Tips for Teaching French to Neurodivergent Children
Over the years, there have been several parents of neurodivergent children who have come to 123 Petits Pas looking for support and advice regarding their child’s French learning. It has come to my attention that resources and support can be hard to come by on this topic and so it’s been a longterm goal of mine to create a blog post that could support both parents and educators with regards to “How to Support Neurodivergent Children in the French Learning Space”.
Neurodivergent individuals (encompassing a variety of cognitive profiles) often have unique learning needs. In Canada, where 1 in 66 children are neurodivergent, French immersion programs present unique opportunities and challenges. Here are some inclusive strategies to facilitate French language learning for neurodivergent learners:
Use visual aids:
Visual aids are a MUST for neurodivergent kids. From flashcards to charts and videos, visual aids can make the language more interesting and memorable. Plus, kids with exceptionalities often respond well to visual aids, which can help them better understand and retain new vocabulary and grammar. CLICK HERE to download a free communication board to support your child/students.
Repetition is key:
Repetition is crucial. It also helps to solidify new information and build muscle memory. You can repeat new words, phrases, and grammar through songs, games, and interactive activities. The more fun you make it, the better!
Hands-on learning:
Neurodivergent children often respond well to hands-on learning activities, like arts and crafts projects, role-playing, and dramatizations. Incorporating these activities into French lessons can make the language more engaging and memorable.
Use social stories:
Social stories are simple, illustrated narratives that help kids understand social situations, emotions, and behaviours. You can use social stories to help your neurodivergent child understand the context in which French is spoken and why it’s important to learn the language (“How to Make Un Ami,” co-authored by myself and my mother, is an example of a social story that can help explain the WHY behind language learning). These stories make learning French enjoyable and highlight the practical benefits of being fluent, such as being able to communicate with more people. Incorporating social stories into the curriculum can support neurodivergent learners in their French language journey and deepen their understanding of its relevance.
Stick to a structured routine:
Consistent routines offer neurodivergent learners a sense of stability and security. Create structured French learning environments with clear expectations, predictable transitions, and review them with your students regularly to promote confidence and comfort in language acquisition.
Make accommodations:
Finally, Adaptations and accommodations are crucial to support the diverse needs of neurodivergent learners. Provide additional guidance, break lessons into manageable segments, and utilize assistive technologies such as speech-to-text software to facilitate French language learning.
Get to know the child and their learning preferences.
Every child is different and what works for one may not work for the other, but with time and effort, neurodivergent children can thrive in a language learning environment. We just have to make sure that the systems in place work for them. If they are struggling, something needs changing – and it’s not the child; it’s the supports and the environment that need to accommodate.
Psst! Do you know what the great news is?
These “accommodations”: visuals, hands-on activities, structured routines, etc. are things that can help EVERY child in your classroom! Making this accommodations to support the neurodivergent learners, will help every child in the classroom as well. 🙂
Check out some of these books & resources for kids and parents:
Madame Amy
Founder of 123 Petits Pas Inc., Certified French educator, and mother of 2 bilingual boys