Theories of Reading

The following discussion will tell you why you need to be familiar with the language, and learn the sounds of the language, before you attempt to memorize and learn long lists of vocabulary. My stories are written so that comprehension (in text) is attained, but the French sounds are also experienced. As far as comprehending the individual French words in isolation at the start of this curriculum, please do not make this a personal goal. You will set yourself and your children up for unnecessary frustration. Instead, let the children enjoy learning the language naturally. Please use the Checklist that is appropriate for the age of your child!

This does not mean that this curriculum is in any way a whole language program. Young children need to hear the French sounds before they are ready to learn French words. Older children can experience the sounds in the vocabulary as they gently start learning the words. Please note that even the Independent Learner will be past the 1st quarter before they get remotely close to a foreign sounding phonogram. In this way, they are learning the French phonograms that are closest to the English first while still experiencing the language. After a certain amount of exposure, they are ready to learn phonogram 20, which is the first phonogram that has a low frequency English sound. They are not memorizing or learning how to spell for testing purposes until Level II. Children need this time to internalize the French sounds while laying the important foundations of the language. Although this may seem like they are not learning any words, the end result will mean being able to learn the language more easily and more quickly. The key is laying a good foundation.

Please read on...

note: this is part 2 of 7. Have you read part 1?

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