Learning a new language is exciting — and with the right activities, it can be just as fun outside of lesson time! If your child is taking French lessons online, here are five simple and playful ways to boost their skills at home.
Learning French at Home Can Be Fun!
When children are learning a new language, practice is key — but practice doesn’t have to feel like homework.
In fact, the more enjoyable and interactive it is, the faster kids learn. The brain loves variety and creativity, and for young learners, language sticks best when it’s connected to play, music, movement, and real-life experiences.
If your child is taking French lessons online, you have a wonderful opportunity to bring that learning into daily life. These five activities are simple to set up, don’t require expensive materials, and can make a big difference in your child’s confidence and fluency.
1. Play French Word Games
Children learn naturally through games, and language learning is no different. Here are a few easy ones to try:
- I Spy in French (Je vois avec mes petits yeux)
Instead of “I spy with my little eye something blue,” say “Je vois quelque chose de bleu.” Let your child guess and encourage them to respond in French. - French Flashcard Challenge
Make or print flashcards with pictures and words in French. Time your child to see how many they can get right in 60 seconds. - Simon Says (Jacques a dit)
A fun way to practice action verbs and parts of the body.
Why it works: Games turn repetition into a challenge, which boosts motivation.
2. Listen to French Songs Together
Music is a powerful language-learning tool because it improves pronunciation, rhythm, and memory. The melody helps children remember words and expressions without even trying.
You can:
- Create a playlist of French children’s songs on Spotify or YouTube.
- Learn a new song each week and sing it together at bedtime or during car rides.
- Add actions or a dance routine to make it more memorable.
Some popular classics: Alouette, Frère Jacques, and Sur le pont d’Avignon.
Why it works: Songs help kids absorb new vocabulary effortlessly and make language practice part of your family’s routine.
3. Watch Cartoons in French
Visual storytelling makes it easier for children to understand the meaning of words from context. Many streaming platforms let you switch audio tracks to French — even for shows they already know in English.
Ideas:
- Watch 10 minutes in French, then discuss what happened in English.
- Choose a French cartoon like T’choupi, Petit Ours Brun, or Les Aventures de Tintin.
- Repeat episodes so they get familiar with the vocabulary.
Why it works: Familiar characters and stories create a safe, fun environment for hearing and using French.
4. Label Objects Around the House
Turn your home into a living French dictionary by putting sticky notes on everyday items.
Examples:
- La porte (door)
- La chaise (chair)
- La fenêtre (window)
Encourage your child to use the French word whenever they interact with the item. You can also have “French-only” zones where everyone in the family tries to speak in French.
Why it works: This reinforces vocabulary through visual cues and real-life usage.
5. Cook a French Recipe Together
Cooking offers a wonderful hands-on learning opportunity. It involves measuring, following instructions, and talking about food — all in French!
You could:
- Make crêpes and learn words like farine (flour), sucre (sugar), lait (milk).
- Bake madeleines or pain au chocolat.
- Have your child read the recipe out loud in French.
Why it works: Cooking engages multiple senses, which strengthens memory and builds cultural connection.
Bringing It All Together
These small but consistent activities can have a huge impact on your child’s learning. They build confidence, improve pronunciation, and make French a natural part of your family’s daily life.
At Learn French at Home, since 2004, we create fun, interactive lessons for kids with experienced, friendly teachers who know how to make learning feel like play.
Our goal is not just to teach French, but to help your child love it.