

    🧣 1. Fall Clothing Vocabulary (Used Every Day!)

    November means hats, mittens, and warm socks. Perfect for learning French clothing words that your child can use every single day.

    EnglishFrenchPronunciation
    coatun manteau(mahn-toh)
    hatun bonnet(boh-nay)
    mittensdes mitaines(mee-ten)
    scarfune écharpe(ay-sharp)
    bootsdes bottes(bot)
    sweaterun chandail / un pull(shahn-dye) / (pewl)

    Use it in your daily routine:

    When getting dressed, casually say:

    “Mets ton manteau.”
    (Put on your coat.)

    “Où est ton bonnet?”
    (Where is your hat?)

    The goal is consistency, not perfection.

    Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect — your child will still learn the meaning.

    🍵 2. Warm Drinks & Snacks Vocabulary

    Hot chocolate, apple cider, soup — November is full of cozy foods.

    EnglishFrenchPronunciation
    hot chocolateun chocolat chaud(sho-koh-lah show)
    teaun thé(tay)
    soupune soupe(soop)
    appleune pomme(pohm)
    breaddu pain(pang ~ nasal)

    Try a snack-time phrase:

    “Tu veux un chocolat chaud?”
    (Do you want hot chocolate?)

    “La soupe est chaude.”
    (The soup is warm.)

    Food is one of the EASIEST ways to reinforce French because it happens every day.

    🍁 3. Fall Nature Words for Outside Play

    If you take fall walks, you can bring French along:

    EnglishFrenchPronunciation
    leafune feuille(fuhy)
    treeun arbre(arbr)
    windle vent(vahn)
    rainla pluie(plwee)
    cloudun nuage(new-ahj)

    Try a mini nature search game:

    • “Trouve une feuille rouge.” (Find a red leaf.)
    • “Écoute le vent.” (Listen to the wind.)
    • “Regarde les nuages.” (Look at the clouds.)

    No worksheets needed — just presence and observation 🌥️

    📚 4. Cozy Story Time in French

    November is story season.
    But here’s the secret:
    You don’t need a French book to do French story time.

    You can do bilingual storytelling:

    1. Tell the story in English
    2. Sprinkle in French words for key objects or characters

    Example:

    “The chat (cat) walked to the arbre (tree).”

    Or simply add 2–3 French words while reading your normal books.

    Consistency beats complexity.

    🎶 5. Gentle French Songs for November

    Soft, cozy songs pair perfectly with fall evenings.

    Here are two calm ones:

    SongWhy It’s Perfect
    “Au clair de la lune”Slow, soothing, easy to sing before bed.
    “Une feuille d’automne”A sweet, seasonal song about falling leaves.

    Listen once a day while tidying, cooking, or winding down.

    Even listening in the background builds familiarity.

    ✨ 6. Simple French Phrases to Use Daily

    No pressure — just repeat these in warm moments.

    French PhraseMeaningWhen to Use
    Viens ici.Come here.Calling your child gently.
    On y va.Let’s go.Before leaving the house.
    C’est l’heure du dodo.It’s bedtime.Nighttime routines.
    C’est chaud !It’s hot!Soup, tea, baths, etc.
    Regarde ça.Look at that.Nature walks, crafts, anything.

    Your child will start saying them on their own soon — truly.

    💛 Final Thought: November Is a Gentle Beginning

    November invites quiet routines.
    You don’t need to do everything — just choose one small language ritual:

    • A bedtime song
    • A French word during snack
    • Saying bonjour in the morning
    • Counting leaves outside

    Small + consistent = transformation
    This is how bilingual roots grow.

    One cozy moment at a time. 🍂

  • How to Turn Everyday Routines Into French Learning Moments

    When I first started teaching French, I noticed that my students learned words faster when we connected them to their daily lives. The magic happened not during “lesson time” but when we made French part of snack time, clean-up, or even lining up for recess.

    You don’t have to be fluent (or even close!) to turn your everyday routines into language lessons. In this post, I’ll show you how to sprinkle French into your day naturally — so kids learn without feeling like they’re “studying.”

    When I first tried to bring French into my own classroom and home, I worried about saying things “the right way.” But I discovered that kids don’t care if your accent is perfect — they care that you’re talking with them, playing with them, and including them. Even short, imperfect French phrases can make a big difference in how much they pick up. That’s why I love this approach: it fits into busy family life without adding stress.

    🏡 Why Everyday Routines Work for Language Learning

    Routine = repetition. And repetition is what helps words stick. When you use the same word or phrase every day in the same situation, your child begins to understand it automatically.

    Examples:

    • Saying “Bonjour !” every morning
    • Counting steps as you go upstairs
    • Asking “Veux-tu de l’eau ?” at snack time

    This kind of exposure is what builds confidence and memory — with zero worksheets required.

    Experts call this “contextual learning” — kids learn best when words are tied to actions. For example, if you only teach the word “manger” (to eat) on a worksheet, your child might forget it tomorrow. But if you say it every day at snack time, they will hear it, see it, and do it — all at once. This builds brain connections that last.

    It also reduces pressure. Kids aren’t sitting at a table memorizing — they’re living the language. Even five minutes a day can lead to real results over time.

    ☀️ Morning Routine Ideas

    1. Greeting: “Bonjour !” (Good morning!)
    2. Weather: “Quel temps fait-il ?” (What’s the weather like?) — Look outside together.
    3. Clothing: “Mets ton chapeau.” (Put on your hat.)
    4. Counting Practice: Count buttons, socks, or steps to the car.

    💡 Tip: Write these phrases on sticky notes and post them in your kitchen or near the front door as reminders.

    If mornings are hectic, start with just one phrase a week. For instance, make “Bonjour !” your phrase of the week and say it every day as you greet your child. The following week, keep using “Bonjour” but add one new phrase, like “Quel temps fait-il ?” This layering effect helps you build a collection of words your child can use all year long.

    🍎 Snack & Meal Times

    Mealtime is one of the easiest opportunities for French.

    Try these simple swaps:

    • “Veux-tu une pomme ?” (Do you want an apple?)
    • “Oui / Non” (Yes / No) practice
    • Counting bites: “Un, deux, trois…”
    • “Merci” (Thank you) and “S’il te plaît” (Please) every time

    You can even label foods in your kitchen with sticky notes in French to add more exposure.

    Another tip: turn snack time into a game. Give your child two options and have them choose in French: “Tu veux une pomme ou une banane ?” If they respond in English, simply repeat their choice in French — over time, they’ll start copying you. You can also count bites or sips together, which is a natural way to review numbers from 1–10.

    🧸 Play & Chore Time

    Turn French into a game:

    • “Cherche le livre !” (Find the book!)
    • “Range les jouets.” (Put away the toys.)
    • “Viens ici !” (Come here!)

    Phrases during play help children learn action verbs naturally.

    Play is the perfect environment for learning action verbs and commands. Make it silly! Pretend you are a robot giving instructions in French, or use a stuffed animal as the “French teacher.” Kids are more likely to try speaking when it feels like a game rather than a lesson.

    For chores, keep things lighthearted:

    • Race to see who can “range les jouets” (put toys away) the fastest.
    • Play music while you clean and dance whenever you hear the word “Arrête !” (Stop!).

    These small moments make language feel fun and social.

    🌙 Bedtime

    Bedtime routines are perfect for repeating words:

    • “Brosse les dents.” (Brush your teeth.)
    • “Mets ton pyjama.” (Put on your pajamas.)
    • “Bonne nuit !” (Good night!)

    End the day with a quick review:
    “What words did we use today?” or “Can you say Bonjour for tomorrow?”

    Don’t forget to involve siblings or partners if you can — language learning sticks better when everyone participates. You can make it a family challenge: who can say “merci” the most times today? Kids love to “catch” their parents speaking French and will often remind you to keep going.

    🧠 Parent Tips for Making This Work

    • Start small. Pick 1–2 phrases a week.
    • Post reminders. Keep a mini “cheat sheet” where you’ll see it often.
    • Stay consistent. The more often you repeat, the faster it sticks.
    • Celebrate success. Cheer your child on when they respond in French.

    Make French a Natural Part of Life

    The best part about this approach? It doesn’t take extra time. You’re already brushing teeth, eating snacks, and playing games — now those moments become powerful language-learning opportunities.

    And remember — your goal isn’t perfection, it’s connection. By using even a little French every day, you’re planting seeds that can grow into a love for language and culture. You might even inspire your child to be curious about other languages later in life!

    🌟 Ready to start? Choose one phrase from this list today and try it in your next routine. You’ll be surprised how quickly your child catches on!

  • 10 Fun French Phrases Kids Actually Use at School and Play

    Why Real Phrases Matter

    When I first started teaching French, I quickly learned something important: kids don’t get excited by long vocabulary lists. What sticks with them are the words and phrases they actually use — on the playground, in the classroom, and while playing with friends.

    My parents didn’t speak French at home, but that didn’t stop me from learning it in school. That’s why I believe so strongly that any child can start learning French — no matter what language is spoken at home. That experience showed me how powerful it is to learn language through real-life situations. I remember kids shouting, “À moi !” during games or saying “J’ai fini !” when work was done. Those little phrases built confidence and made French feel natural.

    The good news? You don’t need to be fluent to start using these phrases at home. In this post, I’ll share 10 of my favorite French phrases that kids actually use at school and during play — with pronunciation, examples, and fun ways to practice them.

    By the end, you’ll have a toolkit of real-life French your child can start using today.

    1. À moi ! — It’s my turn!

    Pronunciation: ah mwah

    Where it’s used: Anytime kids play board games, sports, or take turns.

    📌 Example:

    • À moi de jouer ! — It’s my turn to play!

    💡 Activity: Practice while playing a simple game like Uno, Jenga, or rolling dice. Each time it’s their turn, have your child say, “À moi !”

    2. C’est à toi ! — It’s your turn!

    Pronunciation: say ah twa

    Where it’s used: Passing the turn to someone else.

    📌 Example:

    • C’est à toi maintenant. — It’s your turn now.

    💡 Activity: Play catch or toss a ball back and forth, saying “À moi !” when catching and “C’est à toi !” when throwing.

    3. Viens jouer ! — Come play!

    Pronunciation: vyah(n) zhuh-ay

    Where it’s used: Inviting a friend or sibling to join a game.

    📌 Example:

    • Viens jouer avec moi ! — Come play with me!

    💡 Activity: Encourage your child to use this phrase whenever they invite you to play. It’s perfect for siblings, too!

    4. Je veux ça ! — I want that!

    Pronunciation: zhuh vuh sah

    Where it’s used: Pointing at a toy, book, or snack.

    📌 Example:

    • Je veux ça, s’il te plaît. — I want that, please.

    💡 Activity: Play a pointing game at home with toys or snacks. You point, and your child says, “Je veux ça !”

    5. J’ai fini ! — I’m done!

    Pronunciation: zhay fee-nee

    Where it’s used: At school after finishing an activity, or at home after homework or a chore.

    📌 Example:

    • J’ai fini mon dessin. — I finished my drawing.

    💡 Activity: After coloring or completing a worksheet, have your child proudly say “J’ai fini !”

    6. Tu veux jouer ? — Do you want to play?

    Pronunciation: too vuh zhuh-ay

    Where it’s used: Inviting others to join in.

    📌 Example:

    • Tu veux jouer au ballon ? — Do you want to play ball?

    💡 Activity: Practice role-playing between you and your child. They ask, “Tu veux jouer ?” and you respond “Oui !” or “Non !”

    7. Bravo ! — Well done!

    Pronunciation: bra-voh

    Where it’s used: Celebrating success, effort, or a win.

    📌 Example:

    • Bravo, tu as gagné ! — Well done, you won!

    💡 Activity: Use “Bravo !” to celebrate everyday little wins: finishing chores, tying shoes, or sharing nicely.

    8. Donne-moi ça, s’il te plaît. — Give me that, please.

    Pronunciation: don mwah sah, seel tuh pleh

    Where it’s used: Asking politely for an item.

    📌 Example:

    • Donne-moi le ballon, s’il te plaît. — Give me the ball, please.

    💡 Activity: Play a passing game with toys. Instead of grabbing, practice saying the phrase each time.

    9. On y va ! — Let’s go!

    Pronunciation: oh(n) ee vah

    Where it’s used: Starting a game, going outside, beginning an activity.

    📌 Example:

    • On y va au parc ! — Let’s go to the park!

    💡 Activity: Say it before leaving the house or starting a fun family activity. Kids will love the energy of it.

    10. Arrête ! — Stop!

    Pronunciation: ah-reht

    Where it’s used: When kids want a game or action to pause.

    📌 Example:

    • Arrête de courir ! — Stop running!

    💡 Activity: Play “Red Light, Green Light” in French. Use “Arrête !” for “stop” and “On y va !” for “go.”

    🌟 How to Use These Phrases at Home

    • Game time: Use À moi / C’est à toi while playing board games.
    • Playground time: Practice Viens jouer ! and Tu veux jouer ? before heading outside.
    • School role-play: Pretend to do schoolwork and end with J’ai fini !
    • Family life: Celebrate daily achievements with Bravo !

    The more these phrases come up naturally, the more your child will actually use them.

    👩‍👩‍👧 Tips for Parents Who Aren’t Fluent

    • Start small. Pick 2–3 phrases and use them daily.
    • Be consistent. Always say À moi ! when it’s your turn, even in English games.
    • Model gently. Repeat the phrase if your child forgets, but don’t pressure.
    • Celebrate effort. Even a little attempt deserves a big Bravo !

    🎁 Freebie Tie-In

    Want to make this even easier? I’ve created a free printable mini-poster of these 10 French phrases that you can hang in your playroom or classroom. 🎨

    👉 Get it inside the Resource Library

  • French Numbers for Kids: Fun Ways to Learn 1–20 (Free Printable Workbook!)

    Counting in French at Home

    Growing up, one of my earliest school memories was chanting un, deux, trois with my classmates. Numbers are universal — they show up in games, meals, and daily routines. And here’s the good news: you don’t need to be fluent in French to help your child start counting.

    In this guide, we’ll explore fun, hands-on ways to teach French numbers, from 1–20 and beyond. You’ll find songs, activities, and everyday ideas you can start using right away. And to make things easier, I’ve created a free French Numbers 1–20 Printable Workbook — perfect for kids to trace, color, and practice as they learn.

    👉 Resource Library

    📚 Why Learn Numbers in French?

    Learning numbers is one of the most natural starting points in any new language. Kids already count daily in English — so switching to French is simply layering a new sound and rhythm onto something familiar.

    Benefits of learning numbers in French:

    Daily usefulness: Children can count toys, steps, snacks.

    Confidence boost: Numbers feel simple and repetitive — easy wins for beginners.

    Pronunciation practice: French numbers help kids get used to nasal sounds (un) and blended sounds (deux, trois).

    Foundation for math: As kids grow, learning math vocabulary in French (addition, subtraction, skip counting) becomes easier.

    And of course — it’s fun! Numbers are woven into songs, games, and stories.

    🔢 Numbers 1–20 in French (with Pronunciation)

    Here’s a quick reference for parents and kids.

    1 — un (uh~ nasal)

    2 — deux (duh)

    3 — trois (trwah)

    4 — quatre (katr)

    5 — cinq (sank)

    6 — six (seess)

    7 — sept (set)

    8 — huit (weet)

    9 — neuf (nuhf)

    10 — dix (deess)

    11 — onze (onz)

    12 — douze (dooz)

    13 — treize (trehz)

    14 — quatorze (kah-tohrz)

    15 — quinze (kanz)

    16 — seize (sehz)

    17 — dix-sept (dees-set)

    18 — dix-huit (dees-weet)

    19 — dix-neuf (dees-nuhf)

    20 — vingt (vah~ nasal)

    💡 Tip for parents: Don’t stress about perfect pronunciation — repeat together, keep it playful, and kids will pick it up naturally.

    🎶 Songs & Rhymes for Counting

    French songs make numbers unforgettable. A few classics:

    Un, deux, trois, nous irons au bois – A traditional counting rhyme perfect for clapping or skipping.

    1, 2, 3, soleil! – The French version of “Red Light, Green Light” — great for active play.

    Numbers to Music – Try singing numbers to the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle” or “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”

    🎤 Parent tip: Even if you don’t sing, kids love rhythm. Clap, tap, or use instruments while you count.

    🎲 Fun Activities to Learn Numbers

    1. Number Treasure Hunt

    Hide cards with numbers around the room. Call out the number in French, and your child has to find it.

    2. Snack Counting Snack time = learning time!

    “Un, deux, trois raisins” or “dix biscuits.”

    3. Hopscotch

    Draw squares 1–10 in chalk and say the number in French as you jump.

    4. Dice & Board Games

    Switch to French whenever you roll dice or move game pieces.

    5. Card Games Use Uno or regular playing cards to practice numbers.

    6. Number Tracing

    Use the printable workbook so kids can see, trace, and color each number.

    🏡 Everyday Ways to Practice

    You don’t need “lesson time” — French numbers can slip into your day:

    Count steps on the stairs: Un, deux, trois…

    Count stuffed animals at bedtime.

    Count bites at lunch.

    Play “How many?” with toys: Combien de voitures?

    The more your child hears numbers in context, the faster they’ll stick.

    👨‍👩‍👧 Tips for Parents Who Aren’t Fluent

    Learn together: Say “let’s learn this word” — kids love being co-learners.

    Use cheat sheets: Keep a list of numbers handy.

    Practice little & often: 5 minutes is enough. Celebrate effort, not perfection: Even saying un, deux, trois is progress.

    📖 Free Printable Workbook: French Numbers 1–20

    To make this easy, I designed a free printable workbook with:

    Traceable numbers + French words Coloring pages (count & color) Matching activities

    🎁 Download here: Resource Library It’s perfect for ages 4–8, or anyone starting French from scratch. ✅

    Make Numbers Part of Life

    Numbers are one of the easiest — and most joyful — ways to start speaking French at home. By singing, playing, and counting together, you’ll give your child confidence and lay the foundation for bilingual growth.

    Remember: don’t aim for perfection. Aim for fun + repetition. That’s what makes French stick.

    💌 Want more? Subscribe to my newsletter and I’ll send you free printables, tips, and activities every week.

  • The Ultimate Guide to Teaching French Through Play (Even If You’re Not Fluent!)

    My Classroom Secret for French Success: Teaching French Through Play

    I grew up in an English-speaking household, even though both of my parents are French. They chose to speak English at home, but my brother and I attended an all-French elementary school. As we grew up, we learned French alongside English, and that experience showed me firsthand that it is possible for children from English-speaking families to become confident in French.

    If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a French teacher, it’s that kids don’t remember a vocabulary list because they studied it — they remember it because they lived it. When I first started teaching French, I quickly realized that worksheets alone weren’t going to cut it. Children needed to move, laugh, create, and use French in real-life, playful ways.

    And here’s the good news — you don’t need to be fluent, or even close to fluent, to start doing this at home. In this guide, I’ll share my favourite ways to teach French through play, the same methods I’ve used in my classroom and with my own students.

    Incorporating the concept of Teaching French Through Play can transform how kids interact with the language.

    1. Why Play Works for Language Learning

    Teaching French Through Play: The Importance of Fun in Learning

    Children learn naturally when they’re engaged — and play is the ultimate engagement tool. Here’s why it works so well:

    • Boosts memory retention – Movement, laughter, and hands-on activities help words “stick” better than passive learning.
    • Lowers stress – There’s no “test anxiety” during a game. Kids feel relaxed and confident.
    • Encourages repetition – Children naturally replay games, which means they repeat vocabulary without even realizing it.
    • Makes language feel real – Instead of translating words in their head, they see and hear French in action.

    Think about it: if your child is pretending to run a French bakery with you, they’ll use “bonjour,” “merci,” “pain,” and “gâteau” over and over — without you ever handing them a flashcard.

    2. Types of Play That Work Best for French

    There’s no single “best” type of play, but these categories tend to work well for language learning:

    🎭 Role Play

    Set up a pretend café, grocery store, or doctor’s office. Props make a huge difference — a toy cash register, menus, empty food boxes, or a stethoscope can turn French vocabulary into a lived experience.

    🏃‍♂️ Movement Games

    Games like “Jacques a dit” (Simon Says) keep kids active while they practice listening skills. You can adapt almost any playground game to include French commands.

    🎨 Creative Play

    Craft projects, puppet-making, and drawing activities are perfect for introducing colours, shapes, and action verbs in French.

    📚 Storytelling & Drama

    Act out short stories or fairy tales in French. You can narrate in English but sprinkle in French keywords and phrases for children to act out.

    3. Ten Play-Based French Activities to Try Today

    Here’s a mix of no-prep and low-prep activities you can start right away:

    1. Jacques a dit – Perfect for verbs like “sautez” (jump) and “tournez” (turn).
    2. French Bingo – Swap numbers for colours, animals, or objects.
    3. Treasure Hunt – Hide objects and give clues in French: “Cherche la pomme rouge.”
    4. Matching Cards – Use pictures and words. Flip them over for a memory game.
    5. Musical Chairs (French Edition) – Play music and shout French commands when it stops.
    6. Dress the Doll – Give instructions: “Mets le chapeau” or “Enlève les chaussures.”
    7. Cooking in French – Bake cookies and name each ingredient as you add it.
    8. Hopscotch with Numbers – Write French numbers in each square.
    9. Guess the Object – Hide an object and describe it in French until they guess.
    10. French Freeze Dance – Play music and shout out a French action when it stops.

    4. How to Sneak French Into Everyday Playtime

    You don’t need to set aside a “French class” — in fact, the best learning often happens spontaneously. Try these:

    • Playground French – Count steps on the slide, name playground equipment, or call out French challenges: “Monte l’échelle!” (Climb the ladder!)
    • Car Ride Games – Play “I Spy” in French.
    • Toy Talk – Name colours and actions while your child plays with their toys: “La voiture rouge va vite!” (The red car is going fast!)

    Even five minutes a day of playful French can make a difference over time.

    5. Tips for Parents Who Aren’t Fluent

    The number one thing I tell parents is: you do not need to know everything. Language learning is a journey you can take alongside your child.

    Keep a cheat sheet – Write down your top 20 target words for the week and use them often.

    Learn together – Say, “Let’s learn this word together” and look it up.

    Use audio support – Play French songs, YouTube pronunciation clips, or language apps while you play.

    6. Free & Low-Cost Resources

    You don’t have to buy an expensive program to get started:

    • Pinterest – Search for “French learning games” for endless inspiration.
    • YouTube – Look for French songs and kids’ shows.
    • Petit Papillon Learning – Check out my free printables for beginner-friendly activities.
    • Apps – Try Duolingo Kids, Gus on the Go, or Mondly Kids for short, daily practice.

    7. Start Small and Build Confidence

    Don’t overwhelm yourself or your child. Start with:

    • 1 new game per week
    • 5–10 target words in that game
    • A few minutes of repetition each day

    Little by little, those small steps build into big results — and you’ll be amazed when your child starts using French words naturally in daily life.

    Conclusion: Your French Playtime Challenge

    I challenge you to choose one idea from this guide and try it today. It doesn’t need to be perfect. The magic happens in the laughter, not in perfect pronunciation.

  • 🎲 How to Make French Fun: Games and Activities Kids Love

    Teaching French at home doesn’t have to be all worksheets and repetition—it can be playful, interactive, and joyful! In fact, the best way for kids to retain a new language is through meaningful experiences, especially when they’re having fun. That’s why I’ve gathered my favorite French games and activities that have worked wonders with my students and that your children will love too.

    Whether you’re homeschooling full-time, doing French enrichment after school, or just beginning your bilingual journey, these ideas will help you build a strong foundation—with laughter along the way.

    1. Simon dit (Simon Says – en français!)

    A classic with a French twist! This is one of the first games I introduce in class because it teaches listening comprehension, action verbs, and body parts.

    How to play:

    One person is the leader and gives commands starting with “Simon dit…” (“Simon says…”), like:

    • “Simon dit touche ta tête.” (Simon says touch your head.)
    • “Simon dit saute!” (Simon says jump!)

    If the leader doesn’t say “Simon dit” and someone still follows the command, they’re out!

    👉 Vocabulary you can introduce:

    • la tête (head)
    • les épaules (shoulders)
    • les genoux (knees)
    • les pieds (feet)
    • saute (jump), tourne (turn), marche (walk), danse (dance)

    2. Bingo en français

    Kids love Bingo, and it’s easy to tailor for any French theme: colors, numbers, animals, clothing, etc.

    How to use it:

    Make or print Bingo cards with French vocabulary pictures and words. As the parent, say the word aloud, and kids have to find it on their board.

    💡 Bonus: Ask your child to repeat the word after they find it, building pronunciation skills.

    3. French Scavenger Hunt

    This game gets kids moving and learning at the same time.

    How to do it:

    • Write a list of items around the house in French (or use pictures).
    • Have your child find each item and say its name aloud in French.

    🕵️‍♀️ Example list:

    • une chaussure (a shoe)
    • un livre (a book)
    • une cuillère (a spoon)
    • un crayon (a pencil)

    You can also theme it: “Find things that are rouge (red)” or “Find 3 items that start with B in French!”

    4. Memory Card Game (Jeu de mémoire)

    Make flashcards with images and their French names—two cards for each word—and lay them face down.

    Kids take turns flipping two cards at a time to try to find a match. When they do, they say the French word aloud.

    This works well with:

    • Animals (le chat, le chien, le lapin)
    • Food (la pomme, le pain, le fromage)
    • Emotions (heureux, triste, fâché)

    5. Charades – Mime en français

    Kids act out a word or phrase silently while the others guess what it is—in French!

    📚 Categories to try:

    • French verbs: courir (run), dormir (sleep), lire (read)
    • Animals: un lion, un éléphant, un poisson
    • Everyday routines: se brosser les dents (brush your teeth), manger (eat)

    This encourages vocabulary retention and builds speaking confidence.

    6. Roll and Speak (Jeu de dés)

    All you need is a die (or two!). Assign each number a question or topic.

    🎲 Example with one die:
    1 – Dis ton nom (Say your name)
    2 – Dis ton âge (Say your age)
    3 – Dis une couleur (Say a color)
    4 – Dis un animal (Say an animal)
    5 – Dis un fruit (Say a fruit)
    6 – Chante une chanson (Sing a song)

    This can be used over and over with different themes, and kids love rolling dice!

    7. Online French Learning Games

    If you’re open to screen time, there are some great websites that make French fun:

    • Lalilo (phonics-based reading in French)
    • Duolingo Kids
    • BBC Bitesize French (for UK users but excellent content)

    Just remember—short bursts of engaging use are best for younger children. Pair these with hands-on games for balance.

    8. Coloring + Vocabulary

    Print French-themed coloring pages (many are free online) with labels in French. As they color, you can talk about:

    • les couleurs (colors)
    • les objets (items)
    • les animaux (animals)

    Example: While coloring a “le chien” page, ask “De quelle couleur est le chien?” (What color is the dog?) and encourage a simple answer: “Le chien est brun.”

    9. Song + Dance Time!

    French songs are magical for memorizing language. Kids pick up new words quickly when they sing and move.

    🎵 Try:

    • “Tête, épaules, genoux, pieds” (Head, Shoulders, Knees, Toes)
    • “Alouette, gentille alouette”
    • “Frère Jacques”
    • “Les couleurs” (search for color songs on YouTube)

    💃 Add hand motions or even a mini dance party!

    10. Create a French Puppet Show

    This one works especially well with siblings or friends.

    Help your child create sock puppets or paper stick puppets and let them put on a show using simple French phrases:

    • Bonjour, comment ça va?
    • Je suis un chien!
    • J’aime les bananes!

    They’ll learn expressive communication, sentence structure, and new vocabulary—all while having a blast.

    Final Tips to Make French Stick Through Play:

    ✅ Keep sessions short (10–15 minutes at first).
    ✅ Repeat games often to reinforce vocabulary.
    ✅ Always model enthusiasm—even if your own French isn’t perfect!
    ✅ Celebrate effort over accuracy.
    ✅ Play along with your child—your involvement is the magic.

    Ready to Try?

    You don’t need to be fluent to make French fun. These games are adaptable, low-prep, and high-impact—designed to make language a natural part of your child’s world.

    🦋 Psst… don’t miss out!
    If you loved this activity, you’ll love what’s inside my Free Resource Library — packed with French printables, beginner lessons, and simple tips for busy parents.
    👉 Subscribe here to get access today!

  • 10 Must-Have Resources for Teaching French at Home

    Starting to teach French at home can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re not fluent yourself. But with the right tools, it becomes fun, interactive, and achievable. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent or simply supplementing school learning, these ten resources will support your child’s French language journey and make your job easier.

    🧰 1. Petit Papillon Learning Free French Starter Pack

    A perfect place to begin! Our downloadable pack includes colour words, simple activities, and printable pages designed for ages 4–7.

    📚 2. Duolingo for Kids

    This free app makes French fun with bite-sized lessons and gamified progress. Perfect for daily 5–10 minute practice.

    🎵 3. YouTube Songs and Stories

    Look for simple French songs like “Tête, épaules, genoux, pieds” or channels like Comptines et chansons to build vocabulary with music and repetition.

    📘 4. French Picture Books

    Reading aloud builds comprehension and confidence. Start with bilingual books like “Petit Poisson Blanc” or “Où est mon lion?”

    🎨 5. Printable Worksheets

    Use themed printables (like colours, weather, animals) for practice through matching, colouring, and tracing.
    Stay tuned—our full French workbook is coming soon!

    🖍 6. Flashcards

    Simple paper flashcards (homemade or printed) work wonders. Try starting with themes like colours, days of the week, or food.

    🧑‍🏫 8. Online Tutors or Conversation Helpers

    Websites like Preply or iTalki allow you to book short French conversation sessions—even for kids!

    ✏️ 9. Label Your House

    Place sticky notes on common items in French (e.g., la porte for the door). It helps reinforce vocabulary in daily life.

    📅 10. Create a Weekly French Routine

    Set one or two days a week as “French Days” with songs, printables, and French-only games. Structure builds success!

    French doesn’t have to be intimidating—especially with the right resources in your toolkit. Explore these ideas at your own pace, and don’t forget to grab our free starter pack to make learning fun from day one!

    💌 Want more French fun for your kids?
    Join my free Resource Library and get instant access to worksheets, activities, and printables to make French learning joyful at home.
    👉 Click here to unlock your free library!

  • ☀️ 10 French Words for Summer + Fun Activities to Try at Home!

    Summer is the perfect time to soak up the sun et le français (and French)! Whether you’re at the beach, in the backyard, or exploring nature, there are so many fun ways to learn seasonal vocabulary with your kids.

    Here are 10 easy French words for summer and activity ideas to bring them to life!

    🌻 French Summer Vocabulary for Kids

    FrançaisEnglish
    l’étésummer
    le soleilsun
    la plagebeach
    l’eauwater
    chaudhot
    les lunettes de soleilsunglasses
    la crème solairesunscreen
    le sablesand
    la glaceice cream
    un seaua bucket

    🎨 Activity: Create a “French Summer Collage”

    Materials:

    • Magazines or printed images
    • Glue, scissors, paper
    • Markers or crayons

    Instructions:

    1. Say a French summer word (e.g. le sable) and have your child find or draw a matching image.
    2. Paste the image on a large sheet of paper.
    3. Write the French word next to each image.
    4. Display the collage in your kitchen or learning area!

    ✅ This activity builds vocabulary, word-picture association, and creativity.

    🍦 Bonus: Summer Phrase Practice

    Practice using these words in simple phrases:

    • J’aime l’été. — I love summer.
    • Le soleil est chaud. — The sun is hot.
    • Je veux une glace, s’il te plaît ! — I want an ice cream, please!

    🏖 Final Thoughts

    Language learning doesn’t need to stop in summer — in fact, it’s the perfect time to make it fun, relaxed, and creative. Start with just one word a day and enjoy learning alongside your kids.

    🦋 Psst… don’t miss out!
    If you loved this activity, you’ll love what’s inside my Free Resource Library — packed with French printables, beginner lessons, and simple tips for busy parents.
    👉 Subscribe here to get access today!

  • 🍰 Cuisiner en français : Découvrons la pâtisserie !

    La pâtisserie, c’est bien plus que des gâteaux sucrés. C’est un art, une science, et surtout, un plaisir à partager en famille ! Aujourd’hui, on explore le vocabulaire de la pâtisserie en français et on vous propose une activité simple à faire avec les enfants.

    🥄 Vocabulaire de base

    Voici quelques mots utiles pour parler de la pâtisserie en français :

    FrançaisAnglais
    la farineflour
    le sucresugar
    les œufseggs
    le beurrebutter
    le laitmilk
    la levurebaking powder
    une cuillèrea spoon
    un bola bowl
    un fouran oven
    une recettea recipe

    🧁 Activité : Faisons un gâteau au yaourt !

    Ingrédients :

    • 1 pot de yaourt nature
    • 2 pots de sucre
    • 3 pots de farine
    • ½ pot d’huile
    • 3 œufs
    • 1 sachet de levure
    • 1 cuillère à café de vanille

    Étapes (en français) :

    1. Préchauffe le four à 180°C.
    2. Dans un bol, mélange le yaourt et le sucre.
    3. Ajoute les œufs et mélange bien.
    4. Verse la farine et la levure, puis mélange encore.
    5. Ajoute l’huile et la vanille.
    6. Verse la pâte dans un moule.
    7. Fais cuire pendant 30 minutes.

    C’est une excellente recette pour apprendre à suivre des instructions simples en français !

    🗣️ Expressions utiles

    • “Mélange bien.” – Mix well.
    • “Verse la pâte.” – Pour the batter.
    • “Fais cuire pendant 30 minutes.” – Bake for 30 minutes.

    Pourquoi cuisiner en français ?

    La cuisine est un moyen amusant et pratique d’apprendre une langue. On apprend du vocabulaire, on suit des instructions, et on partage un moment doux ensemble.

    🦋 Psst… don’t miss out!
    If you loved this activity, you’ll love what’s inside my Free Resource Library — packed with French printables, beginner lessons, and simple tips for busy parents.
    👉 Subscribe here to get access today!